4/30/2018

A Sneak Peek Behind The Scenes of Harlequin’s Fortunes of Texas Series

Harlequin releases the paperback and e-book editions of some of its lines on different dates. Two weeks ago, I celebrated the paperback release of MADDIE FORTUNE'S PERFECT MAN. Tomorrow the e-book will finally be available, making it available in all formats everywhere. Hooray!

This book is special to me for so many reasons. First, it’s the 30^thbook I’ve written for Harlequin (and 40^th overall). I remember so clearly the days when I first became serious about writing, hoping to be published. It seemed like the impossible dream. Thirty books later, it still feels like a dream come true. I love what I do and feel so very fortunate to be living my dream.

The other reason this book is special to me is that it’s part of Harlequin’s beloved Fortunes of Texas series. It’s one of two “continuities” in the Harlequin Special Edition line. It’s my sixth time contributing to the Fortunes’ saga. Each year, there are seven books in the Fortunes series. A new one is released each month between December and June. The books, which are written by seven different authors, build on the storyline as each book is released. This requires the authors to work closely (with each other and with the editors) to make sure that we’re all on the page. Since it’s a continuity, that means all seven books must line up. One author can’t write something that contradicts or disputes something another author has written. For example, the heroine in my book (I have book six of seven) is Maddie Fortune. Her sister is Schuyler Fortune, who was the heroine of book three (written by the fabulous Judy Duarte and released in February 2018). Judy and I were in constant contact making sure we didn’t write anything that would be out of character or otherwise detract from the other’s book. It was hard work, but it was such fun. All of the Special Edition authors – and especially those with whom I’ve collaborated on the Fortunes of Texas - are such smart, talented women. It’s a pleasure to work with them and be part of the Fortunes team.