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Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Seekerville Welcomes Harlequin Love Inspired Editorial Assistant Rachel Burkot
Rachel, tell us a little about yourself.
I'm a Pittsburgh gal who followed the beckoning of the books to New York City almost two years ago to forge my way in publishing. No one who knows me is the least bit surprised I ended up working with books—I remember taking a book out to recess every day in grade school, walking the perimeter of the playground, totally absorbed in the world of whatever I was reading and completely oblivious to my classmates running around. The hopeless romantic in me has found the perfect home at Harlequin. (Nicholas Sparks has yet to write a book that doesn't have tears running down my face by the last page.)
Besides my obvious book obsession, I'm also a diehard football fan (and will always be loyal to my Pittsburgh Steelers, no matter how long I live in New York!), shopaholic with a shoe problem (particularly proud of my ability to walk around New York in crazy-high heels), eternal optimist (because life's just way more fun that way), country music lover (definitely went through withdrawal upon moving to New York and realizing that country music is the one thing you cannot get in this city) and family girl (so blessed to have the extremely close relationship that I do with my parents and two younger sisters, despite the 400 miles between us). That's me in a nutshell.
How do you like living in New York City? Was there a bit of culture shock at first?
Culture shock you could certainly call it! The biggest transition was adjusting from suburban city to city life. Things like relying on public transportation daily and expecting to wait a minimum of thirty minutes in line at the grocery store make for a very different lifestyle from what I knew growing up in north-of-Pittsburgh suburbia—not to mention the tiny Amish town where I went to college, which featured two stoplights, a coffee shop that closed at 8 p.m. and a Pizza Joe's, the hot spot of Main Street.
Day-to-day adjustments were hard, but the most difficult part was leaving all my family and friends behind at barely age 22 to make my way alone in such a huge, terrifying place. Early on, I definitely had a few panic attacks, along with crippling bouts of loneliness and homesickness, but coming to work at Harlequin every day is what held my sanity in place. My job quickly became a life preserver as I struggled to find my identity as a newbie New Yorker, as well as a constant reinforcement that I had made the right decision—that the initial struggles were so worth it. And the longer I'm here, the more I'm realizing that the opportunities this city provides are truly endless, incredible and absolutely worth taking advantage of!
What is a typical day/week for an editorial assistant like?
The awesome thing about my job is that every day is different. The variety of fun tasks I get to tackle is perfect for my high-energy personality. In one day, I might get to help an author with their art fact sheet, fiddle with back cover copy for a book, leaf through a manuscript for that perfect, attention-grabbing front sales passage, and work on a line edit. Plus there are copyedited manuscripts to go through, author changes to input, dedications to collect, covers and front matter to look over, revised proposals/manuscripts to check out, art briefings to attend, emails to answer or field appropriately, revision letters to write, contracts to input...and then reading to get to, when all of that is taken care of! I usually get a lot of reading done on Wednesdays because it's quiet in the office. I also find that I can often devote a big chunk of Fridays, as long as I've accomplished the big tasks for the week, to the slush pile.
Is there a busy season for the editorial department?
Because LI/LIH/LIS combined produce 14 books per month, without fail, the monthly workload stays more or less the same. There are times that are busier than others, right before due dates that hit us every month fairly consistently, but this "normalcy" in the schedule helps with prioritizing tasks and making sure nothing falls through the cracks!
Is it true editors clear their desks every December 31st?
How big is your slush pile over at the Harlequin, NYC offices?
Nothing short of scary. I currently have about 10 complete manuscripts to evaluate, another 10 partials and 20 or so queries and synopses. Yikes!
What lines do you work with/acquire for?
I'm technically the EA (editorial assistant) for just the Love Inspired line, but I do some work with LIH and LIS too. Actually, 3 of my authors write for LIH. I also work a bit on the single title side, with MIRA author Sherryl Woods and HQN author Linda Lael Miller. Additionally, one of the many, many awesome things about working at Harlequin is that I can acquire not just for the Love Inspired lines, but for any of Harlequin's imprints!
What would your advice be to aspiring Love Inspired authors?
Concentrate on telling a strong story well. Start with a bang. Grab readers' (but first, editors) attention right away, from the first line. Be sure the plot has a unique, interesting hook. Create relatable, sympathetic characters, especially heroines whom romance readers can identify with. Give them sufficient goals, motivations and conflicts, both internal and external. A particular pet peeve of mine is contrived or convenient plot devices—for example, having an accident scene that has no greater impact on the plot than making the characters finally realize their love for each other. If it takes a life-threatening incident for them to admit their feelings (when they're not thinking straight anyway), how are they going to maintain their relationship through the less dramatic, day-to-day ups and downs of life? These contrived scenes feel cheap and like cop-outs. Be creative. Be original. Stay true to the characters you have created.
Is true that you can really tell by the first paragraph, first page that you have a story you want to see more of?
No. There's just no hard-and-fast rule for how long it takes to tell if a story has potential. But it always takes more than a paragraph to sell me.
Is it true editors do most of their manuscript reading at home or on the subway?
Yes. As an assistant, I have more time at the office for reading than senior editors who have all the various day-to-day tasks involved in running a line, but I often read at home or on the subway too. Nothing passes a long train ride faster than getting absorbed in a great manuscript! And quite frankly, even if my reading load were manageable enough to get it all done in the office, I'd still be bringing manuscripts home. Because I'm still counting my blessings that I've found a job where the line between work and fun is often blurred—in fact, usually invisible.
What sort of settings and plots are overused?
Recently we've seen a lot of "renovating a house together" stories, as well as horse therapy ranches. We'd love to see some creative hero/heroine occupations (except for show business). And we're always looking for more Amish stories!
Is there anything particular? Any buzz word or theme that Love Inspired is looking for in submissions?
We're always looking for compelling, can't-put-it-down stories, no matter what the theme is. Unpredictability and fresh elements. Unique hooks and twists. (Great example: The Aristocrat's Lady by new LIH author Mary Moore, debuting in September! I don't want to give anything away, but the heroine has a secret that will keep readers turning pages—and keep the hero intrigued by her!) Relatable characters. Strong heroines. (Check out Hearts in Flight, a July LIH by another new author, Patty Smith Hall, featuring a heroine who flies planes for the Women's Army Special Pilots—no one can deter this headstrong lady from her mission!) High-stakes conflict for those suspense stories. (Stephanie Newton has a perfect example of this with her LIS out this month, The Baby's Bodyguard, which starts out with the hero saving an abandoned baby on a boat—and the stakes only get higher from there!)
Also, there are books on the craft that make great resources for honing in on strong conflict, character development and plot building. Two that I feel are especially valuable for writers, brand new and seasoned alike, are Thanks, But This Isn't For Us by Jessica Page Morrell (a detailed analysis of why your writing may have received rejections from publishers, with tips for strengthening everything from dialogue to well-rounded scenes and characters) and Goal, Motivation and Conflict by Debra Dixon (a thin volume that's jam-packed with clear guidance for how to give your characters believable goals, motivation and conflict for everything they do).
Can you tell us a little about the Love Inspired (15 years!) anniversary that is coming up in 2012?
Yes! We're very excited to be celebrating fifteen years of Love Inspired books and the tremendous growth that the line has seen—from 3 books a month back in 1997 to 14 today, from only contemporary to quite the range of historical settings from all eras and exciting, action-packed suspense plots. In 2012 we'll be celebrating with books by bestselling authors who have been writing for us since the beginning, as well as brand-new authors who we're very excited to have on board! There will also be top author reissues and special miniseries in all three lines. In particular, September 2012 will be a big month for LI. We'll have lots of top authors, and a few surprises ;-) Stay tuned. And get excited—we certainly are!
Thanks so much for taking the time to answer these questions, Rachel!
We're celebrating Rachel's visit today with Love Inspired giveaways by Seeker authors to random blog visitors. Do let us know if there is a book you especially want.
Winners announced in the Weekend Edition.
Glynna Kaye-Love Inspired-At Home In His Heart, Print
Ruth Logan Herne-Love Inspired- 2 three-book sets of Reunited Hearts, Small-Town Hearts and Mended Hearts,Kindle, Nook or Print.
Cheryl Wyatt-Love Inspired-Steadfast Soldier, Print
Tina Radcliffe-Love Inspired- 2 sets The Rancher's Reunion, and/or IOU for Oklahoma Reunion, Kindle or Print
Audra Harders-Love Inspired-Rocky Mountain Hero- Kindle or Print
Debby Giusti-Love Inspired Suspense- (2 prizes-one each)The Officer's Secret & Killer Headline, Kindle or Print
Janet Dean-Love Inspired Historical-Wanted: A Family, Kindle or Print
Missy Tippens-Love Inspired-A Family For Faith, Kindle or Print
Camy Tang-Love Inspired Suspense-Winner's choice of Deadly Intent or Formula for Danger, Kindle
That's not quite all. Today Seekerville is holding a 24 hour Love Inspired Read Me! Contest for Unpublished Authors.
Contest opens at 12 Midnight on Wednesday, August 3, 2011 (RIGHT NOW!) and ends at 12 Midnight on Thursday, August 4, 2011, Eastern Standard Time.
Submit your first and last page of an unpublished, completed manuscript targeted at Love Inspired, Love Inspired Suspense or Love Inspired Historical.
Five finalists will be announced on Sunday, August 28th, 2011 in the Weekend Edition. Those finalists will then be judged by today's guest, Editorial Assistant Rachel Burkot.
The winner will be announced on Sunday, October 2 at the launch of our Seekerville Fourth Birthday Party Celebration Weekend Edition. The winner will have an opportunity to avoid the slush pile and submit their first three chapters and synopsis of the completed winning manuscript to Rachel Burkot. The four remaining finalists will have an opportunity to submit their first three chapters and synopsis to Seekerville for an anonymous critique.
We request you do not pitch Rachel today in Seekerville nor ask contest questions on the blog. We do however ask that if you enter the contest you do leave a hi for our esteemed guest. No drive-by contesting.
Detailed rules for this contest are available on a special Read Me Contest tab at the top of this post.
Happy Wednesday, and again, thank you to Rachel Burkot for visiting, answering our questions and generously volunteering to judge our contest.
156 comments :
I love being first...unless someone has beat me to it.ReplyDelete
Welcome, Rachel!
We bought your NYC water boiled bagels to the party and plenty of Starbucks!!
Hey Rachel!ReplyDelete
Thanks for sharing your big city adventures too.
Tina - what? NDBC? (No drive by contesting?! Ha!)
Happy day
Would like to read any and all. Thx Seekers!
I'm in a hospital Room as we speak, with my Mom too. Drat.
Oh, what a great interview! Thank you so much, Rachel, for sharing all that info about your job with us! :)ReplyDelete
This next year I'm going to be a senior in college, and I have to ask: how did you get your job as editorial assistant? Did you see a job opening and send in your resume, then get picked for that opening? Or did you just send in your resume to lots of publishers and hope for an opening? I really would love to work at a publishing company as either a publicist or editor, so any advice on getting in would be SUPER! :)
And to the Seekers, I would love a chance to win a print copy of Cheryl's book or one of Ruthy's books. Thank you!
Welcome Rachel!ReplyDelete
Got the coffee pot all set for 3 a.m.
Would love a copy of Ruthie's third Reunited Hearts book or Missy's A Family for Faith.
Hi Rachel and welcome to Seekerville!ReplyDelete
You're one brave woman to leave home and go to NYC to follow your dreams! And I love the image of you on the playground, book in hand, your imagination running wild--reminds me of another little girl many (many!) years ago.
Thanks for mentioning Hearts in Flight--but I can't take all the credit. The Lord sent a fantabulous editor my way!
- VirginiaAugust 3, 2011 at 1:46 AM
This was a way cool blog post until I got to the contest part and then I almost jumped out of my chair! I'm so excited! I just finished my new ms and I wrote it for the LIH line, hoping for a chance. Now I get to at least send the first and last pages! Yay! I love Seekerville, what can I say???ReplyDelete
- VirginiaAugust 3, 2011 at 1:48 AM
Oh, *ahem*. Was that a drive-by post? Erk...ReplyDelete
Rachel, I loved your paragraph description of yourself! And good to know editors don't clear their desks off Dec. 31st!
Hi Rachel love what you wrote. When you mention similar story lines. I went through a stage where the books had the heroine had a child which just happened to be the heros only he didn't know and they meet again. totally different stories but seemed to be the same in one way.ReplyDelete
Oh I could imagine the change from a smaller town to NYC. I come from a smallish town no traffic lights, public transport or even McDonalds.
I would love to be considered for Glynna's new book as I have loved hers or Ruthy's although I have number one in the series. Same with Tinas I have her first one. (if thats allowable.) I just bought Debbie's latest last week and of course the March/april ones.
I have to say I LOVE the LI lines. some my favourite people are LI authors. (Jillian Hart and I are going to meet to try out the myth if two klutz's meet we will balance it out) Cheryl Wyatt and I are going to watch a cricket match together when she visits Australia.
Rachel, thanks for this great post. Your writing evoked clear images of your day and your work.ReplyDelete
I would love to win work from one of Seekerville's writers-- esp Tina, Ruth, Cheryl, or Audra.
NY Bagel. Gimme! ;)ReplyDelete
RACHEL!!!! G'mornin', Sweet Thaaang!
Oh my stars, I love it when the bosses come by. Is my hair good? Desk clean? Shoulders back? Chest out?
AND... I wore totally darlin' stylin' shoes JUST FOR YOU!!!
Great info, and don't you just wanna smack someone that there is NO COUNTRY MUSIC in NYC??? 'Sup wi dat? We need to protest. You lead, I'll follow. You even have Yankees that use country tunes to come to the plate... But no country music station. Bah.
I'm so excited that you're here! And yes, I'm hard at work, stop scolding... A Family to Cherish is DELIGHTFULLY MOVING RIGHT ALONG. Have I mentioned I love my job?
Okay, I'll stop prattling.
But I do. I love my job. And I'm psyched that you're playin' with us today!
Virginia, no, you're fine! The drive by just means you need to leave a comment to enter the contest. Can't just pop by, toss it in the mailbox and pray.ReplyDelete
We love hearin' from folks in Seekerville!
Jenny, I hear you. My next hero is a fireman followed by a preacher because I had a crew of construction guys/carpenters in the opening books and ya' gotta change it up.ReplyDelete
And then I'm toying with sheriffs and first responders after that. Because cops are hot. I'm just sayin'... ;)
Ruthy, I like sheriffs, they are cool so are drs or medical personel. (which is ironic when Im scared of Drs)ReplyDelete
Oh Wonder why no one seems to have a dentist as a hero! I actually like my dentist.
I have had a run on books with sheriffs or deputies but thats ok I have loved them as they are so different.
What a great peek into the exciting life of an editorial assistant. I'm just as curious as Amber. How did you land such a plum job, Rachel?ReplyDelete
And hey -- don't enter me for the contest because...ta da! I have all the books! How cool is that?!
And congratulations to Harlequin for seeing and then meeting the need for quality inspirational romance!
Thanks for being with us today and sharing a bit about yourself. Loved meeting you at the Love Inspired office in June! Janet Dean and I were the ladies in comfy shoes. :)
How fantastic to work with all the great people at LI! And aren't they lucky to have you. Yes, they are!
You mentioned the front sales package quote. Would it ease your load if authors highlighted the quotes they thought might work?
Thanks so much for buying THE OFFICER'S SECRET. Hope you enjoy the story!
Hugs heading to Australia!
Praying for mom!
Thanks for mentioning a new reference book, Rachel. Jessica Morrell's THANKS, BUT THIS ISN'T FOR US sounds interesting and informative.ReplyDelete
I love Deb Dixon's GMC! A must-read for all aspiring writers, IMHO.
Hi Rachel,ReplyDelete
So fun to see more about the life of an editor. I'm amazed at all you accomplish each month and I'm so proud to be part of the Love Inspired great line up of authors. Thanks for sharing.
Susan Sleeman
Hi Rachel,ReplyDelete
Thanks so much for sharing about your experience and giving some insight into the world of an editor.
Your job sounds like a lot of work, but a lot of fun. I think the opportunity to read a great manuscript and know that you're going to help someone achieve their dream of publication would be extremely rewarding.
Can't wait to see what Harlequin has planned for the 15 year anniversary!
Would love a copy of Mended Hearts or the Officer's Secret.
Rachel! Now I have a face for the name. I loved hearing you're a Pittsburgh girl. I live 3 hours north of Pittsburgh.ReplyDelete
I would have been so lost without your encouraging guidance through the book publishing process. Thanks so much for always being quick to answer my emails...even if my questions made you roll your eyes. ;)
I'm beyond thrilled to be a part of the LI family.
Welcome Rachel. Great post.ReplyDelete
Looks like lots of fun today.
Jodie Wolfe
Hi Rachel,ReplyDelete
Thanks for taking time out to be with us all in Seekerville today!
- Loves 2 Read Romance - LauraAugust 3, 2011 at 8:28 AM
Thanks for sharing with us Rachel! I haven't been able to stop by Seekerville for a while but it looks like I picked a great day to stop by!!ReplyDelete
I have a question for you Rachel, is there a certain college degree that helps you enter the editing field?
Good morning, Rachel! How absolutely wonderful to have you in Seekerville!ReplyDelete
Absolutely LOVED your account of life in New York City. LOL! I can't even imagine consistantly waiting in check out lines of over a half an hour! Our city is just under 100,000 folks and rush hour is BRUTAL! LOLOLOLOLOLOL!!
So much fun having you here today. Loved hearing you're active in the editorial process. Good for you; great for us!!
Oh wait! I just have to share how WONDERFULLY PATIENT Rachel is with all the silly questions newbie authors pose her.ReplyDelete
Like me.
I love Rachel. I really do!!
(She's worth all the chocolate in the world!)
Gosh, Rachel, your interview was fresh and fun like I imagine you must be, which leads me to suspect you're a writer as well as an editor -- true or false? I would think it might be true for most editors since editing goes hand-in-hand with good writing, but I have no idea. Do you know many editors who also write books?ReplyDelete
At any rate, WELCOME TO SEEKERVILLE!! It is SUCH a joy to have you here today, and I am so fascinated by you and your interview, it makes me want to sit right down and write an LI, which in my case, would probably end up being three of them since I tend toward 500-page books!!
And I SO admire you tackling the big city by yourself at the age of "barely 22"!! Something tells me there just has to be a story in that as well!
Thanks for a great blog today and God bless!
Hello Rachel,ReplyDelete
Thank you for telling us about yourself, your job and LIH.
Rachel, what a wonderful interview! Debra Dixon's book is must-have in my library. I have special place in my heart for LIH.ReplyDelete
Welcome to Seekerville, Rachel! How adventuresome and brave you are to have charged into the big city at 22! I've so much enjoyed working with you and Melissa Endlich!ReplyDelete
Hi Rachel, Welcome to Seekerville. Loved hearing your story and can just picture you around the playground and then transitioning to NYC. Wow. Talk about a great heroine with an interesting story arc.ReplyDelete
Thanks for taking the time to join us in Seekerville and for judging the contest. Hope you find some great winners for LI
I brought some cream cheeses and lox to go with those bagels. Thanks Tina.
Hi Rachel! You are one brave lady-I loved hearing about your transition to the big city and also your duties at Harlequin. I visited NYC once while in college and it was exciting but overwhelming for this TN gal. Regarding your pet peeve, I guess I'm in trouble since I love put accidents in my stories and see the hero/heroine in danger! lol May have to rethink my strategy. :)ReplyDelete
Oh, Rachel, you do indeed have a "dream" job, though I know it must be terribly hard to be so far away from your family. I live in Louisiana, but am from Ohio, and half of my family, including my siblings, are up there. It's very difficult, but I am beyond blessed to have my mommy (yes, I still call her mommy!) with me. I LOVE the Amish people in my old town. They lend such a wonderful, quaint atmosphere. I miss seeing the buggies and the straw hats, and the adorable children following after the mums!ReplyDelete
It's been a real treat to get an inside glimpse at Harlequin and a day in the life of an Editorial Assistant. Many thanks from the Seekerville readers and we hope you come back and visit!
Giving away Seeker books?! What a decision… of course, can you really go wrong with any of them? I'm reading Debby Giusti's THE OFFICER'S SECRET right now and am really enjoying it, so I'm up for KILLER HEADLINES, or a couple others I've been itchy about are ROCKY MOUNTAIN HERO by Audra Harders and WANTED: A FAMILY by Janet Dean. And Reunited Hearts sounds SO good, oh, and A Family for Faith… Just put me in the drawing for any of them. LOL (It's an acronym, you all!)
Hi all! I'm so excited to be featured on Seekerville today! Thank you SO MUCH to Tina, Ruth, Glynna, Missy, Audra, Janet, Debby and all of the other Seekers for having me on board today :) I'm thrilled to share a little insight into the editorial world behind the Love Inspired books and to answer questions!ReplyDelete
Oh my stars, bagel toppings arriving!ReplyDelete
Lox... Cream cheese... Ruthy-jams and jellies... chives... onions... cinnamon and sugar for you lightweights.
And I just grabbed a FRESH box from the Bagel Hole in Brooklyn, and fresh makes all the difference according to national bagel taste tests.
(National means NYC because no one else's taste test really matters. Just so you know.)
Grab 'em fresh. No dough softeners or preservatives, so fresh is ESSENTIAL TO BAGEL GREATNESS, but so remarkable as to be defined. Bringing in Leo's later (financial district) for lunch, their shrimp salad is A-STINKIN'-MAZING.
'Sall I'm sayin'.
Hi Rachel! Welcome to Seekerville! I loved hearing more about you and your job as an Editorial Assistant for Harlequin! I'm always impressed with how hard editors work. You all rock!ReplyDelete
We were in NYC for RWA. We took a tour, went to the Top of the Rock, cruised by Miss Liberty, rode the subway--had a blast. Times Square is a 24-hour neon circus! :-)
The contest is a terrific opportunity! Hoping for lots of entries.
KC, prayers for your mom.
I brought apple fritters.
Good morning, Rachel! Thanks for sharing your journey from small-town PA to the Big Apple. It took some serious guts for you to tackle NYC at such a young age. As one of those lucky new authors working with you, I'm really glad you did :)ReplyDelete
BTW--your optimism in the face of all that work is AMAZING.
Well, obviously the bagels are long gone, so going to make a NYC run for fresh deli fare.ReplyDelete
Good morning Seekerville!!!
Rachel -- About how many queries do the three LI lines receive each week/month?ReplyDelete
Audra, I second your comment--Rachel is worth MY weight in chocolate!ReplyDelete
And I had a bagel this morning in celebration of her visit on Seekerville-YUM!
Great interview! I'm also the oldest of three girls and love my younger sisters so much. We get along great. Plus, I spent most of my school days reading. lolReplyDelete
It sounds like you love your job. Thank you for sharing about it!
Welcome Rachel, thanks for sharing with us. I'm a big fan of LI and love to hear about the publishing process. What a great job!ReplyDelete
My best friend in college was from the Pittsburgh area. Her family took pity on this California girl far from home by letting me spend Thanksgivings with them. Years (and years) later I'm still impressed with how warm and kind folks from that neck of the woods are to visitors.
Go Steelers!
I have only three chapters left in Small-Town Hearts so of course if I'm picked I'd want Mending Hearts.
Okay, I've got my yogurt and my coffee, now I'm ready to answer questions :-) Though you're all making me want to run to the closest deli and grab a bagel instead. YUM!ReplyDelete
Amber and Kav: To answer your questions about working in publishing, my best advice is to apply to internships first. (I don't know anyone who got started in publishing without first interning.) Before I moved to New York, I applied online to dozens of internships and ended up getting a great one with two literary agencies that shared an office suite. So you can definitely intern at an agency and then end up working for a publishing house, or vice-versa. I learned so much from the agents I worked for, and when I started at Harlequin I got to see the whole other side of the biz--the fabulous world of editing! And every day, I'm continuing to learn from the best here :-)
Laura: I was an English major in college. I also minored in writing and communications. And I have friends in publishing who have various educational backgrounds: communications, journalism, even public relations. So there are a variety of routes you can go to end up in publishing!
Julie: Am I a writer too? I love writing very much and find it to be a therapeutic activity. I actually don't know many editors who also write books though--these creative pursuits are such time investments that I imagine anyone trying to be both a full-time writer and editor would need to give up sleep--and forget about having a social life!
Hey Rachel, it was an unexpected pleasure to meet you at RWA NYC. Okay, that sounds like I didn't expect to enjoy meeting you, LOL. The unexpected part was that I wasn't scheduled to meet you, but that's the way it worked out. :)ReplyDelete
So there's no country music in NY? Being a prairie girl, I hadn't noticed. I guess I was too busy looking up at the tall buildings and listening to the city static (horns, sirens, screams, heh).
I love your line, "Because I'm still counting my blessings that I've found a job where the line between work and fun is often blurred—in fact, usually invisible." I hope you'll always feel that way.
Since I was 14, my dream has been to write for Harlequin and while reading your post, the enthusiasm you show for this company glows like a lighthouse on a stormy night. It's drawing me closer...stirring the flames...reminding me of the manuscript I need to finish...Yikes!
Thanks for coming to Seekerville with such an insightful post. Have a great day!
Anita Mae.
Tina, great interview with Rachel.ReplyDelete
But the 'No drive-by contesting' comment took me by surprise. Seems that trip to New York had more of an effect that we thought. :D
Anita Mae.
Glynna: I mostly just get queries for Love Inspired, though I do get the occasional ones for LIH/LIS. Of course it varies from week to week, but my best estimate is probably 6-8 queries per week.ReplyDelete
6-8, well we need to step it up around here, Friends of Seekerville.ReplyDelete
Get those submissions going.
We want another first sale party!
Wow, Rachel! I can't imagine how many of us "readers" are so jealous of your job! :o) Sounds like it's very busy, but very rewarding, too. I enjoyed your interview!ReplyDelete
southernsassythings at gmail dot com
Hi Rachel! What a pleasure to read your interview. So refreshing to hear from an editor who is so optimistic and full of energy and spark. You truly convey your love for your work. I would have withdrawal symptoms without country music! Hope you brought some in the move to enjoy. Question: When reading a synopsis, what sells you on wanting to read the manuscript and what turns you off?ReplyDelete
I'd love a book from Cheryl Wyatt or Audra Harders!
Thanks for the great view into your life. How wonderful to spend your days doing something you love!
Hi Carol Ann, in a syopsis I like to see strong characters whose goals come across right away. Characters on a mission with interesting, believable motivation driving them from the outset. I also look for a unique story premise, something that catches my eye immediately--as I mention in the interview, perhaps some fresh, different character occupations. I also look for a sense of the characters' conflicts, what's going to be keeping the hero/heroine apart, to sense whether the author has a good grasp of romantic conflict and tension. Otherwise, the story's not going to be compelling or strong enough to acquire.ReplyDelete
LOL, Anita. No drive by contesting makes sure we stay a community here in Seekerville not just a freebie station. We actually LIKE to chat.ReplyDelete
Rachel, it's a pleasure to "meet" you here in Seekerville! Thanks so much for sharing your experiences as an editorial assistant--and especially the insights into writing for LI!ReplyDelete
Oh, boy, I am a seasoned veteran of LI rejections! But I'm so envious of all the fun my LI-writing Seeker sisters have that I just can't stop trying.
(Latest R was one of those ubiquitous horse therapy ranch stories--fortunately picked up by another publisher--AHEM!!!--and coming out this month!)
Maybe one of these days I'll find just the right characters for an LI romance, and just the right plot...
And write it just the right way...
Hmmm, what are the odds???
Thanks for the great interview! I loved hearing the details of life as an editor in New York. Thanks so much!ReplyDelete
Hi Rachel,ReplyDelete
It sounds as if you have a great job! You describe it with such enthusiasm. And I love your details about life in NYC--I visit there fairly often because my brother lives there, but I can't quite imagine living and working there.
I would love to win a copy of "A Family for Faith."
Do most of Harlequin's manuscripts come through agents? How do new writers generally break in?
Thanks so much,
PS I can understand your country music withdrawal. I had the same feeling when we lived overseas, which led to my iTunes addiction. I missed country radio so much!
Hi Rachel! I loved hearing a little bit about yourself and now I have a face to put with your name.ReplyDelete
I can so relate to loving books at an early age. I was the kid who read all the stories in my literature book ahead of schedule, then inserted a library book to read while my classmates caught up.
I was very excited to hear you are reviewing 10 full manuscripts and 10 partials. I'm one of the partials. :)
Love bagels!
Selena Fulton
I wanted to say hello to Rachel. Thank you for a wonderful, insightful interview.ReplyDelete
I started reading Love Inspired books about two years ago. When my mother was alive I ordered them for her in large print and she passed them around her Sunday School class of women over 80--they loved them.
Now I have begun to write a LIH but I'm short about 50K words to send a first and last page.
Oh no, not high heels. I loved them but they didn't love me and I fell over more than I stood up.
Have a great day in Seekerville and New York.
I love these kind of blogs! The background in how Love Inspireds "work" is fascinating to me! All those questions and answers were great to read! Thanks! I would love to have any of Ruthy's books, Missy's book (I never got to read that one!), Audrea's book or At Home in His Heart! What a great contest! Loved reading all the comments too. LI's and LIH's are my favorites! ValriReplyDelete
Hey Larissa, we do get manuscripts from agents, but many submissions I receive are unagented. Here's a link to our guidelines: LI: http://www.eharlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=559&chapter=0.ReplyDelete
LIH: http://www.eharlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1186&chapter=0
LIS: http://www.eharlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=919&chapter=0
Hi Rachel! You've sure brought some excitement to Seekerville!ReplyDelete
Not that things aren't always exciting around here, but there's just something about that breath of NYC air.
Your comment about moving to New York at "barely age 22" tilted me a bit - but then I remembered myself at 22. Touring Europe with just me, a backpack and a Eurail Pass. I think I need to remember myself at that age more often!
You really do have the dream job - thanks for stopping by and sharing it with us.
And of course I want to be included in the drawing, but it's hard to find a book in the list that I haven't read yet. Tell you what, just put me in for whatever, and if I already have it I'll pass it on!
It's great to hear someone who not only takes pride in their job but love it. The excitement bubbles through.ReplyDelete
Hi Rachel, Thank you for sharing. It's great to hear someone who not only takes pride in their job but love it. The excitement bubbles through.ReplyDelete
Still getting the hang of these blogs.
Hi Rachel! Congrats on being able to do something you love in the big city! I'm impressed with your high-heel wearing skills : ). When I finished college I went out on my own and moved to another country...didn't know anyone I would be working with. But what an awesome adventure...I loved it! It sounds like you have grown to love your new home, too.ReplyDelete
I was wondering what your favorite book is? I've loved reading from a young age, too, and it's hard for me to choose one...so maybe you have a couple of favs?
I'd love a chance to win Wanted: A Family.
Hi Stacey! Ah, the question every editor dreads: picking a favorite book. To me, that's akin to asking a surfer to pick a favorite wave! As I mentioned, I'm a huge Nicholas Sparks fan and have read 'em all (and seen all the movies). I can't help it--I'm a hopeless romantic! Very, very different, but my favorite classic is A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. I love the colorful, passionate characters and I can just feel the energy and excitement of the French Revolution in every page. Another favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird. I have a soft spot for coming-of-age stories, and as someone who grew up spending her childhood summers in southern Louisiana, I also have a great fondness for the South, and I easily connect to books set in that part of the country. Since college I have been very into women's fiction, and I could rant and rave about Emily Giffin and her 5 bestsellers and the deep, heartfelt issues they tackle, including relationships, soulmates, faithfulness, loyalty, motherhood, etc. I really could go on and on!ReplyDelete
What a wonderful interview, Rachel! Thank you! As a Jersey girl who loves NYC, I caught your excitement about the Big Apple. But as a fellow believer, I especially caught your sweet spirit.ReplyDelete
Thanks and Blessings,
Welcome Rachel!ReplyDelete
It's wonderful to meet you and find out all about your interesting job! If I were starting out all over again, that's what I would love to do. (Too bad I never thought about it when I was 20!! LOL.)
The Love Inspired line is my absolute favourite of the Harlequin prints. I'm just thrilled that they are doing so well. Quality books and lovely covers at a great price. What more could you want?
Will definitely be entering that contest!
Thanks for being here!
sbmason at sympatico dot ca
PS. As for the book giveaway, I've read a lot of them, but put me down for Glynna's, Ruth's, or Cheryl's. Thanks!
Good morrrrrrrning, Seekerville! Had to sashay over here from Facebook at Ruthie's suggestion, but I haven't had my morning coffee yet. Drat! Tina, is some of your Starbucks elixir still available?ReplyDelete
Thanks, Rachel, for this great peek into your busy life. I've never been to NY. Vancouver, Canada is my stomping ground and is plenty big enough for me... AND we have not one but TWO country music stations!
I'd be very happy to get my hands on one of Ruthie's books or Debby Giusti's, either a print or Kindle copy... something to read with this great cup of coffee. (Thanks, Tina!)
- Terri ReedAugust 3, 2011 at 12:26 PM
Hi Rachel, it was great to meet you in June.ReplyDelete
Love hearing how it works in the offices.
Exciting to hear about the LI anniversary plans. Thank you for all you do to make our books the best they can be.
Well Carol, the one thing you can always count on in Seekerville is the unexpected and JAVA!!! Leaded or Unleaded. Tea only if Helen is around.ReplyDelete
And you are right, Rachel held back nothing in her interview. Really gives you a taste for her job.
Thanks for the peek into your life! Sounds exciting, although it also sounds like you work a lot.
Would you be able to expound on the idea of starting with a bang? I've heard Harlequin editors say they don't want a "gimmick." How about an example from something published? Since these are emotional books, are you speaking of something that is not necessarily external?
Thanks for adding a visit to Seekerville to your to-do list.
Cathy, who would love a set of Ruthy's books
Hi Rachel! Glad you're enjoying your stint at Harlequin and in NYC. From a native New Yorker now transplanted, preserve your feet. Yes, you can do it at your age, but NYC concrete is very unforgiving. Don't wait until you have to give up heels completely. Carry your shoes (unless you're on your way to an event.) No one thinks any less of you if you do. :-)ReplyDelete
LOL, Patricia!!! Heel withdrawal.ReplyDelete
Hi Rachel:ReplyDelete
No country music in NYC?
Here's why:
You can thank Buck Owens!
As a reader, I agree with your comments about what needs to be in a story. I would ask for one more thing which I want to see:
The heroine needs to give the hero ample reasons why he should fall in love with her. Not just looks or hormones. Whatever she looks like, the hero should be thinking: "Don't let this one get away!" This should be independent from the GMC journey. It should be: "This heroine is the right person for this hero."
One question: "When does history end for Love Inspired Historical romances?" 1946? 1954?
Wish list: more books set during the Roman Empire.
P.S. I think I have all the Seerker books (that are available in large print format or eBook). I'm reading "Mended Hearts" and "At Home in His Heart" right now. I need to win more time in a day. : )
BTW: How come "Mended Hearts" seems to have a prologue that is contemporaneous with Chapter One? Befuddled! Is this a type 5 prologue? : )
Oh, I am so glad Rachel is answering your questions today, Vince, and not me.ReplyDelete
What?? No poems today?? I am bereft.
Hi, Tina! Hi, Rachel! Loved the interview. It was interesting AND informative.ReplyDelete
I'm a bigger fan of contemporary and historical romance, rather than suspense. Otherwise, I'd be happy to have a chance at winning any of them.
Thanks so much!
I definitely want the chance to win free books too!ReplyDelete
Selena Fulton
Hi, Rachel! So fun to learn more information about you. I can sure see why you do such a good job on my books. I also love Nicholas Sparks. He makes me bawl. But as a romantic, I hate that most of his stories end with someone dying. He makes me appreciate happy endings more. :) LeighReplyDelete
Thank so much for your links, Rachel. Your life sounds like a great chick lit novel! Congratulations on your successes. Maybe I'll meet you at a conference one day.ReplyDelete
Hello, lovely Rachel! It was so nice to meet you in NYC! I love shoes, too, but I'm afraid I can't walk very far in high heels. I wore my FitFlops everywhere when I was there. Thanks so much for your great post. Maybe one day I'll figure out how to do this. We're so blessed to have you at Love Inspired. Tell everyone I said hello, and yes, I'm going back to work now.ReplyDelete
Hey, Tina, what happened to the FOOD you went to NYC for?????ReplyDelete
I'm starving!
Great interview, and the contest sounds so intriguing. Can't wait to see what rises to the top.
Too fun!
Great interview! Really appreciate knowing what Rachel is looking for(and what she's not. lol).ReplyDelete
Thank you so much Seekerville for your great posts. I'd like either of Camy Tang's books. Already have several of the others.
Rachel. I love that you mentioned what you're heavy on because part of that IS MY FAULT!ReplyDelete
I was chatting with Mia Ross (Andrea Chermak) online yesterday because I've been construction/carpenter guy heavy! And even in the books without one as a hero, we're busily rebuilding Jamison, NY so they're there as part of the backdrop. (and yeah, they're hunky, but enough already!).
Oh my stars.
So my next proposal will be sheriffs. First responders. Gotta change things up a bit, and thank you for mentioning that so openly. Be it horses or handymen, we can't just keep replicating the same story.
Duly Noted!!! And I LOVE writing about sheriffs/cops. Men and women. God bless 'em all. Don't you just love, love, love a man in uniform?
Hugs to Whitney for reading THE OFFICER'S SECRET. You've got me smiling.ReplyDelete
Loved Mario Batali's Eataly on the corner of 5th and 23rd, near the flat iron building. I gave a shout out to Mario and asked if he'd stop by Seekerville. He's bringing pizza and pasta and all the gelato Seekerville can eat! Enjoy!
Mary Ann, waving to you! Good to see you, kiddo!ReplyDelete
Hey, Rachel!! So glad to have you with us today! What a fun interview.ReplyDelete
But I have to admit. We're die hard Atlanta Falcons fans here in my household. Have had season tickets for over 20 years. I hope you can still bear to work with me on books! LOL
Ah, Ruthy to the rescue. Shrimp salad is good.ReplyDelete
You lived in LA, Rachel?ReplyDelete
Were you close to Leesville? I lived there and then Fort Polk, an Army post where hubby was stationed for a number of years.
What an awesome interview! Thanks so much for taking the time.ReplyDelete
Rachel -- I enjoyed getting to know you a little better. I'm in awe of anyone who can walk in the super high heels in NYC. You're fearless and that's what you need, in my humble opinion, to be an editor these days so I'm not surprised you can do it. I haven't had the pleasure of working with you on much yet, but I look forward to doing so some day.ReplyDelete
I forgot to mention in my post that I would like "print" books! I don't have an ereader! I love the feel of holding a book! My mom was a teacher and taught all her kids to love reading! I've taught my own kids the same thing. Since they are all in college now, I guess I taught them one thing! Hey, DEBBIE, I loved Officer's Secret too! I've read every one of your books and enjoed them all! In fact, I really can't think of a LI or LIH that I've read that I didn't love! I guess that means that Rachel is doing her job well! All of your experiences in NYC sounded so fun. I bet all of you had a great time there! ValriReplyDelete
Hey there Cathy, by starting with a bang, I mean an attention-grabbing first line, first page, first chapter. I'm aware that often a bit of set-up to put readers into the story is necessary, but the less description/backstory, the better, in my opinion. Give the minimum, only what's necessary for readers to jump in! Also, get the hero and heroine together as quickly as possible. I'm especially drawn to funny, quirky or different "meet-cutes." Have them first meet in a humorous situation, an interesting place or by bonding over something they both witness, etc.ReplyDelete
A few examples of really strong openings: THE GUNMAN'S BRIDE by Catherine Palmer, Jan 2011 LIH: Starts with an action-packed chase scene with the outlaw hero on the run--straight to the heroine's window! DAUGHTER OF TEXAS by Terri Reed, Jan 2011 LIS: An intense beginning that combines danger and emotion, with high stakes from page 1, as the heroine realizes there's gunfire coming from her father's house--and he's inside! ROCKY MOUNTAIN REDEMPTION by Pamela Nissen, Feb 2011 LIH: An opening that immediately generates sympathy for the heroine by portraying her as destitute, wandering around in the snow after losing everything. AN ACCIDENTAL FAMILY by Loree Lough, June 2011 LI: Very emotional beginning as the hero, a widower, contemplates his own loneliness as he walks his youngest daughter down the aisle at her wedding.
Additionally, here are a few of my favorite first lines from Love Inspired books:
"At precisely one o'clock on a sunny September Saturday afternoon, Megan McGuire spied the pirate."—DREAMING OF HOME by Glynna Kaye, Oct 2009 (I'm intrigued and want to keep reading!)
"While 'Mac' MacCarthy hadn't counted on peace and quiet when he returned to his office, he hadn't anticipated an opera-singing cockatoo, either."—BLUEGRASS CHRISTMAS by Allie Pleiter , Oct 2009 (Hilarious! I can tell this story will have a fresh, fun voice.)
"The man and the two little boys stared down at the disheveled woman asleep on the big Ultrasuede couch in their living room."—THE PERFECT GIFT by Lenora Worth, Oct 2009 (Begs many questions that I want answers to!)
"When the bells above the door of the coffee shop jangled, Dodie Westerveld looked up from the latte she was making and felt as if the wind had been knocked out of her."—CLOSE TO HOME by Carolyne Aarsen, Nov 2009 (Yup, I'm in for a toe-tingling romance all right!)
"The first time Addie McCoy saw Nathan Browder, he was in children's pajamas."—"The Holiday Husband" by Annie Jones, part of BLESSINGS OF THE SEASON anthology, Nov 2009 (Curious…)
"The roses were perfect, and so was her plan."—A WEDDING IN WYOMING by Deb Kastner, Dec 2009 (Okay…I'm a sucker for roses! Come on, it's the quintessential symbol of romance!)
"Dr. Craig Macklin saw nothing but the massive creature before him, a huge, white and hairy Maremma guard dog beleaguered by a face full of porcupine quills."—WAITING OUT THE STORM by Ruth Logan Herne, July 2010 (Really, do I have to explain why this is a compelling first line?)
"The woman was crying."—THE DOCTOR'S PERFECT MATCH by Irene Hannon, Jan 2010 (4 words in, I'm already sympathetic to this heroine!)
"This is the second-worst day of my life."—A SOLDIER'S DEVOTION by Cheryl Wyatt, Jan 2010 (Why? What happened? What was her worst day?...you get the idea)
"Unemployed. Single. And out of brownie mix."—A VALENTINE'S WISH by Betsy St. Amant, Feb 2010 (This is just amazing.)
Vince: Ahhh, that video explains it all! And reminds me why I like MODERN country music, LOL! As for your question, LIH books can go up to the end of the World War II. Nothing more recent because, well...then it's not so historical, is it?!ReplyDelete
Debby: My mom's from Houma, Louisiana, a town about 50 miles south of New Orleans. Most of her family's still there, so I go to visit as often as I can. I absolutely love that part of the country—it's a whole 'nother world—especially compared to NYC!
- Caroline Faye PrivetteAugust 3, 2011 at 2:50 PM
Rachel, I love your enthusiasm for your career. I also love the sweet image of you as a little girl on the playground, absorbed in a good book! I'm thinking my teachers didn't allow us to take our books outside, or else I would have been sitting under the trees reading instead of playing hopscotch. What were your favorite childhood books?ReplyDelete
I'm so interested in what y'all at Seekerville have to offer today that I'm finally using my real name for a change!
Hi Rachel. It was fun to meet you in New York City. It was at the Algonquin Hotel and Tina introduced us. (I'm reminding you in case you perhaps were insanely busy and met about upteen zillion people that night--I was one of them)ReplyDelete
Interesting info on Love Inspired. I thought it was especially interesting that you can acquire for all the Harlequin lines. I've wondered about that. If someone sends you a book that you love but isn't right for your catagory but might be right for another one.
Thanks for being on.
Caroline: I'm not sure I was technically "allowed" to bring books on the playground either :-P (Ah, so THAT'S why I have nightmares of playground moms chasing me with volleyballs...and why I involuntarily flinch when a ball whizzes by me.) I read a lot of series books as a child--so I was basically destined to work on series romance books! I was sooooooo into the Baby-Sitters Club, Sweet Valley Twins and Nancy Drew!ReplyDelete
Thanks for this insightful post and the new info.
The fact that you have a reading obsession, shoe fettish, AND are a family girl - gee whiz, I like you already :-)
Is LI open to unique U.S. locations? Let's say...er...The Blue Ridge Mountains for example? :-)
Thanks for hanging out here and sharing your wisdom. I am NOT a city girl, so it's also night to read about that perspective too.
Don't be so hard on yourself, Ruthy.ReplyDelete
Carpenters are like cowboys with hammers instead of six shooters ;-)
Still cute!
Hi Mary, of course I remember you! And yup, if I get a manuscript I love but it's not for Love inspired, I could acquire it for another Harlequin line. I think that's a great testament to the importance of finding projects you're passionate about! Why should you have to pass up a story you fall in love with just because it's not for your specific line? :-)ReplyDelete
Rachel -ReplyDelete
Thanks for the examples of great first lines. And yes, I want to read them all (even the ones I've already read!)
Now I need to go back and re-read my own first lines...
And the buffet table is looking a little bare with all the action around here today. How about some fresh raspberries and vanilla ice cream for a mid-afternoon snack? Are the bagels all gone?
(And waving a big "hi" to Susan Holloway!)
Hi Pepper, excellent question and I'm so glad you brought that up! Love Inspired is indeed looking for unique settings--the Blue Ridge Mountains sounds like it would make a lovely environment for a romance.ReplyDelete
Mary Bailey came out of her alias.ReplyDelete
Welcome, Caroline!!
And Rachel, for all us Colorado gals, you have a history here as well, right?ReplyDelete
I ate it the food Pam.ReplyDelete
Wouldn't you?
I have to say, NYC is sure a busy, sensory overload city but they sure know how to eat. China town bakery, Little Italy. Good thing you NYers walk every where.
You're correct Tina, I do have a bit of Colorado history, though I don't remember it. I was born in Littleton (near Denver), and then I lived in 3 more states (California, Louisiana and Pennsylvania), all by the time I was 4 years old. So I just call Pittsburgh home because that's where we settled and where I was raised, but it is kinda neat that I got to live for brief stints in other states. Also, my family was very big on cross-country travel growing up. We'd pile the 5 of us into the cab of my dad's truck, hitch up our trusty pop-up camper and hit the road for 2-3 weeks every summer. I've been to 45 of the 50 states. (Good old camper's got me beat, though--it's been to every state except Alaska and Hawaii!)ReplyDelete
Ah, Rachel, that opening line from Waiting Out the Storm....ReplyDelete
Oh my stars, this is so much fun today, but Pepper, THANK YOU!!! You're right a hammer and a hardhat ...
That's not a BAD combo.
But I felt a NIGGLE of Ruthy-guilt when I saw that house rehab thing because I KNOW we've been rehabbing our economically challenged Jamison ever since Trent Michaels (dreamboat Reunited Hearts hero, Patrick Dempsey cute) came back to help the town.
But I got me a two-thumbs-up CEO ruler of the high tech universe hero in Mended Hearts...
And so stinkin' lovable....
Rachel, I'm so psyched by that awesome image of you in the truck! We love cruisin' in the truck and it's something most kids don't get to do these days, but we do it in the back fields to give them the 'feel' of bein' country kids.ReplyDelete
Because they'd arrest us if we took 'em truckin' on the roads.
Awesome image and I love your parents already.
I nearly laughed out of my chair when I read your comment about country music in the Big Apple - or lack thereof.
I'm in eastern TN - I don't think they sell any other type of music besides Country and Bluegrass 'round hyere ;-)
Nancy Drew? I read every book, and then reread them. My LIS roots run deep. :)ReplyDelete
Loved the first lines. Thanks for sharing, Rachel!
Waving to Caroline!ReplyDelete
The name suits you.
Would be a lovely name for a character too!
May I borrow?
What a great life! Thanks for sharing with us today.ReplyDelete
No country music? Country music is full of love and passion. How can you stand it?
I'm going to have my 18 year old son read this today. He's going off to college and a pretty good writer. He's focused on English and business. Do you have any suggestions for him?
If I ask him to read a blog post of mine he often looks at me and asks if that's the best I can do.
Thanks again for sharing.
I'd also like to be entered in contest.
Hi Jackie, if your son is interested in publishing, I'll give the same advice I gave earlier about getting a job in the business: He should try out internships to see if it's his passion. (I don't know anyone who got started in publishing without first interning.) If he's interested in business, he might find agenting an appealing career path. In general, agents are more interested in the sales side than editors. I had a great internship with two literary agencies that shared an office suite. Also, you can definitely intern at an agency and then end up working for a publishing house, or vice-versa. So basically, my advice is to learn as much about the industry as he can!ReplyDelete
Oh my goodness. What a day to almost miss! Thank goodness for a friend who cracked her whip. LoLReplyDelete
So good to meet you, Rachel. I cannot imagine moving to NYC at 22 or 52 for that matter. *shiver*
Loved the interview. =]
I forgot to look at the books--oops.
This was a great interview! I loved learning what Ms. Burkot does for a living!ReplyDelete
Please enter me in the giveaway!
crazi.swans at gmail dot com
Interesting post! I'd love a copy of Ruthy's newest book or any of Tina's books or Debby's newest! Thanks for the chance! (print form)ReplyDelete
For the thronging masses:
Deb supplied Italian from the "Eataly" which is just too cute for words....
So let's grab some Thai food to munch on for the dinner crowd. How about King Kheeo Wan pork and Kang Phet Chicken.
Is that something?
Basmati rice because nothing else is acceptable at Ruthy's House of Thai.
Hi Rachel:ReplyDelete
While she is not with Love Inspired, she does inspire love – of the edgy kind!
Here is one of my favorite opening lines from A Passion Most Pure by Julie Lessman:
"Sisters are overrated, she decided. Not all of them, of course, only the beautiful ones who never let you forget it."
This sold me on the book…one of the last books I bought in a real bookstore.
I, too, would like to see more variation in the occupations of the heroes. The hero's occupation often dictates the heroine's as well. The common problem is having two occupations that allow the hero and heroine to have maximum face-to-face interactions.
Handyman = heroine who works from home.
Cowboy = woman who works in ranch house.
Cop = woman who needs protection or who runs a doughnut shop. : )
Does LI have a list of occupational matchups to give authors?
I'd like to see:
Diving instructor = underwater archeologist
Geologist = forest ranger
Photographer = Grand Canyon guide
These matchups would make great cover art. I believe that authors should 'write what they don't know about but leaned about just before writing the story.' This way they are still full of enthusiasm from their discoveries which they can't wait to share with their readers.
Hi Rachel.I read your post earlier today but then had to run out the door to head in town. As I was walking up Fifth Ave., I was thinking of you and how brave you were to have attempted this move. The city overwhelms me and I've lived here for over 30 years.ReplyDelete
Thanks for sharing your answers. Your books in the schoolyard story reminds me of some of my students.
Tina, why am I not surprised you brought Starbucks? I think were it not for Starbucks I'd never have seen you at all at RWA.
Venti coffee of the day with room for cream.ReplyDelete
Yep. Good to see you Mary!!
Rachel, I know you are two hours ahead of me so you may be leaving the office soon..so want to thank you so much for giving us so much information and so much of your time.ReplyDelete
We are so appreciative!
I second Tina's sentiment.ReplyDelete
You really went all out on my question about first lines. So helpful! Not what I expected, either.
Thank you!!
Wow, Rachel looks soooo young! I'd love to know how she landed such a great job at such a young age. (I don't know if anyone asked that, because there are already 121 comments and I can't get through them all!)ReplyDelete
What a great giveaway and what a great contest! I've been lurking for quite awhile and just had to jump in and say you ladies are awesome!
Rachel, thank you!ReplyDelete
And Mary C. and Tina, I hear ya' on the Starbucks.
Love the place. I'm such an addict.
And I love that they are everywhere in Manhattan. Seriously, the need to cross a street is non-existent.
Oh my stars, my kind of city living!
Thank YOU, Tina, and all of the other Seekers for having me! Really, the pleasure was all mine :) It was so much fun to hang out with you all today! To everyone I did not get to personally respond to, thank you so much for popping on to say hello, and for your interest in Love Inspired. It was lovely to "meet" so many followers of the wonderful Seekers! I hope I've enlightened the editorial process for you all, and answered those burning questions to help you fine-tune the Love Inspired queries you're dying to send! I'll be looking for submissions from you all soon ;-)ReplyDelete
To our fabulous Love Inspired authors--thanks for stopping by and saying hello. Whether we've worked together on a book, chatted over email or danced together at Harlequin's RWA party, I am so blessed to work with such an amazing, talented and delightful batch of writers. Really, you ladies are a joy and a blessing, and the opportunity to work with you all is what gets me out of bed every morning and keeps the constant smile on my face (err…mostly constant)!
Now--I think I hear an R train heading south to Brooklyn with my name on it…catch y'all down the road!
Rachel, great to see you here.ReplyDelete
I know you said you're a pro football fan but do you have any college football teams that you particularly like?
No on the books as I have all but three (Glynna's, Ruthy's, Tina's latest). And, as I won the previuos books from these three wonderful people, I want to purchase the next one. However, if for some reason my name is picked anyway, I would be happy to give one away at the next GRW meeting.
I definitely will be entering the contest.
Looks like it's been a busy day in Seekerville. I've been lounging around with a book since my AC went out and was too hot to do anything - including sitting my laptop on my lap for any length of time. It's my b-day and I decided to have time to myself.ReplyDelete
Rachel, your pet peeve is my pet peeve. I hate contrived scenes. If it's realistic and moves the story where it needs to go, fine. But don't create drama just for the sake of creating drama. Make it fit the story!
I have some of the books listed, but not all. You could put me down for Glynna Kaye's, Ruth's Mended Hearts, Tina's Oklahoma Reunion, Audra's Rocky mt Hero, Debbie or Camy's books. I think I have the others. So, surprise me. :D If I win.
Hi Walt, I only really follow the NFL, but I do root for Notre Dame and Pitt--family connections :)ReplyDelete
WHOO-WEE, what a day in Seekerville!!!ReplyDelete
Rachel, I knew you had to be a writer from the sound of this post, so that's exciting!!
And, VINCE, you sweetheart, you!! Thanks for the plug for A Passion Most Pure -- that was really sweet.
Thanks for taking the time to do the interview today--and for mentioning The Baby's Bodyguard! It was fun working on that book with you :)
I love when Seekerville has editors for a visit. It's great to see a tiny picture of life somewhere else.
Hi to all my Seekerville friends!
Happy Birthday, Linnette! Sorry about your AC. Hope you've had a "cool" day anyway!ReplyDelete
Thanks for being with us today! It's been fun and informative. We love everyone at Love Inspired and are so grateful for what you do to make our stories shine.
HI Valri, thanks for mentioning THE OFFICER'S SECRET. Glad you enjoyed the story!ReplyDelete
Always good to see you in Seekerville!
Wow Rachel, you really do have a dream job.ReplyDelete
Having just been to New York for RWA, I feel like you described it perfectly.
All of the Love Inspired are fabulous reads. I can always find something to match my mood.
Thanks for the great post.
Hi, Rachel! Welcome to Seekerville. I'm sorry I'm late to the party. My internet has been down since noon. Thanks for visiting and answering so many questions.ReplyDelete
Ah! Promised I'd make it and I did! Though I'm late to the party. :( Hope you all had fun! Though from the comment load, I'd say you did. :)ReplyDelete
My "hello" to Rachel! I'm always so excited to see posts from editors, what a priveledge to read! (and one I will have to remember to come back to later, too late in the day right now. :)
Note for the Seekers, I would love to be entered for one of Ruthy's books. Kindle or print. Thanks! :)
Dudes! What a fun day! I'm totally bageled out, but loved every minute of it. And so fun to have so many folks stop by.ReplyDelete
Late night snack: Popcorn.
Fresh, air-popper. Not microwave. With REAL BUTTER and salt.
And napkins.
Yankees are winning 13-6...And Jeter looks like... well... Jeter.
My day is complete.
Thanks again for joining us today, Rachel! Great interview & lots of fun! (And so glad you liked the opening line of my "Dreaming of Home!")ReplyDelete
Rachel, thanks so much for playing in Seekerville today. Sorry I couldn't hang around much, it's fair time in Boulder County so my days are all work and maybe 6-7 hours sleep.ReplyDelete
Hectic pace, but bummer dudes -- it's not like I'm losing weight!!
Thanks for all the great pointers and suggestions for queries and opening lines. Gotta start with a bang and keep running with it.
You are truly such a sweetheart, Rachel. Prayers for all your own dreams coming true!!
Linnette, happy birthday!! Bummer about the AC, girlfriend! Hope you found a pool and dunked for a while.ReplyDelete
Pepper, the Blue Ridge Mountains sound absolutely enchanting.ReplyDelete
With your gift of writing for diverse audiences -- suspense, romance, YA -- I'll bet you could sculpt and mold Cracked Concrete Nowhere into a heavenly romantic getaway!
I love your faith in me.
Scary - but I love it.
Btw, we dont' have concrete around here. Dirt floors, remember ;-)
And I can't WAIT to bring the Blue Ridge to the printed page, in any form :-)
I'm late to the part, sorry about that! Thanks for being here on Seekerville today, Rachel!ReplyDelete
Linette - Happy Birthday! You need to come up this way - we've only run the AC for about 4 days so far this summer. Now the furnace will be another story come October...ReplyDelete
Audra - no one can lose weight at a fair. How many funnel cakes have you eaten?
Pepper - I think a Blue Ridge Mountains book would be great. I've read others with that setting, but not romance.
Well, Rachel, if YOU'RE excited, then I'm excited, LOL! You have quite the job; I enjoyed reading about it; thanks for sharing!ReplyDelete
New authors (to me), whose print books I'd like to try, include Glynna Kaye, Cheryl Wyatt, Audra Harders, Janet Dean, and Missy Tippens.
(I either have read and enjoyed the following authors' books already, or else their books are coming up soon in my TBR pile: Ruth Logan Herne, Tina Radcliffe, and Debby Giusti.)
I absolutely love LI, LIH & LIS books. I thoroughly enjoyed Rachel's interview...it's a keeper.ReplyDelete
I would love to be entered to win any of the books in print, except Debby's as I have hers already.
Thank you for the opportunity!
Smiles & Blessings,
Cindy W.
Hi, Rachel! Thanks so much for stopping by!ReplyDelete
The fact that you are an "eternal optimist" shines through in how you answered our questions. Sounds like you are having the time of your life -- what a great blessing from the Lord! :) I've never been to NYC, (hope to someday) but it was fun to take a mini adventure with you as you described your work.
Have a happy day!
P.S. I have only read Camy Tang's books and Ruth Logan Herne's "Small Town Hearts" is next on my reading list. So...anything sweet & romantic, if I win the drawing (Audra's or Missy's books sound delicious right now). <3 Thanks!ReplyDelete
Rachel, I love that you pursued your dream job--and in high heels, no less! Great interview, informative and fun.ReplyDelete
All the books in the giveaway look good--but I'm reading the book by Cheryl Wyatt right now so, if I won, I wouldn't need that one! (It's good!)
Great post today on Seekerville. I first got interested in writing romance by reading Harlequins, and still do to this day. thanks for a great interview.ReplyDelete
Great interview!! (I'm a day late--super busy day yesterday *sigh*) Rachel's replies to the Love Inspired questions were super helpful--thanks! ~ Since I'm a day late, am bringing Georgia Peach muffins to share--ENJOY!ReplyDelete
Blessings from Georgia, Patti Jo Moore :)
please count me in for a free book giveaway thanksReplyDelete
ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
First, I have to say that finding the Seekers is the best thing that ever happened to my writing career (potential and otherwise). I have learned so much and have found awesome reads and now, contest opportunities for free!!! The Lord is Good. Wanted to ask Rachel if she things the Christian Inspired future may broaden the general Christian themes to more specific Christian themes. I know that Julie Lessman writes about a Catholic family which is an awesome series but other publishers seem to hesitate unless it is the Amish religion. I do want to read Julie's new book, but I will take ANY book by these excellent writers. EileenReplyDelete
Rachel, thanks for some helpful info. I wish slush piles didn't exist, though. Oh well.ReplyDelete
Seekers, thanks for sponsoring the contest. I'm going to give it a shot -- see if I can avoid Rachel's slush pile.
My daughter graduated in May from Northern Arizona University in Elementary Education and was so stressed that she wouldn't get a teaching job! She has wanted to be a teacher since she was in elementary school herself! Fortunately she just got hired to be a 3rd grade teacher and starts school on Monday but this week has been setting up her room. It's SO fun to see her realize her dream. I love that having a "book/reading" area is one of the most important parts of her room. She & I have scoured used book sales for years looking for books that she could use for just this purpose! She wanted to have an area where her students could have reading time or she could read to them. I guess my love of reading passed on to my kids! YEA!! Valri email@example.com
Thanks for the birthday wishes!ReplyDelete
Hi Eileen, to answer your question, we are sticking to more general Christian themes in Love Inspired to reach as wide an audience as possible. The goal is to keep the stories relatable for as many readers as we can. Great question!ReplyDelete


text:
Directy CMF is a content management framework that provides basic functionality required for creating Web sites and publishing Web content. It makes it easy for developers to add CMS functionality to applications built with the ApPHP MVC framework. Key development principles for the provided set of bundles are modularity, usability, documentation, and intuitive coding. This framework is intended to be easily customizable, in terms of both the types of content used and the policies and services it provides. It allows to you extend the functionality of the base application with your own independent modules.
KADOS (KAnban Dashboard for Online Scrum) is a Web-based tool for managing Scrum projects. It provides screens on which the user can move a post-it to change one of the attributes of the post-it. It supports artifacts of the SCRUM method, but can also be adapted for other agile methods.
Open Semantic Search is a personal search engine that features full-text search, faceted search (interactive filters), tagging, annotation, and vizualisations (trend charts and, tag cloud, and word cloud) for documents, files, images, videos, tables, sheets, and news from different data sources such as file servers, RSS, databases, wiki, or CMS. It integrate Apache Solr with UI, connectors, semantic wiki for metadata management (tagging, annotation, and structured notes), OCR, and other tools.
The Collax Security Gateway is a Unified Threat Management (UTM) Solution for small- and medium-sized businesses. It includes an easy to configure stateful inspection firewall, email security features including anti-spam and anti-virus, Internet access control, Internet SSL interception, Internet networking optimization tools, Internet network fault tolerance, clientless VPN technology, and remote administration.
Solr-Connector-Files crawls and indexes directories and files from your filesystem (whatever is mountable to Linux) into Apache Solr. It features extraction of file contents with Tika, which extracts metadata and text form many document and file formats. It also integrates automatic text recognition (OCR) for images, photos, and PDFs using Tesseract OCR.
privacyIDEA is a multi-factor authentication solution. It can manage any type of authentication device. All common OTP (one time password) devices are supported, including Google Authenticator, eToken Pass, OTP cards, Yubikey, SMSOTP, and mTAN/mobileTAN. New devices can be added easily. Users can be retrieved from flat files, LDAP, Active Directory, SQL databases, and SCIM services. It can also handle authorization and writes all events to a digitally signed audit log, giving you basic AAA functionality.
KinderGate Parental Control features content filtering based on morphological analysis, a vast URL database divided into 70+ categories, download control, safe search, HTTPS support, and more. It provides high accuracy Web filtering with an extremely low false detection rate. It blocks resources related to malware, porn, drugs, abusive content, illegal materials, and other categories. It is widely used by schools, libraries, and home users.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Qualcomm overtakes TI in chip sales rankings
16 comments
PORTLAND, Ore.Despite the gloomy outlook for semiconductors in 2012, with more than 59 percent of the leading 157 semiconductor suppliers tracked by IHS iSuppli expected to suffer revenue declines, a few bright spots were highlighted by booming mobile device sales.
At the top of that list is Qualcomm Inc. (San Diego), which is expected to edge out Texas Instruments Inc. to take the third rank behind Intel Corp. and Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., which have remained the top two sellers of chips for years.
Also moving up in rankings in 2012, according to IHS, are Broadcom Corp., Sony Corp., NXP Semiconductors NV, Nvidia Corp. and MediaTek Inc.all of which are benefiting from strong growth in mobile device sales.
Qualcomm's sales are projected to grow more than 27 percent in 2012the highest growth rate of any top 20 chip makeraccording to preliminary results from IHS iSuppli's Competitive Landscaping Tool. As a result, Qualcomm, for years the world's largest fabless chip maker, has risen from No. 9 overall in chip sales to No. 3 in just two years.
"With its chips at the heart of countless cellphones, including Apple Inc.s marquee iPhone 5, Qualcomm has discovered an oasis of growth in the desert that is the semiconductor market in 2012," said Dale Ford, senior director at IHS. "This six-rank ascent in two years represents the biggest increase of any major semiconductor supplier in recent history."
Click on rankings table to enlarge.
IHS's chip supplier rankings are largely consistent with those issued by another market research firm, IC Insights Inc. last month. IC Insights rankings showed Qualcomm moving to the No. 4 position, ahead of TI, but behind Intel, Samsung and pure-play foundry Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (TSMC). IHS's rankings do not include foundries, which make chips on a contract basis for chip vendors, including Qualcomm.


text:
Make the Most of Your Time in Britain
Make the Most of Your Time in Britain brings you the very best of Britain with 500 great things to do, see and experience. Discover that many of the best travel adventures are right here on your doorstep; from Britain's unparalleled concentration of historic houses and gardens to the staggering beauty and dramatic diversity of its landscapes – not to mention the colour, dynamism and downright eccentricity of its festivals and traditions. Celebrate how the country has changed for the better – from cutting-edge new (and reinvented) museums and galleries to the glorious culinary revolution including all the best farmers markets, restaurants and spots for afternoon tea. Make the Most of Your Time in Britain celebrates all that Britain has to offer in this inspirational travel book that not only looks good but is great to read.
Wave goodbye to the misery of airport queues and baggage fees and Make the Most of your Time in Britain.
Now available in ePub format.


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Migraine and Psychiatric Comorbidity
Migraine and Psychiatric Comorbidity
Migraine is not a psychiatric disorder, although behavioral factors can critically influence the onset and course of headache episodes. Beginning in the 1950s, the conceptualization of migraine as a psychophysiological disorder by Wolff1 and others ultimately supplanted the earlier and purely psychogenic or psychopathological view of migraine based on psychoanalytic principles of psychosomatic medicine. Just the same, migraine disproportionately presents comorbidly with a variety of psychiatric illnesses. Identifying and managing comorbid illness is essential and can prove challenging in the treatment of migraineurs.
Migraine affects approximately 12% of Americans each year. It is 3 times more common among women than men (17.1% vs 5.6%, respectively) and peaks in prevalence between ages 25 and 55.2 Whereas migraine often manifests as an episodic disorder, migraine is now recognized as a chronic disease that persists or progresses over time as a function of biological and psychosocial risk factors.3 Depressive and anxiety disorders are recognized as modifiable risk factors for transformation of episodic (fewer than 15 d/mo) into chronic (at least 15 d/mo) migraine and for development of frequent and refractory headache resulting from overuse of acute medications (medication overuse headache [MOH]).
Individuals with migraine are 2 to 4 times more likely to suffer from MDD than are those without migraine. Lifetime rates of MDD range from 22% to 32% among those with episodic migraine and are as high as 57% among those with chronic migraine.4,5 Migraineurs also have a 3- to 4-fold increase in risk for bipolar disorder and for suicide attempts, even after controlling for psychiatric history.6
Among migraine sufferers, anxiety disorders are twice as common as depression, and migraineurs have a 3- to 5-fold increase in risk for various anxiety disorders compared with controls.4,7 Panic disorder, phobias, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are most common among migraineurs, although there is growing interest among researchers and clinicians in comorbidity with PTSD.7 Rates of depression, sui-cide attempts, and anxiety are most common among those who have greater headache frequency, those with aura symptoms, and those who seek treatment.
The temporal relationship between migraine and depression is bidirectional—either disorder increases the subsequent risk of developing the other. This bidirectional relationship appears unique to migraine, because depression typically occurs subsequent to onset of other severe headache diagnoses.8 Some evidence suggests that panic disorder and migraine also occur bidirectionally.9 However, depression is rarely present without anxiety among migraineurs, and among those with both diagnoses, the anxiety disorder typically predates depression.10 The patterning of these relationships indicates that depression and anxiety observed among migraineurs are not merely reactions to living with this chronic pain condition.
This article presents recent research highlighting increased rates of comorbid psychiatric disorders among migraine patients and reviews the impact of these comorbidities on migraine management and mechanistic hypotheses.
All migraine patients should be screened for depression and anxiety at a minimum. Management of both migraine and the psychiatric condition often requires separate agents to target each individually or supplementation with behavioral therapies.


text:
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- 58 years of experience
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Bipolar Disorder
Get the facts about bipolar disorder, including the different types and symptoms of each.
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About Dr. Arthur Morgan Jr
Dr. Arthur Morgan Jr, MD is a Doctor primarily located in Santa Clara, UT. He has 58 years of experience. His specialties include Psychiatry. Dr. Morgan is affiliated with Dixie Regional Medical Center East Campus. He speaks English.
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A psychiatrist is a doctor with specific training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.
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text:
Your Views: Why couldn't Janesville School District get handbook done on time?
Last April 15, Janesville School District teachers had to decide whether to sign contracts.
That wasn't an easy decision for many. The problem they faced was that there was no information provided to them about the next year's benefits—salary, insurance and working conditions. That information was to be provided in a "handbook," which the district knew it had to create for more than two years.
More than 400 Wisconsin school districts created local handbooks in just a few months after the contentious Act 10 was enacted in 2011. But because Janesville had a three-year contract in place, the district's handbook wasn't needed until this past spring.
But the Janesville district just couldn't get the job done.
This, of course, has caused problems. A school board member, when advised that senior teachers might be forced to retire to protect earned benefits or others were frustrated enough to resign and seek employment elsewhere, stated, Let them—we can easily find replacements.
Yet replacements—more than 100 were needed—were not found in all cases by the time school started. And is it really a victory for education in Janesville when large numbers of experienced teachers are replaced by just-out-of college teachers?
I am left wondering why the district was unable to meet a reasonable deadline when officials knew that their inaction would negatively affect so many people. What has the district leadership been spending its time on for the past two years that could be more important?


text:
Authorities report seizing pounds of drugs in bust near Janesville airport
JANESVILLE—Sheriff's deputies stopped a car on South Highway 51 Wednesday and reported confiscating two pounds of an ecstasy-like drug whose precise chemical makeup is not clear and whose origin might be China.
The drug has a value of $32,000, according to a news release from the Rock County Sheriff's Office.
Allen A. Strzyzykowski, 23, of 1731 S. Crosby Ave., Janesville, was charged in Rock County Court on Friday with possession with intent to deliver non-narcotics/methylone and possession of marijuana.
Working off a tip from federal authorities and a Washington County detective, the sheriff's office trailed Strzyzykowski on Wednesday, according to a criminal complaint.
The tip was that a man arrested earlier that day on a federal warrant in a previous investigation was to meet Strzyzykowski at Turtle Island, a playground in Beloit's Riverside Park to buy "crystal," according to the complaint.
"Surveillance units" trailed Strzyzykowski for more than four hours in Janesville, and at about 5 p.m. they saw a car in which Strzyzykowski was a passenger stop at a storage unit at 232 N. Crosby Ave., Janesville, the complaint states.
The car parked inside the storage unit with its hood open and then left and headed south on Highway 51.
Deputies stopped the car near the Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport, and a cellophane bag containing a white-tan crystaline substance was found in the engine compartment, according to the complaint.
The substance tested positive for MDMA, also called ecstasy, but in a past case the test was �positive for ecstasy when the drug was actually a chemically similar substance, methylone, sheriff's Sgt. Aaron Burdick told The Gazette.
Burdick said investigators believe the drug came from China.
According to a 2012 FBI news release, methylone is an analog of ecstasy sold under the guise of "bath salts" or "plant food."
"According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, the narcotic has been increasingly popular—particularly among teens and young adults—and, along with ecstasy, mimics the effects of cocaine, LSD, and/or methamphetamine," the FBI news release states.
Also found under the hood of Strzyzykowski's car was a small amount of suspected marijuana, the complaint states.
Interviewed Thursday by the DEA agent and Washington County detective, Strzyzykowski said the substance found in the car was not illegal and that it was Alpha-PVP, according to the complaint.
However, alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone was recently listed as an illegal drug in Wisconsin statutes, the complaint states.
The complaint also cites a phone call Strzyzykowski placed from the jail Thursday in which he allegedly said the substance was "the same stuff as last time."� Investigators interpreted that to mean a substance Janesville police seized in 2013, which tested positive for methylone.
A search of the storage unit turned up "packaging material commonly associated with the sale of illegal drugs," according to a sheriff's office new release.
Strzyzykowski's wife, Cassandra J. Strzyzykowski, 22, also was arrested Wednesday on charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of marijuana and maintaining a drug trafficking vehicle.
Both the Strzyzykowskis were held at the Rock County Jail.
Strzyzykowski had recently been placed on probation for possession of marijuana, the complaint states.


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Craig survives trip to Beloit
BELOIT—There's not a tougher place to play basketball in the Big Eight Conference than Barkin Arena.
The fabled gymnasium has been a house of horrors through the years for opposing teams as the Purple Knights feasted on home cooking.
Friday night, the Janesville Craig boys put all the Barkin mystique behind them.
Jerry Ngobi scored 17 points and the Cougars overcame six missed free throws in the fourth quarter in holding on for a 59-56 Big Eight Conference win.
Craig (10-8, 8-7) survived despite blowing a 19-point second-quarter lead.
"Every time we've played these guys in the last three years, it has been a close game, including double overtime the last time we played them," Craig coach Mike Miller said. "So I anticipated that they would make a run in the second half, and they did.
"And this is a tough place to play. It's just a different atmosphere than anywhere else that we play."
Craig seemed to be on cruise control by half. The Cougars led 33-14 with 1:25 left in the half on Nolan Maresch's 3-pointer and settled for a 36-21 halftime lead.
Beloit (11-8, 8-7), which played without leading scorer Andre Neal because of a one-game suspension for being ejected from a game at Parker last week, stormed back in the third quarter. The Purple Knights outscored the Cougars 22-11 to cut the deficit to 47-43 after three.
Kyan Pleasant gave Beloit its only lead of the game at 48-47 on a 3-pointer with 6:15 left to play, but Craig's Kejuan Green eventually gave his team the lead for good at 52-50 with a basket underneath with 4:48 left.
Craig had a chance to put the Purple Knights away but missed six free throws down the stretch, including three in the last 46 seconds.
"I know we missed some free throws late, but had we rebounded better in the first half, we would've been up by a lot more than 15 at half," Miller said.
"But we got a big lift from our bench tonight, including a couple of big 3s from (SanTrell) Payton and (Logan) Carlson, and got out of a tough place to play with a win."
Mike Murphy finished with 14 points for Craig, while Draylen Fair led Beloit with 15 points.
Craig (59)—Ngobi, 5-7-17; Maresch, 2-0-5; Murphy, 5-1-14; Smith, 2-0-4; Green, 3-0-6; Payton, 2-0-6; Carlson, 2-2-7. Totals: 21-10-59.
Beloit (56)—Fair, 5-3-15; Farr, 3-0-6; Barnes, 2-1-5; Cabrera, 4-0-8; Pleasant, 5-0-13; Hudson, 1-1-3; Fisher, 2-1-6. Totals: 22-6-56.
Janesville Craig���������� 13������ 23�������������������������������� 11 12—59
Beloit Memorial������������ 8������ 13�������������������������������� 22 13—56
Three-point goals—Craig 7 (Murphy 3, Payton 2, Carlson, Maresch), Beloit 6 (Pleasant 3, Fair 2, Fisher). Free throws missed—Craig 8, Beloit 5. Total fouls—Craig 13, Beloit 16.


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Turn any wall into an artists' studio with this space-saving easel! Beautifully screen printed, the hanging easel (20 in. wide x 26 in. tall x 4.75 in. deep) features a colorful dot motif and a blue chalkboard center. It includes a paper roll (12 in. x 100 in.), holder, safety cutter, and three colorful cups to hold paints or supplies. Paints and supplies not included. A perfect addition to any child's room or play area. Suitable for ages 3 and up.
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text:
Pointing the way
A graphic arts collection in the Kunsthaus Zurich? Hand on heart – how many museum visitors have taken the opportunity to spend an afternoon taking a look at a graphic sheet by Dieter Roth, a drawing by John Cage, a watercolour by Johann Heinrich Fuseli or the "Cabaret Voltaire" – a small red exercise book, that extends far beyond Dada Zürich: it transcends war and nationhood to recall the few independently minded artists who lived according to other ideals (Hugo Ball). The study room, only two minutes away from the main entrance, also offers the opportunity to access many collections via the Internet, databases and library; to compare the different images encountered and to enjoy the friendly uncomplicated atmosphere created by the curators Mirjam Varadinis and Bernhard von Waldkirch together with the technical and administrative assistant Armin Simon. Today we find ourselves looking back over a long journey that began almost exactly 215 years ago when a group of art lovers and friends joined together and initiated a project that resulted in the creation of the first "Malerbuch". Who could have imagined then that a few hasty sketches without any conceptual foundation would evolve into a twenty volume book museum and the impressive collection of today's Kunsthaus. But this is exactly where the charm of the graphic arts collection lies. The developmental lines lose themselves in the flowing hair of the smiling Fortuna and as the viewer pauses to reflect they return with every stroke to their origins. The newly appointed curator has once again taken up the line of contemporary art, a tradition of this museum and one it is outstandingly equipped to follow. "The drawing is everything!" As a sculptor, painter, draughtsman and graphic artist Alberto Giacometti knew what he was talking about. Great art always holds the possibility of its own failure in view, makes it visible in its expression; what remains is the indelible impression of an impulse that softens the surface and shapes the world (of tomorrow?) anew.


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Some lap swimmers out a pool
JANESVILLE--The splash following a recent Janesville City Council decision to eliminate in 2014 evening swimming at a local school has some questioning public access to public facilities.
Night lap swim at Marshall Middle School—morning lap swim will remain—fell victim to an agreement signed in 2012 between the city and school district that has had "unintended consequences," Acting City Manager Jay Winzenz acknowledged.
A decision by the Craig High School varsity golf team to use the private Glen Erin Golf Club as its home course rather than the public Riverside Golf Course also became part of the equation.
Before the 2012 agreement, the city and district shared use of facilities and no money changed hands.
The 2012 agreement required the city and school district to set fees and charge each other for facility use. At the end of each year, one paid the difference to the other.
Former City Manager Eric Levitt, reached in Simi Valley, Calif., said he promoted the 2012 agreement to make program costs transparent and ensure that one entity didn't subsidize the other. The agreement included higher fees for the use some higher-cost facilities, such as the ice arena and pools.
When costs were compared, they were pretty much "break even," Levitt said.
Keith Pennington, chief financial officer for the school district, said he suspected city officials thought school programs had been using city facilities more than the city was using school facilities.
"Obviously, it didn't work out that way for them," he said.
Last year, the city paid the district $4,000 for the use of school facilities.
Winzenz said use would have been a wash if the Craig golf team had not switched to Glen Erin and had instead used a city golf course.
Winzenz said the city had agreed to sponsor the lap swim program before the 2012 agreement because swimmers balked at paying the $50-an-hour fee charged by the district.
The city was left to pay the $50 hourly fee under the agreement.
About 75 people participate in lap swim, and the district charged the city $25,562 for lap swim during the 2012-13 school year. When the council looked to make cuts, Councilman Matt Kealy pointed to the $334 subsidy per lap swimmer.
Swimmers also pay the city $3 per swim, or $65 for 25 swims, to help cover the cost of a lifeguard. Before the 2012 agreement, the city cleared about $1,000.
Some swimmers say the city and school district charging each other for facility use feels like "double dipping" because the same taxpayers pay for all the facilities.
Swimmers say the five large school pools are best for their sport. Other pools in the city—at the YMCA and a private athletic club—are too small and too warm.
Jan Compton has been swimming laps for 14 years, the last six at Marshall.
Usually, about a dozen swimmers attend and sometimes other swimmers must wait.
Compton wondered why other communities can offer better swim programs, noting the Milton School District's swim program is year-round and cheaper. Milton also offers family swim.
"I certainly understand there's a cost to run that pool," Compton said. "But I also feel that it's a pool that's going to be heated and lit and sitting there empty if we're not able to use it. It's a cost no matter what.
"Ultimately, we pay school tax, we pay city tax. You feel like you've paid for it once."
"Part of our frustration is, it just seems like there's not many of those programs available to the older people who swim who have health issues, and swimming is the only thing we can do.
"I guess, (it just seems), we should be a community."
Lap swimmer Jenny Wimmer lives next to Parker High School and said she often sees the schools' pool go unused.
"They're beautiful pools," she said. "The temperature is nice, they are well-maintained. And nobody's ever in them."
The Gazette asked the school district for details of pool use by students, but the only information made available by press time came from Franklin and Marshall middle schools. There, boys and girls teams swim after school until 5:30 p.m. from Oct. 14 to Jan. 30. Seven home meets during that period are scheduled until 6:30 p.m.
Steve Knox is a lap swimmer and a member of the city's leisure services committee.
"I look at it in a very simplistic way," Knox said. "If a person lives in the school district, and the person lives in the city of Janesville, and they are lap swimmers, they're going to be charged three times: in city taxes, school taxes and users' fees.
Knox said he believes the city and school district will work together to find some solution, and suggested the help of a facilitator to "make programs work together for the benefits of the community.
"Let's look what's right for the citizens rather than double-dip," Knox said.
After lap swimmers complained, Janesville School District Superintendent Karen Schulte wrote on her blog the district would "welcome the discussion as there could be opportunities involving all programs that could benefit all parties.
"The School District of Janesville is and remains a committed community partner and works to make our community a better place," she said.
The school district, for example, promised community members the use of new field houses in 2007 if a $70 million referendum passed to build them. The facilities are open to the public Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6 to 7 a.m.
Both district and school representatives have said they would meet again to talk about revising the 2012 agreement. Whether that comes in time to save night lap swim is unknown.
MILTON--Some lap swimmers wonder how Milton, a smaller community, can offer a better and less expensive program than larger Janesville.
Milton's one pool is in the high school.
But lap swim is year round Monday through Friday from 5:30 to 7 a.m.
Cost is $3 each time or $60 for four months.
Brian Hammil, Milton School District activities director, said the district is in its third year of a program created to manage school and community programming in school facilities.
The city of Milton does not have a department dedicated to recreation.
School-sponsored athletic programs and other local organizations as approved by the school board do not pay fees to use the facilities, according to the district website. Those groups often donate back to the district by improving facilities, Hammil said.
Non-youth groups, such as people sponsoring yoga or Jazzercize, are charged a small fee, he said.
Indoor school facilities are booked seven days a week during the school year, Hammil said.
The local youth Milton Marlins, for example, use the pool after the school children. Family swim is offered in summers when space is available. Adult volleyball is Wednesday nights.
The school district also owns Schilberg Park and rents out the facility for such activities as wedding receptions, graduation parties and tournaments.
"We're not going to make enough money to build a new pool," Hammil said.
But, "We want people talking … about how great it is to be able to use the facilities that we have.
�"That's just the kind of community we have," Hammil said. "The school district is the community center … That's where our investment is in.
"Our kids."
Last updated: 7:20 am Thursday, November 7, 2013