May 19th marked the beginning of my newest venture…writing Historical Romance! This genre has always been near and dear to me, so I’m thrilled to finally be able to exercise my creative muscles, and add it to my existing repertoire.

What inspired this decision? Well that’s a simple one to answer. I’m fortunate enough to be a member of the Harlequin Writing Community on Facebook (for those that don’t know, Harlequin is a division of the ‘Big 5’ publisher HarperCollins) and I noticed an advertisement for their latest blitz!

But what exactly is a blitz? A blitz is a special Submissions Call put out by Harlequin requesting stories that they specifically want to see A.S.A.P. Whether their readers are voracious and are hungering for more, or there’s an upcoming trend in the market, they’re on the pulse! So they list this unique opportunity and writers like myself get very excited about it.

But why? Firstly, because you don’t need an agent to submit… And as the above graphic explains, Harlequin editors ask for the first chapter and synopsis that fulfills their given theme—that’s it, outside of a cover letter, and other standard submissions requirements.

This time around, their imprint Harlequin Historical is seeking fresh Viking, Medieval, and Highlander warrior romance stories! Everyone who submits not only receives professional editorial feedback, but the chance exists that Harlequin may just request, on the basis of that first chapter and synopsis, to see a full manuscript!

The opportunity to be published under an imprint of one of my dream publishers is too tantalising to ignore. To that effect I’ve completed my first full manuscript synopsis ever, finalised my blurb, and I’m starting work on my cover letter before I begin writing my first chapter! I’m bubbling with positive energy, and am looking forward to the bootcamp before submissions officially open on the 5th of June.

If you’re interested you can read their first and second blogs on the blitz, yourself, over on their website: So You Think You Can Write!

PS: For those discerning enough to have noticed… Yes. I decided to keep my attempts at historical romance under this name. It just feels right! I know, I know. I really am a fickle fiend! I’ll be using the other pen name for another genre.

Thank you for reading! Please feel free to share my blog with your friends…

May you feast upon the flesh of your enemies!
ZX