Ben’s Vindication
Over the weekend I got word that Ben has finally bested Dec in this little rivalry going on between them, and he’s pretty damn smug about it. In the few contests I’ve entered both books, so far they’ve jockeyed for position in the top three, with Ben tying or coming in second to Dec. But this time, No Turning Back has won the 2010 Laurel Wreath Award for best romantic suspense, and Cover of Darkness came in third. So now they’re even. Of course that’s not okay with either of them, though. Hopefully a tie breaker will decide this at some point in the future, but for now the boys will just have to cope.
So Zosia, if you’re reading this, Ben’s preening with a huge grin on his face.He’s so high maintenance. Even after I’ve finished writing about him he’s still a handful. Some things never change I guess 🙂
EPIC Finalist. Twice!
This morning I was notified that two of my books, Cover of Darkness and No Turning Back, have both finaled in the EPIC (Electronically Published Internet Connection) eBook Awards Contest.
I’m very excited about this, since both of my entries finaled and that gives me a better chance of placing in the top three. Plus it’s a big contest for our corner of the publishing industry.
Relentless and Absolution didn’t qualify for this year’s contest, but I hope to enter them next year. Winners aren’t announced until March, and at this point I have no idea how many other finalists there were in the romance with mystery/suspense category. You can be sure I’ll inform you of where I placed when the time comes.
I Won!
In terms of writing, I had a pretty great weekend. I submitted my first erotic romance novella, and on Friday I got word that Romantic Times gave Relentless a 4 star rating with a glowing review, so that was pretty great. But as of about twenty minutes ago, something even better happened.
I just found out that Cover of Darkness won first place in the romantic suspense category of the Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Awards contest! I get an engraved trophy and everything. And, as if that wasn’t reason enough for me to think about drinking a celebratory mojito (because I rarely touch alcohol), No Turning Back won second place. You know what? I’m totally okay with coming in second to myself 🙂
I had my suspicions when I wrote the books that COD was the best of the series. I love NTB too, but it’s really graphic and I wasn’t too sure how readers would feel about that. I’m so happy people are loving my books! Luke’s is due out in a couple months, so I’ve got high hopes for that one too because it’s the most emotionally wrenching of the five. Guess we’ll have to wait and see what the consensus is.
I haven’t gotten a trophy since my last years of competitive softball in my mid-twenties, but you can bet I’m putting this one right on the mantle in my bedroom so I can see it every day. It’s going to come in very handy for those days when I doubt my ability as a writer. Fingers crossed that people will love Absolution as much as I do! Now let’s hope this will help generate a few more sales for this series 🙂
I’m a Finalist!
Just got the word that both Cover of Darkness and No Turning Back are finalists in the romantic suspense category of the Heart of Excellence Readers Choice Awards (held by Ancient City Romance Writers). The contest moves into the final phase of judging now, where librarians and booksellers make the final decisions. Winners aren’t announced until September, but I’ll keep you posted!