Yes, that's right, romance author me, does not celebrate the dreaded "V" Day. Now, admittedly, this didn't start by choice. I've been asked if I put personal things in my writing, and the answer is always, "Very seldom". However, in Timeless Valentine, I stole a real life experience. My introduction to Valentine's Day began with delivering flowers to my high school boyfriend's other girlfriend. Cough.

So, I've kept that tradition. Single or attached, I've never expected, nor received, anything related to Valentine's, parents aside. Oh, and the one year my best friend sent me flowers out of pity. And the hype that is associated with the holiday, I simply do not understand. Perhaps that's my practical side. I'd just as soon forego flowers (which die) for a coffee mug (virtually indestructable and a necessity to late-night writing). I don't like flashy jewelry, it tends to get ruined with horses -- so those commercials for diamonds make me roll my eyes. I'd rather skip the formal night on the town, for a home-cooked meal I don't have to prepare.

It has come to my attention, however, that as a romance author I'm supposed to be celebrating this holiday several times over. That my disassociation with it is somehow... taboo.

In light of that, I'm going to ask you all to share your Valentine's stories over the next week. What did you all do? What was the most special thing you've ever done? How did your significant other show you, you were number one?

Maybe you can inspire me to look at this Valentine's thing in a different light. And if you can, I'll send you a signed copy of Timeless Valentine.

Happy February 14th, everyone!

~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com

Oh I have been busy, busy, busy. Deadlines, and deadlines and more deadlines. When I get in a crunch, the writing has to take precedence, so I apologize that it's been since December I've been in here. I should have been in earlier, but this is honesly the first opportunity I've had to do promotions.

On that note. I have lots of exciting news to start off the new year with.


New Release!
Timeless Valentine released this month from The Wild Rose Press. This holiday romance is available in both print and digital versions, and is a sequel to All I Want For Christmas...Is Big Blue Eyes.

Well all, I received word this morning that Timeless Valentine is now available for pre-order.

Officially released on January 6, 2010, Olivia and Lucas return from spending Christmas with Josh and Amanda to discover being roommates comes with complications well beyond their childhood rivalry. Forbidden desire challenges their tenacious truce, and when Lucas sets out to prove Valentine's isn't just a fools' holiday, Olivia's confronted with a terrifying truth. The boy who once cut off her hair while she slept, has become a tender, selfless man. One who's crashing through the walls around her heart, even though she knows he belongs to another woman.

You can read the full blurb here, or check out the excerpt!

Pre-Order your copy now, and make this year a Timeless Valentine.

In this steamy contemporary, I return to the world of horses with ambitious breeder, Gabrielle Warrenton, and guilt-laden trainer, Jake Lindsey-Sullivan. The pair encounter a consuming passion even as one breathtaking Arabian stallion challenges every fear they've ever known. Gabrielle's desire for success conflicts with Jake's need to escape, and Bahadur Mamoon stands between what they most want... each other.

More to come on this title in the coming months. For now, read more here!

Well, as I finish up the final round edits for Timeless Valentine, I'm left thinking about the author/editor relationship. I've heard several true horror stories from people in my RWA Chapter, about friends of theirs who are true divas. It makes me wonder, what propensity of the author population actually carries on in this fashion?

My relationships with my editors are smooth. If I have a question, I ask. They don't hesitate to answer. If they want me to change something, I consider what they are asking and weigh the question: "Do I want to be published, or do I want to be picky?"

Rarely does that take much considering. Therefore, when my editor asks me to change something, nine times out of ten I do so unquestioningly. If I have a hesitation, I try to discover what the editor is looking for, see if there's a middle ground without blowing it up into an issue. (Shoot! I get nervous even asking for further details, I'm certainly not going to bicker with someone who holds my book's fate in their hands.)

More often than not, the comment ends up being a moot point and either I change it without pause, or my editor decides it's not worth messing with.

I cannot imagine the relationship between author and editor being drastically different. Editors are here to help our books become better than what we already feel is "perfect". I can't imagine rooting my heels in and having trivial arguements just for the sake of maintaining every actual word I put in.

But I guess some folks don't feel that way. They feel the editor should be grateful to them, I suppose. Or something equally as full of drivel.

So, note to authors...

Folks, its in our best opinions to do what our editors want of us. We have to trust that our editors came to hold their position because of their knowledge. Questioning everything they want isn't the best way to make you look easy to work with. Pick your battles. Find out what is most important to you, and know what about your book you're unwilling to compromise on. If you can make every other correction the editor desires, and you politely challenge one issue, they are more likely to work with you than if you complain and groan about everything.

Edits aren't fun. Even editors know this. But folks, these folks aren't out to ruin your book. They are out to make it the best book the market can support. And in so doing, hopefully, bring in your dollars.

~Claire
www.claireashgrove.com
www.toristclaire.com