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Every year we pull our miniature tree down from storage and gussy it up with lights and ornaments. At first the prospect of climbing into the dreaded attic seems like a terrible ordeal. Quite honestly, it’s hard to find the holiday spirit when there’s a mile-long “to do” list of day to day tasks screaming for our attention.
However, once the tree is dusted off and its branches spread – a miraculous thing occurs. We smile with a bit of pride when greeted by the twinkling lights each morning, tunes like “Deck the Halls” and “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” start to drift from our computers and we begin to focus on the true meaning of the holidays.
At TKA, we are thankful to close out 2009 with a solid sales record and an exciting array of new clientele. This month we were thrilled to have 14 clients nominated for the illustrious Romantic Times awards. We believe our current successes will provide us with a solid foundation to achieve even greater heights in the New Year.
Fittingly, one of our most beloved new releases, CHRISTMAS MIRACLES, is helping us end the year as the featured book in our annual online holiday chat. Its authors, New York Times bestseller Cecil Murphey and Marley Gibson, will be on hand tomorrow night at 9pm ET to talk about the book and help give out more than a dozen “presents,” including the grand prize -- a first chapter critique by one of our agents. We dare say this event will be the best party of the season, especially considering you can attend in your reindeer-covered fleece pajamas. Hope to see you there!
Wishing you a happy and safe holiday,
The Knight Agency Team
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| Pictured Left to Right: Beth Cornelison (THE CHRISTMAS STRANGER), Michelle Celmer (CHRISTMAS WITH THE PRINCE), as well as titles by SHIRLEY JUMP (A PRINCESS FOR CHRISTMAS), Debby Giusti (CHRISTMAS PERIL) and Florence Case (MISTLETOE AND MURDER) |
This season, The Knight Agency has five Christmas-themed romances on the shelves that are sure to inspire the holiday spirit. Below two of our Christmas authors, Beth Cornelison and Michelle Celmer, share what they are most grateful for this year.
Beth Cornelison, author of THE CHRISTMAS STRANGER (Harlequin, October 2009): I'm grateful for many things this holiday season. Narrowing my blessings down to one favorite would be difficult, so I'll give you my top three. First, following a bout of appendicitis in early November, I'm grateful for my health (and my family's health). Second, with my only child nearing the age that he'll leave for college, I'm grateful to have this holiday time with him. We have several family traditions that won't be quite the same once he's left home. Last but not least, I'm grateful that I have the opportunity to follow my dream, writing and publishing books. Each new contract I sign is definitely a blessing!
Michelle Celmer, author of CHRISTMAS WITH THE PRINCE (Harlequin, November 2009): When I was asked to write a piece on what I'm most grateful for this year, the answer was a simple one. I'm grateful to have my parents in my life. Married 48 years and still going strong, they have both been an enormous source of support both personally and professionally all my life. I've learned, and continue to learn so much from them, especially this past year.
Early in 2009 my dad was diagnosed with cancer. At 70, surgery was a little risky, but the doctors were confident he could be cured with an intense radiation treatment. The procedure went well, and he has since been on the road to recovery. Of course we felt as though we had dodged a huge bullet. Then in May my mom fell ill. After emergency surgery, she was also diagnosed with cancer. This time it was much more serious, and in a way I felt as though the universe was playing some cruel joke on our family. But their strength, and resolve has once again taught me a valuable lesson. It's been a rough road, but my mom is also well on her way to a full recovery, which I have no doubt is due to her seemingly unshakable positive outlook. And I feel both proud and thankful to be their daughter.
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Cecil Murphey is best known for his collaboration with Don Piper as the co-author of 90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN -- an inspirational memoir that has spent more than three years on the New York Times bestseller list and has 4.5 million copies in print.
Marley Gibson is the author of the acclaimed young adult series GHOST HUNTRESS and THE OTHER SIDE: A TEEN'S GUIDE TO GHOST HUNTING AND THE PARANORMAL.
Together, Cecil and Marley teamed up to write CHRISTMAS MIRACLES, a special collection of holiday stories that chronicles miraculous happenings in the lives of everyday people during the most magical time of the year. |
| Left to Right: Cecil Murphey, Marley Gibson |
Cecil's Take --
TKA: How was the concept for CHRISTMAS MIRACLES conceived?
CECIL: Two answers. First, last Christmas I heard teens on the rapid rail line talk about Christmas and they seemed only to think about presents and what they would receive. I thought that was rather sad.
The second answer is that Deidre Knight and I met for lunch and (as on several other occasions) we pitched ideas to each other. I don't remember who thought of CHRISTMAS MIRACLES, but it was probably Deidre. We both got excited about the idea. She said that Marley, one of her clients whom I hadn't met, was outstanding at marketing and she'd do an excellent job on that end. That's how it started.
TKA: What do you hope people will take away from reading this book?
CECIL: I hope the book will take people back to think of the true meaning of Christmas. For me, as a serious Christian, it means God sent a special gift to the world, who was the Savior. The Christmas miracle begins with the birth of Jesus and the shepherds who came and worshiped him.
TKA: In your opinion, what constitutes a miracle?
CECIL: For me a miracle is anything that defies the ordinary. It can be as simple as the seemingly unrelated actions coming together at one moment in time. It can be physical or spiritual healing or other events for which there is no obvious, logical explanation.
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Marley's Side --
TKA: What were the most important criteria you were looking for potential contributors to meet during the selection process?
MARLEY: Well, that’s a little hard to elucidate and really make sense. I was looking first and foremost for that…feeling. You know? A story that made me read it straight through without author interruption or me thinking “this couldn’t have happened” or me thinking it was just something someone wrote to force it into the category of what we were looking for. Because Cec edited all of the stories into a unified voice, I wasn’t really reading each submission for the author’s voice, rather what the story had to tell and what a reader could take away from it. And the ones that made me cry? Yeah…those were sure things!
TKA: What has been different about the way you and your publisher have approached marketing this holiday-oriented book, as opposed to your other more evergreen titles?
MARLEY: CHRISTMAS MIRACLES reaches a broader audience than my young adult titles. It stretches across the inspirational genre, while also reaching out to people who are seeking that perfect gift book for the holidays. St. Martin’s has done a wonderful job getting the word out through their media channels, and Cec and I have been pretty staunch about spreading the word through each of our respective networks. It’s been a wonderful experience to work with a publisher like St. Martin’s who was behind this project from the very beginning and saw the potential to its warmth, inspiration, and message to the readers.
TKA: Which one of the CHRISTMAS MIRACLES stories affected you the most?
MARLEY: I’m a little bit prejudiced toward my mother’s two stories, which I co-authored with her. The story of “Thank You, Amen,” still is very special to me because it meant that my father not only survived a life threatening situation, but I have had him for all 43 years of my life. The story of the dyslexic boy who reads his first book at Christmas always makes me tear up. Also, my friend, Dave Schrader wrote a touching story about a tragedy that befell his dog, that has a wonderful ending. Heck…they’re all moving stories…each and every one of them in their own right.
TKA: What can you tell us about the next collaboration between you and Cecil, THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT (St. Martin's Press, Fall 2011)?
MARLEY: Oh, certainly! I’m thrilled to not only be working with Cec and Twila, his assistant, again, but Rose Hilliard and everyone else at St. Martin’s Press. THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT is a book project we have contracted with St. Martin’s Press for the fall of 2011, but will be completed and turned in by spring of 2010. The fabulous Debbie Macomber has agreed to write the foreword for us and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Similar to CHRISTMAS MIRACLES, we will be seeking true |
stories that emphasize the significance of the Christmas season. We so often get caught up in the busy-ness of the season—the shopping, the family drama, and the event planning—that we lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. Sometimes, through God's grace or what some call a twist of fate, we're able to step back and grasp the real meaning of Christmas and our lives are enriched. These are the kind of stories we want.
The deadline for story submissions is February 1, 2010. All entries must be double-spaced, 12-point font, Times New Roman, Word document. Stories may run from 900 to 1,300 words. We will not consider longer pieces. We prefer first-person narratives. Your name will be listed with your story and you'll have a fifty-word information/resume paragraph at the end of the book. Every story must have a positive solution that results from events or timing at the Christmas season. Every story must have a positive application. That is, you must tell us what you learned about Christmas or how it changed your life. You may send an original or a reprint. (If a reprint, please tell us where it was published and assure us that you own the reprint rights.) If we accept your story, you will retain rights. You'll receive a $50 honorarium and at least one free copy of the book when it is released in October 2011. We'll notify you of the results of your submission by March 31, 2010. |
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Below two contributors share what it meant to them to have their stories included in CHRISTMAS MIRACLES.
LAURIE KOLP: I felt that the decision had been divinely inspired and I was so full of gratitude and excitement about my first real publication- a gift from God after all the emotional turmoil I had been through. I was filled with the hope that someday I might actually move forward to bigger and better things. I knew I was doing what God wanted me to do, and that gave me a peace like I've never felt before.
TRACY RUCKMAN: Having "Miracle of the Nativity" chosen for CHRISTMAS MIRACLES was very humbling. God gave me the courage to write about some very difficult and painful times in my life, then opened incredible doors of opportunity to get this story out. It's almost like the events have come full circle in my life, and I see His hand on all parts of the journey. |
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Have you attended a TKA chat yet? What's the hold up!?! If you haven't been, our upcoming holiday chat featuring the authors of CHRISTMAS MIRACLES is the perfect initiation. This is your chance to rub elbows with an New York Times bestseller and a savvy, experienced author, as well as compete for more than a dozen prizes -- including a first chapter critique by one of our agents with a ONE WEEK turnaround.*
If you have been to a chat before, you know how much fun we have and how helpful our clients can be with advice for aspiring authors. This is our biggest online event of the year!
When: Thursday, December 17th @ 9pm ET
Where: TKA's chat room**: http://client1.sigmachat.com/sc.php?id=115545
How To Chat: Enter any combination of username and password. Login.
**Your computer must be Java enabled to chat.
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| *The winner of the first chapter critique will not be able to submit their work for the one week turnaround until after our holiday break (we need rest too!). This prize can be redeemed after January 4th, 2010. If you have questions about this contest or chat, please email info(AT)knightagency.net. |
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Peace on Earth, Good Will To Dragons
I was born and raised in Portugal. At twenty two I had to learn to write in English for Americans. This meant figuring out how to translate my very-different culture into stories that wouldn’t be dismissed. I had to learn when to put the strangeness in. And when to let it go.
As it turns out, this was pretty good training for writing science fiction and fantasy.
Imagine that you’re back in Victorian England, where a writer who can see the future wrote a story about Christmas in 2009. He describes how families communicate via these machines that can transmit a message and pictures around the world in seconds; he talks about friends gathering from all over, flying on heavier than air machines. By this point, Victorian readers have given up. This without adding in homes illuminated by
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electricity, the fact even fairly well off people don’t have live-in servants, or all the rest.
You see, the past, the future, the alternate reality – I’ve worked in all of them – are foreign countries. You want to give people a flavor of that strangeness but not to overwhelm them. Even our prophetic Victorian writer would do well to confine his foreseeing to the instant exchange of messages around the world. Or perhaps just flying across the world. Whichever is relevant to his story. Then soft light the rest, so it doesn’t confuse the reader.
This will allow the writer to – gently – lure the reader into his world. It is also useful, because -- unlike that Victorian – real writers do not have a working crystal ball. (All mine ever shows is my own nose.) It is almost guaranteed some or all of our extrapolation – though it should be informed by a study of science, economics and history, so it sounds plausible – will be wrong. The world is far too complex a chaotic system for a single person to project centuries into the future. But take cheer, it doesn’t matter. Whatever turns out to be wrong will just become an “alternate reality.” Because that’s not why readers like science fiction – or fantasy.
They might enjoy how you extrapolated the future, or how you created a coherent world from the premise shape-shifters are real. And any number of people are addicted to the idea of vampires. But the real reason they read the fantastic stuff is to be able to explore ideas and feelings outside the bonds of our known reality.
As adults, we tend to have fixed ideas about the world. They can become rigid with time. If we think of changing our minds we would have to admit we were wrong. Scary stuff. But when we read a story about someplace completely new... well, then we are like children again, learning the rules We can reexamine everything. |
Which brings me to my holiday card for this year. The front says “Peace on Earth, Goodwill to dragons.” The image shows a dragon and a kitten about the same size, asleep under a tree. You know, looking at them, that they were chasing each other madly just seconds before they fell asleep like babies do. And for just a second, you believe that somewhere, somehow, there are pet-sized house dragons. And you kind of squint at your own holiday decorations and wonder if you’re right about dragons not existing – if perhaps there isn’t wonderful stuff behind the facade of our workaday world.
And that’s what your stories should do too – which brings me to what it says inside the card: May the year ahead be filled with joy and wonder. |
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| Sarah A. Hoyt writes Fantasy, Science Fiction, Mystery and Historical novels. Find out more about her at www.SarahAHoyt.com. |
Marjorie M. Liu's DARKNESS CALLS was chosen by Barnes & Noble as one of the best Paranormal Fantasy books of 2009.
The first book in Marjorie's DIRK AND STEELE series, TIGER EYE, will serve as the inspiration for a new romance-themed casual game by the newly launched company PassionFruit Games. In April 2010, Tiger Eye: Curse of the Riddle Box will go on sale in the U.S. |
GHOST HUNTRESS: THE AWAKENING by Marley Gibson hit the Top Ten bestseller list in the Philippines.
Also, GHOST HUNTRESS was optioned to Shoulderhill Entertainment by Sean Daily at Hotchkiss and Associates, on behalf of Deidre Knight.
THE OTHER SIDE: A TEEN'S GUIDE TO GHOST HUNTING AND THE PARANORMAL, co-authored by Marley, Patrick Burns and Dave Schrader, was nominated for a Cybil Award, and the book was noted as an exciting new young adult title by the Philadelphia Inquirer. |
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Several TKA clients are contributing to DARK AND STORMY KNIGHTS, a St. Martin's anthology to be released in July 2010, including Rachel Caine, Deidre Knight, P.N. Elrod and Shannon K. Butcher. The book also features stories by New York Times bestselling authors Illona Andrews, Jim Butcher and many more. |
| Amazon listed Tina Ferraro's young adult title THE ABC's OF KISSING BOYS on their list of top holiday books for teens. |
The Romantic Times BOOKReviews award nominations are in, and TKA is thrilled that so many of our clients were honored this year! Congrats to all of the nominees!
Career Achievement Nominees - Joey W. Hill, Erotica; Leslie Kelly and Karen Whiddon, Series
Reviewers Choice Nominees -
Best Series Romance Novels: Harlequin Intrigue - Jessica Andersen, SNOWED IN WITH THE BOSS
Harlequin SuperRomance - Abby Gaines, HER SO-CALLED FIANCE
Best Historical Novels: Historical Vampire/Werewolf/Shapeshifter Romance - Susan Krinard, LORD OF LEGENDS
Best Erotic Romance & Erotica novels:Paranormal/Fantasy/Sci-Fi Erotic Romance - Joey W. Hill, BELOVED VAMPIRE
Erotic Romance Historical - Kate Pearce, SIMPLY WICKED
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Best Urban Fantasy: Urban Fantasy Novel - DD Barant, DYING BITES; Diana Pharoah Francis, BITTER NIGHT
Urban Fantasy Protagonist - Marjorie M. Liu, DARKNESS CALLS; Nalini Singh, ANGELS' BLOOD
Best Contemporary & Paranormal Romance:Futuristic/Fantasy Romance - Robin D. Owens, ECHOES IN THE DARK
Shapeshifter Romance - Marjorie M. Liu, THE FIRE KING
Paranormal Action Adventure Romance - Shannon K. Butcher, BURNING ALIVE; Nalini Singh, BRANDED BY FIRE
Paranormal Fiction - Dakota Cassidy, KISS & HELL
Best Romantic Suspense/Intrigue Novels: Romantic Intrigue - Shannon K. Butcher, LOVE YOU TO DEATH |
| *Correction* In November's Agency News section, we mistakenly reported that Rachel Caine's title FADE OUT hit the New York Times list at #7. It was the MORGANVILLE VAMPIRES series that made that bestseller list. However, FADE OUT did debut at #107 on the USA Today bestseller list. |
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QUESTION: What is one of your favorite books to give during the holiday season, and what was one of the best books you ever received as a present?
DEIDRE KNIGHT: My favorite book to give for Christmas—I don’t have any single favorite, but what I love is figuring out a book that will specifically appeal to the recipient. Something that reflects their interests or a book I loved and know will speak to them. For instance, I recently read THE WAR OF ART by Steven Pressfield, a nonfiction book that helps writers with writers block in its many guises. Naturally I thought of about ten different people who needed that book and bought multiple copies on the spot. |
LUCIENNE DIVER: I love to give books to middle-grade and teen readers. No one does enthusiasm like a kid. My son is right now addicted to Rick Riordan's PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS series; my niece is a huge TWILIGHT fan, so I’m having a good time turning her on to all the other great YA series out there: Rachel Caine's MORGANVILLE VAMPIRES, Richelle Mead's VAMPIRE ACADEMY, Rosemary Clement-Moore's MAGGIE QUINN: GIRL VS. EVIL and THE SPENDOR FALLS. Books were my best friends growing up, and giving them is like giving the gift of love, imagination, escape and romance all in one.
The best book I ever received? I'm torn. One of my aunts gave me beautiful collector’s editions of BLACK BEAUTY and LITTLE WOMEN when I was a kid, and I treasure them to this day. However, I’'d have to say the very best ever was given to me by one of my authors, David B. Coe, when my son was a baby and my husband and I were going insane from lack of sleep. It was called SOLVE YOUR CHILD’S SLEEP PROBLEMS by Richard Ferber, M.D. and it worked like a dream. We read through it, found the description that sounded like our son, followed the suggestions and finally, finally, slept a full night (the first in five months). Consequently, there'’s a very special place in my heart for both the book and my author.
MELISSA JEGLINSKI: I love to give the LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRARIE books to my friends' daughters when they reach the right age. I remember my mother giving me my first Laura Ingalls Wilder book and being whisked away to a whole new world, so I love to share that experience. I must admit that as an adult, I don't receive many books--I think my friends figure I've probably read everything already and they'd usually be right. But a colleague once gifted me THE TAO OF POOH and it's a book I go back to again and again for insight and laughs. |
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CHRISTMAS PERIL
Co-authored by Debbie Giusti | Harlequin
Christmas bells ring with danger in these suspenseful holiday stories
"Yule Die "by Debby Giusti
It's hardly a happy holiday for medical researcher Callie Evans...until she discovers her ailing patient is her long-lost brother. And he's being watched by undercover police officer Joe Petrecelli. When the trio is abducted by a cadre of bad guys, Joe and Callie will have to fight to keep her brother--and themselves--alive.
"Merry Mayhem "by Margaret Daley
When single mom Annie Coleman unexpectedly arrives in Christmas, Oklahoma, police chief Caleb Jackson suspects she's hiding secrets. He'll be watching her closely. And his protection is just what Annie and her daughter need, as danger has followed them to their new home. |
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A MERMAID'S RANSOM
by Joey Hill | Penguin
A story of two lovers who could not be more different.
Daughter to an angel and a mermaid, Alexis has grown up in peaceful waters. So when her nightmares begin, the mer-angel has little idea what to make of them. In her dream is the loneliest man Alexis has ever met-and she's strangely drawn to him. Until the night her dream comes true...
Born of a vampire and a Dark One, Dante only knows brutality. And although he's the leader of the underworld, he longs to escape it. How better than to hold for ransom the Prime Legion Commander's daughter? But there's one thing Dante never planned on-the way Alexis steals his heart. |
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DATING OUTSIDE YOUR DNA
by Karen Kelley | Kensington
Special agent Roan Hendrix is a straight shooter with weapons and women, so he doesn't appreciate it when his boss throws him a curve. But what a curve. A half-human, half-Nerakian who needs a one-on-one crash course in how best to channel her powers. And while Roan's usually a master at separating business from pleasure, one glance into Lyraka's green eyes is enough to spark scorching fantasies of seriously close encounters with the tall, tanned temptress...Lyraka's trying not to mind the way Mister Macho Special Agent keeps barking orders, but it's impossible to ignore Roan's rough-and-ready appeal. The sensitive ponytail guys Lyraka grew up with didn't have a clue how to handle her outsized sex drive, but Roan looks like he'd be up to the task in every way. Better still, he never got the memo that Lyraka's human side makes her - ahem - 'special talents' even greater than the average Nerakian's...
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A HIGHLANDER'S DESTINY
by Melissa Mayhue | Pocket Books
JESSE CORYELL, a descendant of the Fae, is a man in search of his destiny. He's tried to lose himself in his work, taking on the worst mankind has to offer, but what he really needs to find is his true love. When he sets out to help a mysterious woman find her sister, what he gets is much more than he bargained for: battling an undeniable attraction to his sexy new client while fighting an ancient evil to keep her safe.
DESTINY NOBLE, abandoned by everyone she's ever loved, will stop at nothing in her desperate quest to find her sister. Authorities have declared Leah a runaway, but Destiny knows better. Her dream visions have shown her the frightening truth. They've also shown her Jesse. But finding her Soulmate could result in the most painful loss of all, when she's forced to choose between loving Jesse and saving Leah.
Jesse and Destiny race against time to save an innocent girl from a powerful ancient evil. Is true love their best weapon...or will they be required to sacrifice their own destiny? |
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