It was almost a year ago that I submitted my manuscript for this "special project" to my agent, with very little heads up about what was going to land on her desk. Almost a year ago that I entered it into the Great Expectations Contest and learned it had become a finalist in Romantic Suspense.
And now... through what I truly consider Divine Intervention, STRIPPED is on the shelves. Why Divine Intervention? Because I never envisioned it would be with Berkley Heat. Yes, I wrote it with a slant for Sensation. But erotica? Good grief, I couldn't write
those words.
Until my now-editor saw something in the writing that I hadn't fully realized and made an offer on an erotic title. Convert it? Daunting. But Berkley?
You cannot imagine how long I have dreamt of working with Berkley. And my editor? Her too. I used to hunt the RWA contests for where she might be judging... and swore every time, because, infalliably, she was judging something I didn't have an entry for.
So it is with much ado, much grattitude, and much elation that I invite all of you to celebrate with me! Thank you... everyone. From the depths of my heart.
Now, add into that dream-come-true the fact that my other book, the story I waited years to tell appropriately, IMMORTAL HOPE, also releases today under my other penname... and yes, I revisit the phrase, "Divine Intervention."
In a little while, I'm off to check out Barnes and Noble, demi-demons in tow, prepped to have their photos taken with my books. I don't care if it's silly. I don't care if I cry in public -- I likely will. My books are here, my dreams have truly begun, and I'm going to grin from ear-to-ear all day long.
Meanwhile, if you're out shopping too, and you see my books on the shelves, drop me a note and let me know where! I'd love to have a collection of sightings by the end of the day.
In between, or if you're staying out of the cold at home, the Blog Tours continue:
Today's Blog Tour Stop is at
Rachel Leigh's Erotic Romance.
Stop in, leave a comment, and be entered to win an Amazon Gift Card during the tour. The more you comment, the more chances you have of winning!
Also -- as my alter-ego, Claire Ashgrove, today's stop is at
Book Faery
Stop in, leave a comment, and double your chances of winning!
~Tori
www.toristclaire.com