Kate's Blog

Hello out there...

There is something a bit dismal about a neglected blog, isn't there? Have you ever stumbled upon a blog--whether it belongs to an author or someone else--and there hasn't been an entry for months or even years? It's the equivalent of a dusty, sheet-shrouded room, and not a place you would want to linger.

On the other hand, a blog that has a lot of entries--and comments--feels like a cozy library or living room with a blazing fire and a comfy chair, and perhaps even a pot of tea and something yummy to eat--cookies, scones, take your pick! It's a place you want to stick around and explore.

So I'm realizing that my blog has become a bit of the former, and I regret that as I had the best of intentions to keep it going, and in fact I kept a personal blog for family and friends for about three years--writing just about every day--so I thought I wouldn't have a problem doing the same here. Unfortunately, I did. Part of it was the increasing chaos of life, and part of it was the number of deadlines I gave myself, writing 4-5 books a year. And part of it was I was blogged out--that part of my brain that attempts to write witty and thoughtful summaries of my life and my writing had been sucked dry--not that there was all that much there to begin with! Blogging is a different talent than novel writing, and some writers are blessed with both. I'm not sure I am.

That all said, I'm going to *attempt* to give this blog another try and write diligently--if not daily--here. I love reading blogs when I get the chance--and the time--and I know that there are people out there who read this, even if you don't comment!! I check my stats and I get a regular number of hits every day, so whoever you are, I hope you want to read a bit of my blathering.

I just submitted the updates for my website to my webmistress, and she will hopefully have those up for you in the next week. At some point I am hoping to change the layout of my site with photos of beautiful New York City, and even a couple of me I'm notoriously camera-shy, and feel terribly unphotogenic, so this is big--for me). In fact, when I first met the fabulous Jennie Lucas, one of the first things she said to me was how much better I look than my photo on eharlequin! Thanks, Jennie!! :)

I also just handed in my 12th book, now titled Italian Count, Untamed Innocent, although I am 0 for 11 when it comes to picking titles the editors stick with. My last title--The Playboy Prince's Convenient Wife--seemed to hold all the relevant hooks, yet it was discarded for Royal Baby, Forbidden Marriage, and it is now available on eharlequin. Anyway, titles aside, I enjoyed writing this book because it features a tall heroine who is a bit insecure about her height--and I am 5'11" and have definitely gone through phases of insecurity about it, so it was nice to be able to put a little relevant personal experience in the story! Here, to tempt and tease you, is the first paragraph:

Vittorio Calzevara, the Count of Ralfino, stood on the threshold of San Stefano Castle and searched the milling guests for the woman he intended to be his wife. He wasn't certain what she looked like, for beyond a single blurry photo, he hadn't seen her in sixteen years. Or if he had seen her, she hadn't made much of an impression. Now he planned to marry her.

I'll let you know what my editors think of it!

Labels: Harlequin Presents, Italian Count, Untamed Innocent, writing life

posted by Kate Hewitt at 6:56 PM