As those of you who are regular visitors to my personal blog know, I’m on a bit of a blogging hiatus at the moment while I finish up writing another book. That doesn’t mean I’m out of ideas or thoughts. I’m just short on time. That same lack of time is why this particular post is going to be rather non-controversial and fluffy. *g* I had originally planned to talk about House and Grey’s Anatomy (which is moving to Thursday’s next year, btw) and relate them to “writing what you know” and “suspension of disbelief” and “buying into a story premise”, etc., but that required too much thought. I then decided to address the current ATBF column at AAR and the comments on the message board which I’ve commented on here. But, again, that required too much thought. So, instead, this is what you get; it requres very little thought because it’s so obvious!
Ten Things I Love About HARLEQUIN BLAZE
1. I have never felt hamstrung by rules about what I can or cannot write. I’ve written characters who are lawyers, private investigators, music producers, TV stars, writers. In KISS & MAKEUP, I wrote a song in my book. In THE SWEETEST TABOO, I wrote a book in my book. In WICKED GAMES, I wrote about a character who had been a gangbanger. In INDISCREET, I wrote about a character who had been abducted and held captive by modern day pirates - and who then killed another character on stage. Oh, and that one was an interracial romance. No one in editorial ever questioned any of it.
2. Birgit Davis-Todd, Brenda Chin, Kathryn Lye, and the other editors who have worked to shape the line are amazing. (I know other lines have equally wonderful editors, but I’m focusing here on Blaze!) Just this past week I received a revision letter from Birgit, and everything I was asked to expand on made the book better. She can see what I’ve done, what I’ve missed, what I need, and then offer suggestions for a workable fix. I’m never left floundering, or left to feel as if she doesn’t “get it” or isn’t a partner, sharing a stake in the book being the best it can be. As busy as she is, she’s there, she’s involved - exactly as an editor should be!
3. The editors and the authors understand the market and respond with changes accordingly. The line began with a ‘Sex and the City’ concept and stories with “sexy premises” - but it did not stay there. It evolved. It grew. It opened up to adventure and suspense, time-travel and gothics, futuristic and paranormal, first person as well as third person stories. It embraced deeply emotional plots as well as romantic comedies. Honestly, I don’t think there is another line with such a variety, or one that is so open to, well, anything! The editor/author team is one of vision, and it’s an awesome place to be writing.
4. Have you seen the fabulously talented authors who write for the line? ‘Nuff said!
5. Not only have I been able to stretch my imagination (see #1), I’ve had the opportunity to stretch my writing muscles. I’ve written subplots into each of my stories. I’ve written flashbacks. I’ve juxtaposed intensely sexual stories against sweeter, emotional ones within the same book. I’ve used multiple viewpoints. Most recently (INFATUATED, 11/06), I’ve shown a secondary romance through the hero’s eyes only. And I’ve never been asked to change a thing.
And now, because it’s SO much easier to let someone else write the second half the column (or more *g*), here are the thoughts of other Blaze authors.
6. The Blaze line is organic and fluid, capable of being stretched and tweaked and bent into a variety of story directions as long as the core promise of red-hot read is met. This creates a dynamic series that’s open to reader wants and writerly cravings to try new things. Humor and angst, drama and light hearted escape are welcome here, along with occasional jaunts to the Middle Ages, the pararnormal realm, a Gothic setting or a real places outside the U.S. How many other series can give readers so much variety and writers so much opportunity? - Joanne Rock
7. Blaze heroines–Blaze babes. Take no prisoners, risk-taking, strong women who know what they want and go after it. - Julie Leto
8. I love the freedom that comes with writing for Blaze. The possibilities are wide open, from vampires to cowboys, innovative as well as traditional. You don’t find this sort of freedom in any other category line, in my opinion. I feel like I can get as real as I want, from the sex to the issues, and I don’t have to worry about coloring outside the box. - Kimberly Raye
9. One thing I love about Blaze books is the emotional intensity. To me, THAT’s what makes a good sex scene, and Blazes have it. - Julie Miller
10. The sex is always good. No chance of STDs. Don’t have to rely on hubby for foreplay. - Isabel Sharpe
11. Never having to use the words manhood, throbbing evidence of his desire or purple-headed-warrior-of-passion. (Sorry. I made that one up. ) Not having to try to think back a few decades to what it was like to be a virgin. Never having to figure out how to get your hero and heroine away from some precocious (obnoxious) kids long enough to have sex. Multiple orgasms. Cheering on heroines who aren’t always nice. Little red dots on the front trick buyers into thinking they’re paying garage sale prices. Getting to reflect the real world where the sex really does sometimes come first. Men who talk like men (and the women who like it like that!) Getting to deduct all those fun gadgets from goodvibes.com as “research” expenses. Never having to worry about writing a Rita acceptance speech. - Leslie Kelly
12. I love how VIVID Blazes are–like how when you’re in love, colors seem brighter, sounds more vibrant, smells more intoxicating, and the sex, well, the sex…need I say more? That’s Blaze. - Dawn Atkins
For fun, six people who comment can have their choice of any Blaze I can get my hands on from any author. (Not making promises, but I will try!) I’ll draw names on Friday, the 20th, at noon central time.
-
What I like about Blazes are that the heroines are real people. They have family, friends, interesting jobs. They don’t live in a vacuum just waiting for some man.
by Maureen
on May 17th, 2006 at 6:33 am
-
I think that the Blaze line represents the 2000’s.
Woman are more independent and aggressive. Unfortunately, this also leads to all kinds of stresses: job, education, children, husband, older parents, lack of money, insurance needs…
Blaze appeals to the single woman, the working woman, the married woman, the women with children(single, divorced or living together). The books are fast -paced, sexy, interesting and an escape from our everyday lives! Keep them coming!
by Laurie G
on May 17th, 2006 at 7:12 am
-
I have to agree with what Maureen said - the heroines are great role models - not dependent upon a man to come and sweep them away from their problems. A Blaze heroine deals with life, and problems, on her own terms - she’s capable, intelligent, fiesty, hard-working, and possessives a strong sense of self. They pay their own way. I love how a lot of Blazes (i.e. gIRL gEAR) has a heroine with a network of girlfriends to share with - that’s more realistic than planting the h/h together with no other human contact.
AND they are physical beings who aren’t afraid to revel in their sexuality. They are not ashamed to have healthy, mutual fantasies and share them with the hero. To a Blaze heroine, sex is not dirty, and it’s more than okay to get what you want in the bedroom (or the living room, car, kitchen). They are empowered women.
by Stacy ~
on May 17th, 2006 at 7:16 am
-
I havent read a lot of Blaze books. Have read a few of your girl gear books and thoroughly enjoyed the characters and stories. The women know what they want and are totally fine with their sensual being. Enjoyable reads when you want a quick fun fix.
by Pat
on May 17th, 2006 at 7:57 am
-
What struck me about the Blaze books that I have read, is that the heroines are very much portrayed as women of our times. These are women who can revel in their sexuality and they have strength enough to truly stand beside the hero…not behind him.
by little lamb lost
on May 17th, 2006 at 9:52 am
-
What I like about Blaze is what you said in #1 and #8 by Kimberly. The story can be about anyone doing anything and the sex is always hot and real! You can imagine these characters really doing what is written.
by Dena
on May 17th, 2006 at 10:07 am
-
I have to agree with everything Leslie said. She summed it up very well, indeed! 
I also have to say that I don’t think I have ever read a Blaze that I didn’t enjoy. They are well written, with contemporary, relevant stories populated by believable characters.
by Angie
on May 17th, 2006 at 10:57 am
-
What’s cool about Blaze books is their emotional intensity. Sex is so intense in these books as well. Also, the women are not just sitting around waiting to be rescued by a man. That can be a nice change of pace from just reading about fragile wallflowers. The wallflowers can be good depending on how they are done but it is nice to have alternatives.
by Cherie Japp
on May 17th, 2006 at 11:03 am
-
I like to read Blaze books for the same reasons as Kimberly likes to write them.
by Minna
on May 17th, 2006 at 11:23 am
-
I like Dawn Atkins comment (#12) which describes it to a T. Everything is
brighter, more vibrant and intoxicating; yahoo!!!
by Robyn
on May 17th, 2006 at 11:37 am
-
I just recently started reading Blaze books and I love them. Great heroines who are strong, capable, and diverse. Storylines are great and the sex is steamy. I’m a new fan!
by Sandra M.
on May 17th, 2006 at 11:53 am
-
i mostly read blaze books gals, because i know they will be hot and erotic and that is what i like. I don’t care what the others say, it is my perference and i will keep it that way until the line is gone! I agree with all the ten list, it is the story that counts and the sex is icing on the cake. I love your blaze book Dawn, don’t tempt me, wow that burn my fingers 
They are just great books and i know what i like. So I agree with all your assesments!
LOVE THE BLAZE BOOKS, KEEP THEM COMING!:grin::!:
by KIM H
on May 17th, 2006 at 11:55 am
-
I have not read a lot of Blaze books, but have enjoyed all of the ones that I have read! I think that they are very enjoyable and want to read more of them.
by Jennifer Y.
on May 17th, 2006 at 12:18 pm
-
I don’t read a lot of Blazes but what I’ve read, I’ve enjoyed for all the reasons stated above. The tremendously talented Rhonda Nelson is a member of my RWA chapter and she’s such a fun and funny lady, not to mention so helpful to those of us aspiring to be in her shoes.
Keep ‘em coming (no pun intended  ) and keep ‘em Blazing!
by Marilyn
on May 17th, 2006 at 12:37 pm
-
:cool:Good one, Marilyn.
Blaze books are hot hot hot and always have a good story and sexy characters.
by Karen T.
on May 17th, 2006 at 1:16 pm
-
I have just read my first Blaze book. VERY HOT! Can’t wait to get my hands on the next Blaze Book to cross my path. I could not put the book down. I have a feeling Blaze Books and I are going to become very good friends.  I need to make some room on the shelves for my new collection!:lol:
by Tammy G.
on May 17th, 2006 at 2:17 pm
-
I have a few favorite authors that I look for but a Blaze book just seems to jump right into my hands. I am addicted to them. Many of the Blaze books I have read seem to reach levels of excitement untouched by most books. I will be keeping my Blaze books as they are TOO HOT to fall into the wrong hands.
by Billie Langston
on May 17th, 2006 at 2:30 pm
-
Hi, all! Sorry to take so long to stop by. LOVE reading the comments and hearing how much you all love the line. We’ve taken some hits recently, so it’s extra special to know that we have an audience who can’t wait for our books!
-
Hi Alison,
Great discussion going on here! While I love all your points, I’m going to have to stress point #4 a bit more… Because the Blaze authors are truly amazing! With authors of this calibre writing, there’s no way the line could be anything but incredible. I know the other editors will agree with me in saying that we’re really lucky-and we know it. Not every editor gets to work with this kind of talent.
by brenda chin
on May 17th, 2006 at 4:11 pm
-
hi Brenda.
by KIM H
on May 17th, 2006 at 5:49 pm
-
A good thing about Blaze books is that they seem to annoy the anti-sex brigade. I’m always up for that.
-
I love the Blaze line because they are HOT and have v.g. & different stories with varied authors. What’s not to like. 
by Helen Mac
on May 17th, 2006 at 6:44 pm
-
I love the Blaze stories. I’m not much for analyzing what I read. If it relaxes my mind, puts a smile on my face and takes me away from it all for a few hours, then they must be good. I never feel disappointed or gypped when I’ve spent money on a Blaze book.
by KimW
on May 17th, 2006 at 6:59 pm
-
I’ve always liked Blazes. As a single, childless woman, the Blaze line speaks to me in ways some of the other lines don’t. (Which doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy books in all lines, but you know what I mean.) I like reading about strong, imperfect women who find hot men. And I love reading the sex scenes–when written well, they only make the romance better, in my opinion.
by Alyssa
on May 17th, 2006 at 7:11 pm
-
that is true too alyssa, great observation
by KIM H
on May 17th, 2006 at 7:41 pm
-
I agree with all the reasons above. Blaze heroines are people whom I can easily relate to, who are strong and yet not afraid to show their feminine side or to express their sexual needs. I love the combination of emotional and sexual intensity that’s a hallmark of the Blazes.
by Jenny
on May 17th, 2006 at 11:46 pm
-
I enjoy reading Blaze books because the heroines aren’t afraid to explore their sexuality and they go after what they want.
by Crystal B.
on May 18th, 2006 at 8:40 am
-
I have read a few Blazes and enjoyed them very much. Hope the line continues. As long as the characters are good and storyline is too, I am happy.
by Joanne V.
on May 18th, 2006 at 1:25 pm
-
I like books with strong heroines and Blaze books have that.
by Brenda R.
on May 18th, 2006 at 5:51 pm
-
There are many wonderful stories found between the pages of the Blaze books.
by Karen G
on May 18th, 2006 at 8:20 pm
-
I have loved Blaze books since the line first came out, and I still love them! Strong heroines, delicious heroes and interesting storylines. Gotta love ‘em. In fact, love them so much I’m trying to write one right now…
by Karen D
on May 19th, 2006 at 11:03 am
-
So, obviously I meant SATURDAY the 20th for the winners, argh! I really need to paste a calendar to my forehead!
The six winners are: Karen D, Joanne V, Billie L, Tammie G, Marilyn, and Dena. Congratulations, all. I’ll be emailing you shortly!
by Alison Kent
on May 20th, 2006 at 1:45 pm
-
wtg ladies you are lucky:grin:
by kim h
on May 20th, 2006 at 11:21 pm
-
Congrats to the winners!
by little lamb lost
on May 21st, 2006 at 12:08 am
-
Leslie, your comments had me rollin’. I’ve read the Blazes for years, & it is my favorite line. ALL of my favorite authors write for it, & I regularly buy each of them as they are released.
Almost all of my points have been previously raised, but, wanted to say that I love that the heroines are “take charge” gals, in bed & out. I love reading that they adore sex & are not afraid to go after it, just like in real life, yet, there is a commitment between the h/h that I want. It’s a hard line to tread, but, all of the authors & editors do a great job. Congratulations on writing books I never miss!
by Patricia
on May 26th, 2006 at 5:57 pm
|
