Editor P And Q With Patience Bloom Harlequin Romantic Suspense
WHAT MOST DISTINGUISHES YOUR LINE FROM THE OTHER LINES (ESPECIALLY LINES THAT MAY BE SIMILAR TO YOURS)?
Harlequin Romantic Suspense is different from other suspense lines by virtue of its focus on the romance and not the suspense. In HRS, there is a heavy concentration on character development and the sense of the inevitable as the hero and heroine cope with suspenseful obstacles. You don't need a lot of suspense--just a little to reveal character and bring out the sense of urgency in the story. At the same time, we want complexity, a fleshed out plot, perhaps stronger secondary characters or a sense of community in addition to mind-blowing romance. These elements are what readers love most in HRS. In addition, the word count of 70-75,000 distinguishes it from Harlequin Intrigue and Superromance, lines with suspense.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SUBMISSION PET PEEVE?
Well, with the internet, it's easy to approach an editor. This is fine, but after I pass on a project, I tend to get more emails asking why and will I reconsider if revised. I want to be helpful, but find it difficult timewise to answer more in depth on the reasons for passing. My advice is that if you get a rejection via email, move on to the next project. But please write to me if I haven't responded to your project within three months!
IF YOUR LINE WAS A TV SERIES, WHICH ONE WOULD IT BE?
The Good Wife, Criminal Minds and The Killing--In these shows you have great characterization (I love Garcia and her crazy outfits!) and chilling plots. If they focused on the romance, they would be HRS stories!
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF BEING AN EDITOR?
Just reading. It's such a treat to be able to read all day.
What does your typical day look like?
More and more, my day is about sifting through email. I try to step away from the computer, too, and focus on the reading and editing. A perfect day usually involves sitting on my couch and editing. To balance this, though, I love being in the office and interacting with my colleagues.
What's the most recent book you've read for pleasure?
Mary Burton's Senseless. I love her romantic suspense! Also for pleasure, I'm currently reading Jason Mott's The Returned, which is so beautifully written. I'm savoring every word.
WHY DID YOU BECOME AN EDITOR?
I became an editor because I like to read and critique. Since I enjoy reading romance, it seemed like a good fit.
DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES?
Too many! I'm a big knitter and exercise junkie (because I have a terrible sweet tooth). I also adore celebrity culture and can often be found reading tabloids.
What type of character/plot are you DYING to see?
In the stories I read, I see a lot of the hero and heroine working together toward a common goal. With suspense, this often happens. I'd love to see more paranoia and doubt, as with Rebecca or Jane Eyre--where the heroine doesn't know if the hero is good but she wants him to love her.
As for plots, I adore serial killer, cowboy, natural disaster stories. It might be fun to see more urban stories, as well--like a grown up Gossip Girl type of backdrop: glitz and glamour, intense relationships with a little suspense. Also, a legal thriller would be fun.
WHAT'S THE ONE QUESTION YOU WISH PEOPLE WOULD ASK AND WHAT IS YOUR ANSWER?
My mind is blank on this one. People have asked me great questions and I look forward to them.
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Credit: pualib.blogspot.com
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