A New Obsession

So the writers group the Quill Sisters belong to is part of the Tucson Festival of Books.  Last March was the 1st Annual and it was a rousing success.  All three of the Quills volunteered at our booth last year, and fully intend to do that again.  Because the 2010 2nd Annual will be even bigger, the romance writers colalition is getting some really big names to speak on various topics next year.  Names that made the three of us squeal with glee and maybe even pee a little.  Names like Brenda Novak and Julia Quinn.  JULIA QUINN.  As you may have noted from previous lists we are big fans.  In fact, I firmly believe that you thank/blame Ms. Quinn for the fact that we all write romance novels. 

Back to the point.  New releases from the authors already slated to speak at the festival were brought to the last meeting.  We were asked to read them and pass them on so that we could speak intelligently of their work, and help drum up excitement. We’re looking for  a big turnout for romance at the festival.  Us romance writers are still trying to prove our worth in the “legitimate” writing circles, and we really want a big showing.

I chose to read a book by Jennifer Ashley– The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie.  I highly recommend it.  Rarely have I been so affected by a book.  I’ve thought about it for days afterward.  Stop off and pick yourself up a copy – it’s in paperback.  You won’t be sorry.  Ms. Ashley has managed to soup up the tried and true formula, and given her hero a twist on the “damaged” bad boy that I wouldn’t have necessarily thought would have worked.  It most definitely does.  I am delighted to say that it is the first of a series and I will wait anxiously for the rest. 

The Quills are always studying the craft of writing and working on that hook, and honestly, I don’t know that I’ve ever read a better first 5 pages in my life.  I was totally, completely, beyond a doubt hooked.  I aspire to be that good.

Good for you, Ms. Ashley.  I look forward to meeting you in March.

Seriously, go out and buy her book.  And then read the rest of them.  You’ll thank me.