Author: Catherine

A white woman with brown hair holding books.
Marlies Sargeant, Reader

Marlies Sargent: Romance is more than transformation: A thank you note to Canadian romance authors

Catherine

By Marlies Sargent, Editor & Reader I love transformations. From home reno shows to romance novels, I can’t help but get invested in the before-and-after storylines. And maybe that’s why I love editing books so much. I get to work with authors as they revise and edit their work to make it shine. Lately, I’ve… Continue reading Marlies Sargent: Romance is more than transformation: A thank you note to Canadian romance authors

Lindsay-Anne Pontes, peeking over the top of her book Let Me Save You.
Lindsey-Anne Pontes, Author

Lindsey-Anne Pontes: From IEP (Individual Education Plan) to Self-Published Author

Catherine

By Lindsey-Anne Pontes, AuthorFind her on Instagram! Being slapped with the IEP (Individual Education Plan) label in elementary school put you in a “special” category, and this label followed me into high school. Though my IEP was for Reading and Writing and was given to me because I needed extra time when it came to… Continue reading Lindsey-Anne Pontes: From IEP (Individual Education Plan) to Self-Published Author

An image of M. Jacqueline Murray, a beautiful white woman with long silvery hair of indeterminate age but let's say over 25 for sure, wearing a bright red short sleeved top sitting at her desk in her office with the covers of her first 2 books superimposed beside her and behind them 3 hour glasses each featuring something from her books: in one a lighthouse, in another the Toronto skyline, and in the third a mountain.
Guest Bloggers by Name, M. Jacqueline Murray

M. Jacqueline Murray: From Technical Reports to Love Stories: My journey to romance writing

Catherine

By M. Jacqueline Murray, Author "How did a hydrogeologist end up writing romance?" is a question asked by my long-time friends who've known me since we were undergraduates in Earth Science at the University of Waterloo. The truth is, I sometimes wonder that myself. My journey from environmental consultant to medical marketing specialist to romance… Continue reading M. Jacqueline Murray: From Technical Reports to Love Stories: My journey to romance writing

An adorable clipart map of the apple farm with little apple trees dotted all over the place, some veggie gardens, harvest barn, cabins, a pond with a duck and, of course, the Worminator!
Guest Bloggers by Name, Jemi Fraser, Author

Jemi Fraser: The Fun of Writing the Small Towns in Small-Town Romance

Catherine

One unique feature of Bloo Moose is the life-sized moose statues that grace the boardwalk and businesses. Deputy Mooris hangs out at the police station. Elvis likes the view from the boardwalk. Michelangelo sports a cheesy moustache in front of Fortini’s Italian restaurant. Gill with his fishing gear and lures poses in front of Lachance Fishing lodge.

The beautiful profile illustration as M, the BookDragon surrounded by gorgeous photos of Canada's landscape from sea to shining sea
Guest Bloggers by Name

M the Bookdragon: Let’s Read and Write More #SetInCanada Romances

Catherine

The rising popularity of authors like Elsie Silver, Helena Hunting and Carley Fortune, who unapologetically set their books in Canada yet still reach readers around the world, give me hope that things are changing and I’ll get to see more and more proudly Canadian books getting the hype they deserve in reader spaces.

Fabulous Jenn Burke joyfully showing off her fantastic table at Northern Rainbow Romance Retreat in 2024
I forgot to categorize this one!

Jenn Burke: What are you doing this August? Come to Northern Rainbow Readers & Writers!

Catherine

By Jenn Burke, Author In late 2023, I heard whispering of a new conference specifically for 2SLGBTQIA+ readers and writers. Another event, GayRomLit Retreat, has long been the go-to event for folks who enjoy this flavour of romance, but it’s exclusively held in the United States, in various locations. This new conference, the Northern Rainbow… Continue reading Jenn Burke: What are you doing this August? Come to Northern Rainbow Readers & Writers!

A collection of Lindo Forbes 2 book covers (The Insufferable Mr. Fletcher and The Indominable Mr. Temple" with a teaser for a book with the codename "La Chismosa" and the tagline "Can you face your fears? Tropes are grumpy/sunshine and hurt/comfort"
Guest Bloggers by Name, Lindo Forbes, Author

Lindo Forbes: Looking back at how it all began

Catherine

How do you make a story interesting, raise the stakes, and make the journey worthwhile when the map is already laid out for you? When the beats - the set up, meet cute, turning points, crisis, and resolution - are so ingrained into the modern reader they know without knowing what to expect and when to expect it. As someone who - illogically, misguidedly - decided to take that leap, I am here to tell you, it’s not easy. First, writing a novel means coming up with names. So. Many. Names!