Guest Blogger, Robyn Grady

This month sees the debut of newest Desire author Robyn Grady whose Magnate's Marriage Demand jumped straight into this week's Borders/Waldenbooks Series Bestsellers' List in North America. Robbie happens to be one of the nicest people you could meet as well as a wonderful writer, and I've invited her along to chat about her brilliant debut year which has seen the release of her first Modern Extra, her first on-line read for eHarlequin, her first Desire and her first bestseller.

Bron: Hi, Robbie. I'm so chuffed to welcome you as a guest blogger. To segue from the opener about firsts, can you remember the first romance you read?

Robyn: Hi, Bron and thanks for the invitation. First romance.... When I was fifteen, I borrowed The Love Machine from my aunty's keeper-shelf. I still love that book, particularly the hero. All these years later, I understand that Robin Stone (the love machine) is an alpha, the leader of his pack, yet "unattainable", and for very good reason. From that book on, I was hooked. In my late teens, when I caught the city train to work, I would be so involved in whichever romance I was reading, I was worried that some day I'd miss my stop!

Bron: LOL. I read my first Desire ever (Private Reasons by Justine Davis) on a train and I had exactly the same concern. When did you decide to try writing a romance?

Robyn: When I left my television career, I enrolled in a uni degree and received great feedback and marks for English Lit. That teacher gave me the confidence to begin my journey toward Harlequin publication. The first book I wrote was Foolish Impulse, which sold to a small Australian publisher. I wrote nine more before selling to Desire.

Bron: I love that you didn't give up and pursued your dream of selling to Harlequin...and I know readers in their thousands will also thank you. How and when did you receive The Call?

Robyn: 5th December 2006. It's my anniversary month! But I didn't receive "The Call". I woke up to an email...in fact, three emails from my agent, who had taken me on the month before. The first said that London was interested in Dream Job, and New York were interested in Magnate. The next said we could expect an offer soon. The final message said that Melissa Jeglinski wanted to buy my book!

I fell off my chair, scrambled back up and shot off some emails. Then the phone began to ring, but from 11am the day was taken up with "final week of school" events. At 11.30pm I finally landed back at my computer and was greeted by an avalanche of congratulatory messages. That was just as wonderful as receiving The Email. I've saved every one.

Bron: What a day! Apart from that one, do any other moments in the last year stand out more than others?

Robyn: I'll never forget the moment Melissa Jeglinski said she loved the revisions to my first book. I was petrified I couldn't do them well enough and that she would realize she'd made a mistake. Which leads into another milestone: MAGNATE making the Waldenbooks Bestseller list this month! Something I'll treasure forever.

Can I have three milestones?

Bron: You're a bestseller; you can have as many as you want. *g*

Robyn: Coz another would be my first reader's letter. This woman had been educated at Oxford, worked in Nigeria as an International Project Finance Lawyer, and had picked up my book while holidaying in London. She said she'd been reading romance since she was 13 and had never contacted an author before, but there were few books she'd enjoyed more than Dream Job. After the initial rush, I wondered if someone was having me on! So I did a google search and, thank heaven, that law firm and lady were real.

Bron: Well, I'm not surprised to hear that you're getting international fan-mail. Dream Job, Hot Boss! has been released in the UK and Australia -- any news of an American release?

Robyn: Dream Job, Hot Boss! re-titled HIRED FOR THE BOSS'S BED, will be released in the States in March. Modern Extras (soon to be known as Modern Heats) are being released in the States under the Presents banner, and let me just say, my fellow MH authors are eating up the bestsellers lists!

Bron: I noticed and am thrilled for the authors and for the line. How are you finding writing for two lines? Are they very different?

Robyn: Perhaps the main differences between Desire and MX, in my humble opinion, are tone and handling of classic hooks. For instance, I love to weave a thread of humor through my MXs that won't be so noticeable in a Desire. MX hooks, such as "marriage of convenience" or "in bed with the boss", are developed in a manner that portray characterization and conflict in an ultra contemporary way, which will hopefully entice a new generation of readers as well as satisfy those who already enjoy HM&B romances. The relationship between a Desire couple, on the other hand, has a slightly more traditional slant. That's not to say that Desires aren't contemporary reads, or that the hero and heroine aren't equally matched. It's more about the unique promise of each line. I sometimes think of it as Pretty Woman versus An Officer and a Gentleman. Thank goodness we don't have to choose.

Bron: Ooh, my two favourite romance movies! I could ask if you're a Richard Gere fan, but that would be digressing. *g* Instead I'll ask about Magnate's Marriage Demand and the delicious Armand...

Robyn: Magnate is a story of revenge...revenge over past hurts, time lost and unspeakable regret. However, Armand De Luca prides himself on always being in control; he refuses to be manipulated, particularly by his own feelings. When he loses the brother he had barely known, he sees a union with the woman who carries his brother's unborn child as a realistic solution for everyone concerned. However, Tamara Kendle needs to be convinced. This quest, for many reasons, becomes Armand's greatest challenge.

Bron: How gorgeous is that golden cover...?

Robyn: When Desire emailed through the cover, I held my breath and shut my eyes. But when the image opened up, I was blown away! Not only was the cover beautiful, there'd been so much thought given to detail...the ruby rings...her cross necklace...even the halter-neck dress. To me, the couple on the cover are Tamara and Armand. HM&B in Australia used the same picture but have enlarged it slightly and draped their new crimson and sparkle banner across the lower edge. Just gorgeous!

Bron: What do you see as the essential elements of Desire?

Robyn: If I were to sum up what Desire means to me in just three words, they would be: Intense...but real. Expanding on that: Intense conflict, powerful characterization, sizzling passion and compelling drama, all delivered in a convincing, involving style. One of the best pieces of advice I received from an editor was, "Find the heart of your story then bring it out." I think that's especially true for Desire.

Bron: And the Desire hero...?

Robyn: A Desire hero is the man everyone turns to see walk into a room. He is commanding and powerful, but not merely because of his wealth and status. His true force lies in a natural ability to lead, and lead well. He protects those he cares for -- others depend on his intelligence and quick reflexes. But there is so much more hidden beneath the authority and effortless charm of a Desire hero. It's a worthy heroine who can ultimately bring out the very best in the man she comes to love.

Bron: You've also written an on-line romance for eHarlequin...

Robyn: I was thrilled when MJ put my name forward for an on-line read. At first I wondered if I could do it! I'd never written "short" before. I truly admire writers who can do it well. The first challenge was finding a premise that was appropriate yet slightly different. I pitched my idea to the eHQ editor, she loved it, and I was off!

These past weeks, I've had the best time joining in the MEDICI'S PREGNANT MISTRESS discussion. It's fantastic to meet and talk with people who are enjoying each chapter. I've made new like-minded friends, so in many ways the online read has been the pinnacle to a fabulous first year.

Bron: What's coming next from Robyn Grady?

Robyn: MAGNATE will be on the Australian and NZ shelves February 08. My second Desire, FOR BLACKMAIL...OR PLEASURE will be out in the States in March, as will HIRED FOR THE BOSS'S BED. My second MX/Presents will be released in the States in July.

Last month, I was offered a two book deal with Desire. The first, BABY BEQUEST, will be out late 08 and form part of the "Billionaires and Babies" series. This job just keeps getting better. *g*

Bron: Knowing how busy you are, I'm extra thrilled you found the time to visit and to chat about your books (and Armand.) Readers, do yourself a favour and check out Robyn's accessible and engaging characters (intense and real, does sum up the tone!) and the fabulous Sydney settings in Magnate's Marriage Demand which is in stores now in North America.

I have a copy of Dream Job, Hot Boss, Robyn's Sexy Sensation release from Australia, to give away to one lucky reader. Just tell us what you like to see in a (Desire) hero in the comments and I'll draw a winner next Wednesday. But wait, there's more...

Robbie also has a signed copy of Magnate's Marriage Demand to give away , so I'll be drawing two winners on Dec 19.

Labels: giveaway, Guest blogger, Modern Heat, Robyn Grady, Silhouette Desire