Mary Rosenblum

Hello, all! Welcome to our regular Professional Connection live interview.

Tonight we'll be visiting with Janet Wellington, Romance writer.

Janet's latest two novels are paranormal romances. FOREVER ROSE was a 2000 Prism finalist in the time travel category and her new novel, DREAMQUEST, is an "alternate reality" love story that features a Kumeyaay Indian hero and a contemporary ethno-botanist heroine. DREAMQUEST is available now. Visit her website for a look at her new book at: Janet's Website

Janet, welcome! I'm so pleased to have you back for another visit!

Janet Wellington

It's great to be back -- I had such fun last time!

Mary Rosenblum

You were a wonderful guest and you had some great pointers to share on Romance and breaking into the market.

Janet Wellington

Well, I hope to give you all good info on sf and fantasy romance this time!

Mary Rosenblum

These new subgenres are HOT! Why don't you tell us how you got started writing Romance?

Janet Wellington

Okay...when I decided to try actually writing a book

I spent some time researching the market (3 years, in fact!)

and found that the romance industry is ALWAYS looking for new writers

so I started studying the structure of a romance novel

and fell in love with the genre!

Mary Rosenblum

It's a genre that tempts me! I may ask your guidance one of these days. :-) When did your first book come out?

Janet Wellington

I started writing seriously in 1995 and sold in 3 years

and my first book came out in 1998, followed by a second one

in 1999. Then I shifted gears and sold a time travel, which came out

in 2000. Then a bit of a dry spell...and my current time travel is out now!

Mary Rosenblum

Recently, too. I love your cover! :-)

Janet Wellington

Thanks! I'm getting lots of nice comments about the hero.

I love the colors and the "white bird" which features in the story!

and, no, the guy isn't really naked...though it would have been a nice touch, huh?

Mary Rosenblum

I'm chuckling! I'm curious. Do the editors work harder to correlate covers with stories than some of the other genres do?

Do they ask for your input, for example?

Janet Wellington

I've had super covers -- I'm lucky, I think...but, I haven't really been asked

for input; though for my first two contemporary romances, I

automatically supplied them with suggestions for the cover scene

along with my final galley proofs...I figured it couldn't hurt!

My first time travel cover was designed by the editor -- I loved it --

and the current one? I had no input, but was happy with it.

As authors get more popular (and famous), I think they get some say.

I've read how authors get to meet the cover models and things like that.

roe

Janet, thanks for the great interview last time. Since then I've started writing romance and I love it. I didn't think I would, but I tried it So thanks for all the great advice and help.

Janet Wellington

Roe: wow! I'd love to hear more about what you're doing (maybe email me).

I didn't think I'd like romance at first either...but I quickly found some authors

that I liked -- and, I especially liked making my romances just a little bit different.

sailor

In romance, you know the heroine ends up with the guy, so what's the best way to make it interesting? Strong characters? A mystery subplot? Great setting?

Janet Wellington

Sailor: all good questions...characterization, I think, is the most important.

So learning how to create characters the reader cares about

is THE most important thing -- let me take a couple minutes here to explain.

When you create a character, they have to be believable.

They can't be stereotypes--they need to be 3-dimensional

and one way to do this is to find a process that works for you

where you sort of interview the character -- ask them about their pasts.

Here's an example from my second romance...I was actually free-writing

about my character's past -- I knew she was from a wealthy family.

She had a smarter, older brother; went to a private school

and had to wear a prim uniform...but, when I imagined her bedroom at home

(high school aged) I imagined her with Cosmopolitan magazines hidden

under her mattress! I had no idea of this...it sort of just came out while I was

doing the characterization! It's fun; time consuming, but really worth it!

gskearney

I know most romance writers are listed as female, but I've heard that many of them are actually men. Comments?

Janet Wellington

There are a few men--usually they take a female name or use something

androgynous. I can't say I've read their work...although a friend is writing

with her husband -- he's doing the bulk of the work and she's checking

to make sure the female "voice" is right -- and his stuff is awesome! He

has a manuscript in and under consideration at Harlequin.  Cross your fingers

because his stories are wonderful (I have read them!) Watch for Terry Watkins:

guy romance author of the future!

Mary Rosenblum

Cool! We had a husband and wife team as guests some time back, and they did some Romance as a team.

Janet Wellington

I'll keep you posted, because they'd be a hoot to have on line together!

Mary Rosenblum

Do that!

roe

Is romance with older characters saleable? I mean most of the ones I've read were about younger heroines. I'm working on a couple in their mid 50s.

Janet Wellington

Yay! great question and one that we writers...as we get older...want readers

to ask! AND, drum roll....Harlequin Enterprises is coming out with a new

line called Prime Time that features heroines 35 and older!

I'd love to hear a little about your story via email.

Mary Rosenblum

I think we have a couple of people here who are interested in older heroines.

May they email you from your website?

Janet Wellington

Great! Yes--my email is there or use mail@janetwellington.com

Mary Rosenblum

I'll include the link and the link to your website in the transcript, Janet. That's very kind of you!

Janet Wellington

Sure -- I can't promise a lot but I'll sure listen to basic story lines and

give you some feedback and put you on the right path

if you are targeting Harlequin.

tkat_2

Harlequin Romances were forbidden in my household. :( Have they changed  the genre of Romance writing?

Mary Rosenblum

Strict parents!!

Janet Wellington

I'm wondering how long ago that was...probably a while, huh?

What I like to say is that romances have changed as people have changed.

Today's romances reflect today's problems and situations.

I really think the older romances had a whole different set of rules

and ones I knew wouldn't suit me, so I'm glad they're different now.

Mary Rosenblum

And there are a wide range of types, aren't there, Janet? Even in the Harlequin universe?

Janet Wellington

There are so many different styles out there

In the Harlequin world.

You have everything from Christian romances to "sweet" (no sex) romances to

intrigue to time travel to romantic suspense to family-issues.

It goes on and on...and because they print the most and buy the most...

we do tend to target them -- though I write my "different" stuff

for Dorchester, I'd still like to write Special Editions for Harlequin-Silhouette.

elainemargarett

When a story doesn't fit an existing genre, how do you pitch it?

Janet Wellington

Good question. Boy, it's almost a game of matchmaking.

I do constant research to figure out which editors like to

read things that are a bit different; and who are buying things

that are different--there certainly are editors out there who

will look at things that don't quite fit.  The secret, I suppose

is to be ahead of a trend....like vampires, for example.

Who knew? So, it takes a lot of work to find them, first of all,

and then you really have to pitch the conflict...as you do with any

romance. You have to take two people and show how the

romance could never possibly happen, but you--the writer--spin

a story that DOES bring them together--sometimes it's like a miracle.

Long answer--but, you pitch it the same...the secret is getting

it to the right person.

Mary Rosenblum

How do you do that research, Janet? How do you find out what an editor likes or is willing to read?

Janet Wellington

I listen a lot when other authors are talking

at conferences, for example--and at some writing conferences

there are editor and agent panels -- they always say what they like

and what they're looking for! AND, here's a tip: if you can't go to a

writing conference, find out if they sell tapes of the workshops

afterward -- I did that before my first national Romance Writers

of America conference -- I bought tapes of all the panels!

Also, there are places online where you can "listen" in

on loops...and there's a free online newsletter

called Publisher's Lunch that’s full of Information    Publisher's Lunch    I'm keeping a notebook on the latest sales

and story lines -- I'm getting a list of editors and agents that like "different"

kinds of stories. I’m  really interested in knowing what's selling RIGHT NOW...as

opposed to what's on the shelf --which is what sold 1-2 years ago!

It's a great place to spot trends as they are happening.

Mary Rosenblum

That is something I can't stress too highly...that the bookshelf is not a good overview of what is selling NOW.

info

Is it any different to write SF/fantasy romance than other types?

Janet Wellington

I just took a deep breath...because it gets a little complicated

when you try to blend romance and fantasy (I'm going to deal with that

first, okay?). You have to first decide if you are going to

stress the fantasy or the romance -- it's your story, so you need to

make that decision. If you are stressing the fantasy, then the romance

can't be the thing to hold the plot together --does that make sense?

For example, Harlequin- Silhouette has created a new imprint--not a line--but

a separate company for Fantasy...called LUNA.   Luna  They are very

particular about the ms. NOT having too much romance

and the story has to follow the normal "rules" of fantasy -- and the romance

doesn't even have to be there at all! So, in LUNA, the world-building

is the most important part, plus having a strong female lead character.

Now, TOR is looking for "paranormal and fantasy romance" and they

would like to see some romance, but not too much! Yikes, that even

sounds complicated to me! Let me say this: a romance is a romance

is a romance. In sf or fantasy, you would want to read what they

are publishing and analyze it for how much romance there is.

Mary Rosenblum

Tor has had tremendous success with Jacqueline Carey's books and wants something similar. They are REALLY hungry, but I would read her books for a taste of what they want.

Janet Wellington

Exactly! It's so important to read what they are publishing

and go to the publisher's websites for specific writers guidelines.

They are pretty clear on what they want AND they all are looking

for new material.

gskearney

I'm currently working on an SF short that does have a strong romantic element. I tend to be upbeat in my writing and that doesn't seem popular in most other genres. Is it OK in romance?

Janet Wellington

Hmmm...I think upbeat is just fine, especially in romance.

How short?

gskearney

Guessing 10,000 words or so.

Janet Wellington

Oh....I'm no expert on the short story market....but, I am a believer

in writing what you like to read -- and if your writer's "voice" is upbeat.

then, so be it! If the tone fits the story and characters, it should be fine.

Mary Rosenblum

Gary, you might try Sheila Williams the new editor of Asimov's. I know her well, and although I don't know what she will be buying, she DOES have a strong romantic streak! :-)

rupbert

Hi Janet. Did you have an agent to help you?

Janet Wellington

Hi, rupbert! I sold my first 2 books on my own

and, actually, the time travel as well.

But, when I got the call about the time travel, FOREVER ROSE,

I found an agent to do the deal...she also did the deal for

DREAMQUEST, but we have parted ways since then, so I'm

looking again -- that's why I'm making my agent list from Publisher’s Lunch.

We parted on friendly terms, by the way -- but, she never

really LOVED my stuff....and an agent should -- she can sell

better and more if she is behind the author's work. So

we both decided to part ways.

Mary Rosenblum

That, by the way, is a big truth...that the agent needs to love your work. My agent has turned down writers with contract in hand because she didn't care for their work.

Janet Wellington

Amazing, huh?

I had that experience...I had the contract with Berkley

and there were agents who wouldn't even take my call.

I had no idea...so, finding an agent is important...but more

important is finding the right agent...I have a friend who says

having a bad agent is worse than having no agent.

 I also think that in today's market, we all need an agent

more than ever before -- publishers are more picky and there

is more competition out there! (I believe there's room for all

of us, but it does create a situation of slow decision-making

and publishers are also reprinting mss. instead of only buying new mss.)

sailor

Harlequin supposedly has fairly fixed contracts so an agent can't do much for you. If you write a romance that doesn't fit what's out there, is getting an agent a necessity to sell your book?

Janet Wellington

Harlequin-Silhouette does have what is called a "boilerplate" contract

but an agent can be so helpful for details

like getting your check in a timely fashion, and

maybe negotiating more free author copies of your book.

I agree that it doesn't seem like you need an agent for Harlequin- Silhouette

and I have plenty of friends who go it alone...until they

want to do something a little different -- maybe they have a story

that is great for a different line, for example.  An agent can help

pave the way...an agent is a business partner, but it does depend

on your vision as the writer! NOW,

if you're writing something "that doesn't fit" -- then I think an agent

will make a huge difference for you -- when you find someone

who falls in love with the story you want to tell,

they are automatically better able to match it up to the right editor.

That's the secret -- they don't just put your ms. out there for

everyone --they select one or two editors they think will see

something special in you and your story!

Mary Rosenblum

According to my agent, you can't change a lot in a Harlequin- Silhouette contract, but she does ride herd on things like copies and checks for her Harlequin- Silhouette writers.

Janet Wellington

Right

ducky

I'm confused-how is an agent paid? By percentage?

Janet Wellington

An agent typically makes 15% of whatever the author makes.

The publisher

sends the check to the agent, where he or she takes out

their 15%, and writes a new check to the author. My agent

was fabulous about this -- and I got copies of ALL checks and

correspondence from the publisher. She was awesome about

all those details. AND, one more thing—the agent will

protect your interests...there are some really confusing

parts of the contract -- all those foreign and movie rights, etc. --

and the agent will be looking out for you.

Mary Rosenblum

The Association of Authors Representatives, the professional association of agents, has a GREAT webpage with a

complete education on how to find and agent, what questions to ask him/her

how to spot a scam, and what to expect. Go there! AAR Website

Janet Wellington

Mary: do you know

the editors and predators site?

Mary Rosenblum

Yes, I have several of those 'beware' sites posted on the LR Website in New Markets Listings...

Janet Wellington

Good.

Mary Rosenblum

including Editors and Predators and the SFFWA Writers Beware.  Predators and Editors

Janet Wellington

You have to be really, really careful....but

the most important thing you need to concentrate on

is writing the best possible story you can. You'll need

a complete manuscript in order to interest an agent.

info

What is a 'boilerplate' contract?

Janet Wellington

Boilerplate is an old phrase that means the contract is the same

for everyone....but, an agent will negotiate a "boilerplate" contract

for her agency! So, it's confusing...again, the agent can sometimes

get little things changed for the good of the author.

Mary Rosenblum

A boilerplate contract is the one that gives the publisher your movie rights, your foreign rights, and your first born child!

Janet Wellington

I'm laughing!

Mary Rosenblum

You should SEE what my agent changes in a Putnam or Random House contract! Sheesh.

Janet Wellington

The contract is ALWAYS for the good of the publisher...so, I

want someone on my team to watch out for me -- here's an example.

Usually, with every contract, the publisher wants to have

the right to look at an "option book" --which is simply your next

manuscript, right? In the first version of one of my contracts, the option clause

said "my next work" -- but, that would mean any type of writing!

That's not good for the author--so, it was changed to read a specific

type of romance. This is important for someone like me who

will probably want to work for more than one publisher. It doesn't

Janet Wellington

keep me from sending things to other publishers.

Mary Rosenblum

For me, too, who works in more than one genre!

roe

Is it better to get an agent first or sale first?

Janet Wellington

It's hard...complete at least one ms. -- make it shine, and

then I would send it out to both editors and agents.

If an agent gets interested, you simply tell him or her

you've submitted it and where -- the agent can then jump on

board and (if you've agreed to work together) start bugging

the editor about your story! And, remember, it's hard to get

an agent until you've had some success -- I say, do both at once.

Mary Rosenblum

I agree. If the publisher accepts unagented work, send it off and query agents, too.

Janet Wellington

Don't be afraid to send it lots of places (as long as it fits

the guidelines) -- you need feedback; also, legitimate, reputable

contests can be helpful -- many will offer the "prize" of the winning

manuscript. being read by agents and editors!

Mary Rosenblum

But a warning here. Do google any contest that offers publication before you sign anything.

Janet Wellington

Yes.

Mary Rosenblum

If there is a problem, the search engine will turn it up.

Janet Wellington

Try to

find contests through reputable sites -- in romance

there are tons of contests that are

put on by the various chapters of Romance Writers of America

and they are safe -- so, relying on organizations is usually okay.

Be wary of contests that talk about

the magazine or book that will have all the winners' work in it.

I didn't enter very many contests, but I do know unpublished

writers in RWA who have eventually sold their winning manuscripts.

Mary Rosenblum

Speaking of Romance Writers of America -- RWA-- is this something an unpublished new writer can join? And is it worth the hundred plus dollars it costs in dues?

Janet Wellington

Yes!

Anyone can join -- RWA homepage -- is their site.

I am published BECAUSE of this organization! I learned so much

by attending monthly meetings and by going to the national conferences

each year. If you can afford it, and you are targeting romance, I would

encourage you to check it out -- the monthly magazine provides

articles on writing and authors--and also publishes market updates and

agent updates a couple times a year! It's an awesome group --.

and romance writers are very sharing...very unusual to find an organization

who trains its competition!

Mary Rosenblum

No kidding!

lobo

Am I obligated to sell all my work through my agent?

Janet Wellington

Oh, no.

You have other choices -- some writers will simply learn how to read

their contracts -- there are books available that will help you!

And, there are writers who will hire a literary attorney instead

so they are protected, but they pay a flat fee instead of the ongoing 15%

that an agent will collect. Some authors don't believe in using an

agent, and they are doing just fine! It's really a matter of choice.

Mary Rosenblum

But if you DO sign with an agent, then yes, you WILL have to let that agent handle all your book length work...not your short work...unless you make specific agreements otherwise.

Janet Wellington

Right.

Mary Rosenblum

That is why you want the right agent for your work.

Janet Wellington

Or

choose an agent only for romance fiction, for example.

I think having someone handle everything makes sense.

Though

because I want to write children's books...that's an

example of needing another agent, most likely!

shayon-joseph

So Agents don't handle short work even if you're represented by them?

Janet Wellington

Hmmm... Mary? Not my expertise.

Mary Rosenblum

No, not generally.

Not enough money and you can send your work out just as well. Many publishers won't take unagented book length work, but no short market that I know requires an agent for submission.

Janet Wellington

Another advantage

to being part of writers organizations (like RWA) is

that some publishers WILL take submissions unagented

because they know (well, they assume) the writer is educating

herself and will submit a ms. in the proper format, etc.

Some

listings will specify "okay to submit if member of RWA".

Mary Rosenblum

Personally, I belong to two writers’ organizations and feel that if you want to write romance, join RWA. It is worth it.

roe

I belong to RWA, but haven't attended a monthly meeting in my area. I'm glad to hear you recommend it, I'll make a point of it. and the magazine is good

Janet Wellington

Roe: yay! All chapters are different--some are quite small and focus

on reading each other's works (critique groups), while others

 bring in a speaker to give workshops -- I have spoken at chapter

meetings on things like pitching, plotting, and characterizations.

There are

online chapters, too! And special interest chapters.

There's one I belong to that is for writers of fantasy and paranormals.

Mary Rosenblum

It is the strongest, largest, and in my opinion, most effective of the writers organizations.

Partly because it is open to unpublished members.

Janet Wellington

Yes.

It’s a nurturing environment...and mentoring is encouraged.

forest elf

What other organization do you belong to Mary?

Mary Rosenblum

Me? Mystery Writers of America and SF Writers of America.

roe

Are the online chapters listed on their website?

Janet Wellington

I think so.

ptomainebrain

I think having the right agent is very important. Then again, Ian Fleming had a... ready?... secret agent. (sorry Janet, I'm the resident bad humor guy).

Mary Rosenblum

I had to put this in. LOL

Janet Wellington

Hah!

roe

Did you write short stories first or just jump in on the novel? Would you recommend writing shorts and getting them published first?

Janet Wellington

Roe: boy, I just jumped right in...and wrote a novel.

I had written short stories a long time ago, but never

even tried to get anything published. If you can get something

published, it WILL help, though! I hesitate to say

you should do something short first...if you study story structure

and you have enough story for a book, I say: go for it. I personally

think writing short is DIFFICULT! It's hard to get

things across in a limited amount of words...I always

admire those who can do it (Ray Bradbury comes to mind).

Mary Rosenblum

Ha, I'll swap you. You teach me to write a strong romance plot and I'll teach you to write short stories. :-)

I have over 60 published to date.

Janet Wellington

Mary: anytime! I need to write shorter

sometimes...I'm known for my long post cards (I end up

writing very tiny).

Mary Rosenblum

Ha, it's a deal. We'll talk. :-)

Back to writing different.

I've had a suggestion for a different type of story waiting patiently here.

ducky

What if you combine paranormal with older characters?

Mary Rosenblum

What do you think? Would that work?

Janet Wellington

Okay...I just read an article in RWA's magazine

interviewing Mary-Theresa Hussey (exec editor for LUNA, plus many

Lines of Harlequin- Silhouette ) and she was saying that what's happening...

in romance right now is....wait for it...

combining genres!!! She mentioned "chick lit paranormal"

as an example! Chick lit vampire romances. What else

could we come up with! See...I'm getting excited because

I think that "different" is the next trend! I think readers

are so much more sophisticated than the publishers

realized -- readers want to be "taken somewhere" -- and

going somewhere "new" is appealing!

Mary Rosenblum

Romance is, I think, realizing that they have potential readers in all the genres. A lot of my cozy mystery readers were big Romance readers, too. And I think the publishers are realizing this.

So this is probably the best time to do 'different' romance.

Janet Wellington

Yeah...and, okay--here's a stat for you.

63% of romance readers are over the age of.

35! We are a big group -- and we don't want the same old thing

right? AND...you can always look at what's happening on TV

and in the movies. Trends seem to float from there over

to popular fiction. Buffy. Sydney from Alias -- these are

what prompted Harlequin-Silhouette to create their new kick-butt heroine

BOMBSHELL line! It's a good, current example. AND

Lord of the Rings...Harry Potter -- yay! Magic and sorcery

are back in style! I'm psyched!

Mary Rosenblum

No kidding!

shayon-joseph

Is there an online directory listing various types of writers' organizations either of you know of?

Mary Rosenblum

I don't, Janet. Do you?

Janet Wellington

Hmmmm...boy, the best thing I can think of

is to google it (don't you love google)...you can start with

using "writers organizations" in the search line.

I bet you'll come up with hundreds. Then you can start to

narrow it down by using "paranormal" ,etc.

ducky

Guess I better write fast huh? I got 18,600 words now :-)

Janet Wellington

Ducky: what are you writing?

ducky

Paranormal romance with chars. age 40 and 42.

Janet Wellington

wooHOO!

Yeah...get to work -- we need you!

Mary Rosenblum

Agreed.

shayon-joseph

Hate to be the stick in the mud....but when the phrase "different story" is used, who's definition of "different" are we talking about? I mean, for me a solid "different" story would be a positive spin on African American fathers---instead of the popularized "gang-banger---thug persona" so readily seen in print and on-screen.

Janet Wellington

I agree...different is so subjective.

Here's what I think it means...different in the context of

genre writing is going to be something that stretches the guidelines.

A story that might be a little difficult to "brand" or to label.

Back to the LUNA imprint -- it's supposed to be straight fantasy, but

Some bookstores are putting it in the Romance section

because they're confused. So, in this case, "different" is causing a

shelving problem! As a writer, a "different" story will sort of

present a "labeling" problem for the editor -- because she can't

quite describe your story to HER boss...but, if she falls in love

with the characters, the plot, or whatever...you have an opportunity

to break through with something that's not quite like what

they normally put out there...I know of a writer

who has sold a vampire story

to Harlequin Intrigue (I think) – now, that's a category line with LOTS

of rules! It's different -- but, I bet the romance part of it

"fits" -- but, it's the setting, probably, and the characters

that are "different."

What you described -- I'd simply call it a good story -- you are

presenting a different (gosh, we need another word, huh?) way

of illustrating a character...it should "fit" just fine!

Mary Rosenblum

I think, too, that Shayon-Joseph's example is more in the line of flying in the face of common stereotypes --which you can do in any genre. But 'different' from what I hear you say, is more a matter of expanding the definition of what belongs in the genre.

Janet Wellington

Yes -- I knew this was going to be a little difficult

to describe in this kind of forum

but, "different" within genre writing is something that

an editor wouldn't have seen

ever, or at least in a while -- something that excites them

can be a good thing!

speckledorf

How much romance is involved in the "Bombshell" line?

Janet Wellington

Check the guidelines at eharlequin.com to be sure

but I think it's 50/50 -- though the ending, I think, needs to be

satisfying -- but not necessarily a walk down the aisle.

roe

I love your web site and the cover for your new book. WOW are you sure he's not naked? Do you know who he is LOL?

Janet Wellington

I know.

I can't tell you how many people have done the old

doubletake...no, I don't have any idea who the model was

but I may try to find out!

Mary Rosenblum

I'm laughing. Bet you could sell his phone number! LOL!

You have once more been a great guest...

and have shared some very useful information with us. Why don't you tell us what you are working on right now? Now that this book is out?

Janet Wellington

It always goes so fast!...

It's hard to stop -- now that we're getting to know each other.

Oh, before I forget -- at the Dorchester site

they are creating an online journal...it's not up yet

but I will definitely be participating -- so you all can find me

there too! Okay...I'm supposed to be finishing up

a proposal for another Native American time travel.

I can't wait to write the story! It will be in Florida

with a half Seminole-half Caucasian hero...and the heroine

is

an adult education teacher with an autistic son--

and they will be thrown back in time, of course.  Well

I can't tell you any more!!!! Anyway, it's going to be

a great story -- lots of shamanism in it as well.

I'm also working on finishing up a manuscript  for

a Special Edition...and my Dorchester editor

is actually also looking at a proposal for a faery story

that is a contemporary romance (a reunion story).

Whew! Lots going on!

Mary Rosenblum

Don't worry. Heheh. I plan to presume and drag you back here again. Your story idea sounds great. What's the Special Edition book about? Good luck with the faery story!

Janet Wellington

The Special Edition story?

Well, the setting is a television station -- a prim and proper

reporter has to work with a guy who creates

community gardens to revitalize inner city neighborhoods.

She’s hiding her past...he's had his one true love.

Lots of conflict...lots of character arcing.

Gosh, I'm not very forthcoming about my writing

but it's only because I'm that way all the time...I just

J

don't talk that much about the works-in-progress!

Mary Rosenblum

You've given us some tantalizing hints! Sounds great!

Thank you SO much for coming!

roe

I really enjoyed this interview I hope you will come back again

janp

I've had such fun watching Janet's fingers rebound from her computer just as if each key was a miniature trampoline!!! Thanks a lot for a fun as well as informative evening.

ducky

This interview has been like a Writing Seminar - THANK YOU!

arfelin

Thanks for your wealth of info. It was nice having you back here again. Can't wait to check out you new book and the cover.  :-)

Janet Wellington

Good -- and...I'm happy to come back anytime.

I enjoy teaching and Mary's forum is the best!

Mary Rosenblum

Thanks Janet!

We'll let you go, and I will definitely ask you back again.

This has been so much fun, and I learn more from you each time.

Thanks SO much for coming.

Janet Wellington

Thanks! Everyone...get busy writing!

Mary Rosenblum

Thanks, Janet, and good night!