Posts Tagged ‘interviews’

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Introducing…Malle Vallik

Angela James | May 2nd, 2011

I had to take a hiatus from behind-the-scenes interviews for a month, but I’m getting back on track again, starting with my boss, Malle Vallik. When I intro my co-workers, saying positive things about them is easy, because it doesn’t sound like I’m sucking up. In Malle’s case, she’s the person who does my performance evaluations, so there’s no way around that ;P But it’s easy to tell you that I admired her before I ever worked for Harlequin. She has a tremendous reputation in the publishing community for her ability to get right to the heart of an issue and for being the “Oracle” and seeing what’s coming next. She’s been an editor, an author and a publisher (of Carina Press) so she understands this crazy business from all angles and she’s really good at disseminating that information to others. Also, not insignificantly, she understands and appreciates good food and good wine, so meeting up with her when I travel to Toronto or conferences where she’ll be is always wonderful!

AJ: To start, tell us your job title as well as what you do for Harlequin and Carina.

MV: I’m the Director of Digital Publishing for Harlequin. It’s a new position because the world of publishing is changing so much these days. I work with the traditional/print publishing  teams across Series, Single title, Non-Fiction & Teen to ensure strategic alignment and consistency between the print and digital publishing programs in North America.  I am also responsible for Carina Press.  In addition, I look for opportunities for Harlequin to innovate and be at the forefront of Digital Publishing including multi-media content and playing a leadership role in the development of digital self-promotion skills for our author base.

What this means is that I get to read a lot, but also look at all kinds of entertainment and imagine if this could be part of our business. My favorite part of my job is Carina Press because it is a business in high growth and experimental stage. I am so impressed with the passion, smarts and commitment of everyone involved with Carina.

AJ: What’s the most overused plotline or trope, in your esteemed opinion?

MV: I’m going to flip this. My favorite plotline is Beauty and the Beast because the heroine is so proactive. This is also why I like paranormals/urban fantasy (everthing from Buffy to Lilith St.Croix to Meljean Brooks); the women are so strong and the conflicts and plots so complex.

The trope I dislike the most, because writers don’t stretch it anywhere, INHO, is the high-school sweethearts who broke each others’ hearts and have never loved anyone as much since. Okay – although I don’t really buy the last part (it’s like peaking in high school, how sad). She/he sees him/her and it’s like they’re back in time, blah blah blah. For me, because the characters are still obsessing over this one love that got away (when they were 17!) they haven’t grown enough to have an interesting story now.

AJ: If you were on an overnight flight and you realized you were sitting beside your all time favorite author but could only ask one question before he/she fell asleep, who would you be sitting beside, and what question would you ask?

MV: Oh, how to pick? Shakespeare? Jane Austen? Georgette Heyer? Lois McMaster Bujold? Enid Blyton?

I have to say Angela has asked a really wickedly difficult question. And I am so afraid I would freeze and ask something really stupid, so I would fall back on this:

It’s Jane Austen. Apparently she is completely nonplussed at having arrived onboard a flight and that Sense and Sensibility is one of the movie options on board.

Malle: “Have you considered digital publishing? Carina Press is a new imprint looking for great voices….” Yes, I think I would pitch my favorite author.

What’s your all time favorite recipe? Can you share it?

A few years ago my resolution was to not cook for a year, and it was the best resolution I ever made! I got so much done. Cooking for one really makes no sense in an urban centre; it’s so much faster to pick up food or eat in a restaurant. And there’s no cleaning up! I am revisiting the resolution again this year.

However, I made a great pea soup with ham. The secret, unfortunately, is having an elderly Estonian gentleman smoke the ham in your smokehouse (yes, I have a smokehouse at my cottage) so that you can use the bone and ham in your soup.

I also barbeque a mean steak. The secret is in the correct use of timers. I watch my food when I barbeque it, and everything, the steak and the supplementary items (salad, vegetables, potatoes), are all on timers so I know when everything should be done. You still have to look at the food to see if it’s done, but the timers are essential. I do, however, have a friend who only relies on timers and her food is often raw because she doesn’t taste/look. You have to do both!

If I had enough timers I could solve world peace.

AJ: What are you reading right now? Do you read any of the Harlequin or Carina books?

MV: On audio I am listening to A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES by Deborah Harkness, which had amazing reviews in a slew of magazines about 6 weeks ago. I’m not sure. It’s interesting but a little slow going. I’m not yet convinced her take is that different from what’s been happening in paranormal stories for some time, but am willing to be convinced otherwise. Next on audio will be the newest Mercy Thompson book by Patricia Briggs. I started reading Julie Ann Long’s historical romances this weekend because of a review at the Dear Author blog, and am reading my 3rd book by her (I read WHAT I DID FOR DUKE, LIKE NO OTHER LOVER and am reading THE PERILS OF PLEASURE). I also just finished FALLEN by Michele Hauf, a Silhouette Nocturne. I do like paranormals and urban fantasy.

Books I am currently reading: A SONG OF SCARABEAUS by Sara Creasy,  ARCHANGEL’S KISS by Nalini Signh (both recommendations from me!), and UNSEEN by Rachel Caine. I read the majority of my Carina books at acquisition and most of my Harlequin books after publication. The great thing about being on the digital team is having access to digital files early. (this is so SO true)

AJ: Dark, milk or white chocolate? Or no chocolate?

MV: Dark chocolate! I still remember the day my taste buds switched from milk to dark chocolate; I felt very sophisticated. For the most part I prefer my chocolate plain and a quality brand, I also like chocolate orange (the Terry chocolate orange ball in particular), chocolate mint (After Eight) and chocolate covered cherries. I adore chocolate covered cherries and always buy myself a box for Christmas! Expensive chocolate covered cherries are awesome, but I am also happy with the 99 cent box you can get from Wal Mart.

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Posted in Carina Press | 11 Comments »

Introducing Edward Beauchamp

Angela James | March 21st, 2011

I owe an apology to Edward because this interview was supposed  to post last Monday, but I had a computer meltdown that morning and it completely slipped my mind. The first thing I must tell you about Edward is that he pronounces his name wrong. He says it’s Beechum. I’m telling you, I believe it’s supposed to be Bow-sham or something similar. But I suppose he gets to tell us the right way to pronounce it. Edward is one of the handful of males that works on the Harlequin digital team, and the one thing I’ve noticed is that they all have a fantastic sense of humor and are easygoing. I suspect this is the only way to survive when you work with a group of intense women. I always appreciate that when I email Edward and ask for help with something, or an explanation of something I don’t understand, he’s quick with an answer and the help. And yes, it is fun listening to him talk (see his interview below for the explanation of why).

AJ:  To start, tell us your job title as well as what you do for Harlequin and Carina.

EB: My job title changed recently from Digital Marketing Manager to eHarlequin.com Advertising Manager.

I look after the Harlequin & Carina Press affiliate programs across 3 different networks, single-handed. With over 3.5k affiliates already and more joining daily, I get my share of emails!

Aside from the affiliate program I also look after paid search marketing for Harlequin and Carina, and I’m also now running most of our single title online ad campaigns totally in house, mainly on the Google and Facebook platforms – so if you see one of our ads somewhere, there’s a pretty good chance I’m somewhere behind it.

In my spare time I try to come up with new concepts for ad creatives and new ways to get more visitors to our sites. I’m always on the lookout for new traffic sources to test ad campaigns on, and ways to improve on our current efforts. I’m very lucky to have a boss like Eleanor who is open-minded, gives me a lot of freedom and lets me try out my sometimes crazy ideas!

It would be fair to say I have a long-term obsession with internet marketing, web design and indeed all things internet. I’m never far from a computer! One day I’ll get around to writing a book about it.

Edward hates this picture. I don't know why!

AJ:  Do your friends every give you a hard time about where you work, being a man working for a predominantly romance publisher?

EB: Yes – I’ve heard probably just about every joke going about Fabio and all the stereotypes! I now avoid the inevitable ribbing and just say I work in internet marketing. It’s scarier being the gender minority in the office actually, I feel like an endangered species. I’m surrounded by women! (They’re all very nice to me though)

AJ: You’re driving in to work (or riding in on the bus or by other means), what’s on your radio or mp3 player during the drive this week?

Have to admit I tend to avoid Canadian radio stations, I can’t stand hearing pretty much the same 10 songs continuously repeated all day, for months on end. Like most people in the office I have a sometimes long commute so music and podcasts are a wonderful escape.

I have pretty eclectic musical tastes and listen according to my mood – on the drive in it might be stuff like The Editors or the Pigeon Detectives, and maybe the latest Sharam or Dubfire mix to get me home.  It varies, I don’t have a particular favourite band or genre though. If I’m not in the mood for music, I’m listening to football (read: soccer) podcasts from the UK, or otherwise audiobooks.

I’m open minded, I like discovering new bands and music – I’ll listen to pretty much anything once!

AJ:  What’s the first thing people notice about you?

EB: Only one answer there – my accent! Having moved to Canada from the UK (Salisbury, 80 miles south west of London), I get a lot of attention due to my British accent – particularly from women, to my wife’s continued general amusement. Always gets us great service in shops, banks and restaurants though, if I do the talking!

AJ: What are you reading right now? Do you read any of the Harlequin or Carina books?

EB: I have to confess I’ve never been a big fiction reader to be honest, even as a kid – regardless of the publisher! I’m a serial hoarder, and I own a lot of books, both print and electronic –but to most people they would probably seem jolly dull!

I tend to relax by reading non-fiction books about finance, economics, computers, the internet, internet marketing techniques – the area’s that interest me. I don’t tend to read books cover to cover although there are exceptions – I’ve generally always got 5-10 books on the go that I dip in and out of depending on what I feel like reading.

A sample of my favourite/current books on the go:

Soccernomics by Simon Kuper
The Search by John Battelle
When Genius Failed by Roger Lowenstein
Trillion Dollar Meltdown by Charles Morris
Kingpin by Kevin Poulsen
The Big Short by Michael Lewis
Accidental Billionaires by Ben Mezrich
The Accountants Story by Roberto Escobar

Like I said, probably rather boring stuff to most people!

AJ: Dark, milk or white chocolate? Or no chocolate?

EB: All of the above as long as it’s European! I’m a complete chocoholic. The chocolate in North America is very different to what we get in the UK though – and not in a good way.  Actually Lindt is good in Canada, that’s the same – but Kitkats, Twix’s and Cadbury’s here just don’t taste the same for some reason. Lindt milk chocolate would be my choice!

Edward’s cubicle area was quite bare when I was taking pictures, but in the true Harlequin spirit, he did have a Harlequin poster cover on his wall. Of course, his isn’t the usual hunky male, but instead a lovely lady. And who could blame him.

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Posted in Carina Press | 5 Comments »

Introducing: Carly Chow

Angela James | March 7th, 2011

Today, Carly is my favorite person because she gave an answer that allowed me to include a picture of a shirtless dude–one special shirtless dude who I happen to have a few pictures of on my computer. Pictures I have for…work purposes. Ha. Anyway. Carly is another of those quiet ones I talk about, who’s quiet and then has a sense of humor that sneaks up on you. Also, I have tremendous appreciation for Carly because I get to direct a lot of not-so-fun tasks her way (tracking contest winners, sending out prizes, etc. Also, she’s the one who had charge of the Carina holiday cards that went out to each Carina author this year, and she had to track down every Carina team member to get them signed. And live with the piles of glitter the cards left on her desk). But, as is the case with the Carina team members, she also does those tasks with an incredible cheer and graciousness, and you can’t help but be so grateful she’s on your team!

AJ: To start, tell us your job title as well as what you do for Harlequin and Carina.

Love this pic of Carly's cubicle

CC: My job title is Coordinator of Digital Commerce. It basically means I do a lot of marketing and publicity for our eBooks, both Harlequin and Carina Press. A sampling of my duties include: managing the Carina Press NetGalley program and reviews, overseeing the production and distribution of promotional items, finding new opportunities to market our eBooks at conventions, and managing relationships with our third-party vendors.

AJ: What did your mom say when you told her you’d be working for Harlequin?

CC: Her exact words (err, word?): Ohh, Good! (insert Chinese accent)

OK, so some context, before I landed my current position I was the unpaid intern in the Harlequin public relations department. And before that? Umm, also an unpaid intern at a different publishing house… And before that? I was an umemployed (and homeless) bum flailing about South Africa and Western Europe… And before that? Working a dead-end job for the City of Edmonton… And before that? A poor, poor English major.

My mom was so relieved that I found a decent and respectable job, so that she could (obviously) totally brag to her friends. :-D Kidding! (No, not really) Love you Mom! (AJ: Your mom sounds funny!)

AJ: What was the last book you purchased to give as a gift?

CC: Neuromancer by William Gibson. An old professor recommended it to me as one of the quintessential science fiction novels, I wasn’t really into sci fi at this point, but I gave it a shot. OMG, it was so fantastic. Science fiction is now one of my favorite genres to read and it’s all because of this book (seriously, go and get a copy). I gave Neuromancer as a Christmas present to someone and it’s now in their top 10 best ever list.

AJ: Whose job would you like to have for one day and why?

CC: I would like to be the person who “adjusts” David Beckham’s briefs in those Armani underwear photo shoots. Why? Uhh, because it’s David Beckham? (AJ: I knew I was keeping those pictures of Beckham on my computer for a reason. This post was it, I’m sure of it.)

AJ: What are you reading right now? What was the last Harlequin or Carina book you read?

CC: Like Eleanor, I’m not terribly faithful to my books. I like to read around a lot and I’ve been around the bookshelves a couple times. Currently I’m reading Outside In by Maria V. Snyder, the sequel to Inside Out, as my main book and I’ve got a little something on the side with The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut.

AJ: Dark, milk or white chocolate? Or no chocolate?

CC: I don’t know when chocolate is ever a bad idea. Chocolate bars, chocolate milk, Raisinets, brownies, chocolate cake, truffles, fudge, pudding…. It all tastes delicious in my mouth. (AJ: Knew I liked her. Beckham and chocolate. It’s like we’re soul sisters)

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Posted in Behind the Scenes, Carina Press | 11 Comments »

Introducing: Tara Stevens

Angela James | February 28th, 2011

It’s always the quiet ones, I tell you. On the Carina Press team, we have a few that qualify as quiet, but you know those who are quiet have the most hidden depths, right? And generally the most sneaky sense of humor. I think that’s Tara. Also, she remains unfazed in the face of embarrassing questions (I have reason to know, as I asked her something that made everyone else at the table with Canadian sensibilities gasp, and she didn’t even bat an eye.) In the office and on the Carina team, Tara can always be counted on to perform a task quickly and efficiently, be kind while doing it, and not shoot death-to-you-and-your-next-of-kin looks your way when you say “and can you do this too?” She’s a dream to work with! Add in that she’s our resident romantic suspense fan, but will also branch out and try new-to-her genres, and she’s an amazing team member.

AJ: To start, tell us your job title as well as what you do for Harlequin and Carina.

TS: My official title is Assistant Manager, Digital Commerce. It involves a lot of merchandising and marketing of our digital products – trying to find new ways to let people know about our brilliant books – whether it’s through websites, blogs, newsletters, podcasts or banner ads. I also oversee the creation of digital-first covers for Harlequin and manage relationships with our third-party vendors. Being part of the Carina acquisitions team keeps my creative heart happy because I get to write cover copy and blog posts, as well as brainstorm titles. There’s something deeply satisfying about a job where you can transform your passion for reading into a full-time gig!

AJ: What’s your favorite movie?

TS: Probably Annie Hall. Woody Allen has always been my comedic cup of tea and Diane Keaton’s is a fashion icon in this film. I should also mention the glory that is Gone with the Wind since Scarlett O’Hara is my hero and I’m named after her plantation!

AJ: Ever been embarrassed by something you’ve read?

TS: I think working at Love Central pretty much cures you of that! I still find it surreal sometimes to sit in meetings where terms like ménages and boning are seamlessly weaved into the conversation. It’s quite liberating in a way. Although I have come across some so-called sexy words I really wish I hadn’t, like pistoning. Ick. (AJ: see, I told you it’s always the quiet ones. Who else has managed to work ménages, boning and pistoning into their answers? Just Tara)

AJ: What is your secret vice you use to escape when the train jumps the track at work?

TS: I check out someecards.com. Very dangerous though, since it has the power to suck you in for hours on end. You can find a card for every occasion (and it’ll probably be hilariously inappropriate). Think what Ricky Gervais would say if he wrote ecards. My boss knows about it, though, so I’m not sure how secret it is… In fact, I think I got her hooked :)

AJ: What are you reading right now? What was the last Harlequin or Carina book you read?

TS: I’m currently reading Precious and Fragile Things by Megan Hart. Dark and disturbing, but also very gripping. I also just finished the Iron Fey books by Julie Kagawa and absolutely loved them. (For the record, I’m leaning towards Team Puck)  Next in my TBR pile are Great House by Nicole Krauss, Room by Emma Donoghue and The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Oh, and 100 Facts About Pandas (Christmas gift from the fella).

AJ: Dark, milk or white chocolate? Or no chocolate?

TS: I can’t believe I’m typing this, but none of the above! I’m going chocolate-free for the next month, painful as that sounds. I’m cutting out sugar and gluten for dietary/health reasons, but usually I scarf down any type of chocolate that’s going (preferably from across the pond – Dairy Milk’s Golden Crisp is my favourite, along with Flakes and Buttons). (AJ: I feel faint. No chocolate? No chocolate? I’m going to have to go have some chocolate now)

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Posted in Behind the Scenes | 10 Comments »

Introducing: Jenny Bullough

Angela James | February 21st, 2011

Jenny is one of my favorite people for a number of reasons. First, she’s super efficient. I mean like scary super efficient. She’s got spreadsheets for her spreadsheets and she’s always on top of things, despite the fact that she tracks about a billion details for all of Harlequin (and Carina) digital. Possibly she’s bionic, I’m not sure. Add that on to some super smartiness about all things metadata, and workflow and efficiencies and yep, probably bionic. Second, when we go out to dinner, I can always count on Jenny to share a bottle of white wine with me (neither of us are red wine drinkers like most of the others). It’s important to have someone to share a bottle of wine with. And third, beneath her efficient and organized exterior is a hidden sense of wicked humor, which makes her fun to hang out with and take shoe shopping. See, how can I not like her? Organization, wine, humor and shoe shopping. An irresistible combination.


AJ: To start, tell us your job title as well as what you do for Harlequin and Carina.

JB: My job title is Manager of Digital Content, which means I manage the production and distribution of ebooks for Carina Press and all Harlequin imprints and romance series. I work with the very awesome Amy Wilkins and Emma Cunningham to make sure that all our ebooks are made properly, and on sale and ready for download when you’re ready to buy them! But like a lot of folks on the digital team, that’s not all I do. I also sit on the Carina Press acquisitions team, and run our ongoing program of social media training webinars for authors.

AJ: You’re driving in to work (or riding in on the bus or by other means), what’s on your radio or mp3 player during the drive this week?

JB: I carpool with my husband, who does all the driving, and we listen to a couple of different top-40-type morning radio shows. To be honest I’m such a zombie in the morning that I usually kind of zone out until I get to work and drink that all-important First Coffee Of The Day. 

AJ: Can you read a submission where the heroine has your name/hero has your SO’s name?

JB: Well, very few romance heroes have the same name as my husband, so I’ve never had to answer that! But I have a fairly common first name, so I’ve had to get used to reading about Jen, Jenny, or Jennifer and her search for love. 

AJ: Who is your favorite author from the past? Present?

Ooh, that’s a tough question! I read so much across so many genres that I don’t think I could choose just one favorite. There are a few authors who are “auto-buy” for me – that is, I will buy whatever new book they have out, no questions asked, trusting that I’ll like it! A few of those are Deanna Raybourn, Laura Caldwell, Emily Giffin, and Sophie Kinsella.

AJ: What are you reading right now? What was the last Harlequin or Carina book you read?

Right now I’m reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. So many of my favorite bloggers and book reviewers have raved about it that I just had to pick it up!

The last Harlequin book I read was His Valentine Surprise by Tanya Michaels (Harlequin American Romance), when I was in the mood for a quick contemporary romance read. Before that I read Here Lies Bridget by Paige Harbison (Harlequin TEEN) – I guess I was craving a romance to cleanse my palate between YA novels! 

The last Carina Press book that I read, aside from those that I read as part of my work on the acquisitions team, was The Bartered Virgin by Chevon Gael. It’s a delightfully saucy Edwardian romance set in New York – a bit of a departure from the usual historical romance!

I must add that I love the opportunity to read submissions and report on them to the acquisitions team; I’ve read so many amazing Carina Press books that aren’t published yet – we’ve got some awesome stuff coming up this year!

AJ: Dark, milk or white chocolate? Or no chocolate?

I’m not much of a chocolate person, but I can’t say no to any chocolate with nuts in it. The mix of salty, crunchy nuts and sweet melty chocolate is irresistible to me — the darker the chocolate, the better. (Technically, white chocolate isn’t even chocolate!)

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Posted in Behind the Scenes, Carina Press | 4 Comments »

Introducing Amy Wilkins

Angela James | February 14th, 2011

Amy is one of the quiet ones who acts all quiet and unassuming on the outside but is actually

Amy's mousepad. I told you. It's the quiet ones.

brimming with wicked humor and ranty rants that come out and surprise you when you least expect it. It’s a lot of fun to see her get a really good angry on (as long as it’s not directed at you). She’s also so good at her job, that she started as an intern a few years ago, and when her time was up, the digital team wouldn’t let her go. I also don’t think she mentioned it, but she’s a huge fan of digital books, fantasy and sci fi and other geekery-type things.


AJ:  To start, tell us your job title as well as what you do for Harlequin and Carina.

AW: My title is Assistant Manager, Digital Content and Social Media. The main part of my job is managing the day-to-day production of all Harlequin and Carina Press ebooks from the very first step (checking digital rights for each title) to the last step (making sure the files get delivered to vendors). Harlequin releases about 300 ebooks every month, so that’s quite the task and Carina is a small drop in that bucket!  My favorite part of my job is writing “back cover copy” for our ebook exclusives like Spice Briefs and Harlequin Historical Undone—it’s a nice creative break from all the excel spreadsheets that run my life.

For the “social media” part, I manage two of Harlequin’s blogs (www.iheartpresents.com and www.paranormalromanceblog.com) and do most of the updating for the HarlequinBooks Twitter account. I also do author training webinars on how to use Twitter, Facebook, etc. with Jenny Bullough and Jayne Hoogenberk.

As part of the Carina Press acquisition team, I mostly do second (or third) reads on manuscripts and write more cover copy (yay!).

AJ: What was the last book you purchased to give as a gift?

AW: For Christmas I bought my boyfriend’s brother A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin. He’s the third person I’ve gotten hooked on this series. If you’re an epic fantasy fan, READ THIS BOOK NOW! Especially before the HBO series airs this spring and you get spoiled for some of the twists.

I also got my boyfriend’s sister-in-law Porn for New Moms, because I’m classy that way. (It’s not actual porn, so it’s safe to click that link at work ;) )

AJ: What constitutes a wall-banger book for you?

AW: **puts on ranty hat** I mentioned this in my blog post “When ‘Contemporaries’ Aren’t Contemporary” but my biggest pet peeve in manuscripts is when the hero/heroine are completely ignorant and irresponsible about the necessity of safe sex in contemporary romances (emphasis on contemporary) and get into TSTL (Too Stupid To Live) territory. Doesn’t matter if the h/h have known each other since childhood or he’s a tragic widower who hasn’t loved a woman since his wife or whatever — I lose respect for characters who are that irresponsible about their own bodies and future. Even worse is when unplanned pregnancy results from repeated unprotected sex and the hero or heroine react with, “Pregnant?! How did that happen?!” Dude, sixth graders know that! GAH!

(As a side note, kudos to Shannon Stacey for writing an unplanned pregnancy romance that doesn’t raise my hackles on this point with Undeniably Yours )

**ranty hat off**

AJ: What are you reading right now? What was the last Harlequin or Carina book you read?

AW: I’m reading a Harlequin Teen book right now: Outside In by Maria V. Snyder, a futuristic YA. The book before this one, Inside Out, was my favorite book of 2010.

AJ: Dark, milk or white chocolate? Or no chocolate?

AW: Dark chocolate. Especially from Soma chocolate.
If any of my coworker say “no chocolate”, I’ll disown them. (My sentiments exactly)



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Posted in Carina Press | 5 Comments »

Introducing Aideen O’Leary-Chung

Angela James | February 7th, 2011

Today I’m introducing the third in our series of behind-the-scenes interviews with Carina Press team members. Aideen O’Leary-Chung is an absolute whirlwind of energy and organization and she stays cheerful and pleasant, despite the fact that she has an enormous amount of things passing across her desk. Seriously, I’m not sure how she keeps track of all the things on her to-do list, because there’s a lot. Somehow, she manages to keep all those balls juggling in the air (I think part of it may be an addiction to her Blackberry even when she’s not at work). One of the quirky, fun things about Aideen I love is that, in every meeting, she takes notes. And they always look bizarre. I wish I’d captured a picture of them. She draws arrows, she writes sideways and in the margins. It’s a source of amazement to me that she can later follow what she’s written. But it works for her.

AJ: To start, tell us your job title as well as what you do for Harlequin and Carina.

AOC: My title is Director, Digital Commerce.  I’m lucky enough to work with a team of amazingly knowledgeable, efficient and creative people, and we’re responsible for the life-cycle of ebooks for Harlequin and Carina Press. So, everything from the initial scheduling, to the production, the distribution and the sales and marketing of all titles with ebook vendors rests within our team. For Carina Press, we additionally handle the cover creation and the marketing beyond etailer websites as well as participating on the acquisition team. (translated: Aideen answers a lot of emails and phone calls. Enough to make two grown men weep.)


AJ: What’s the first thing people notice about you?

This is how she spends a lot of her time

AOC: Wow, that’s a tough question! I really don’t know. I hope it’s that I’m friendly and open but I could be totally wrong. (I think they notice that her last name is “Chung” but that she’s actually the complete image of a good Irish lass.)

AJ: If you were going to write a book for Carina, what genre would you write and why?

AOC: Ooh…I’d probably be best suited to try writing contemporary romance. I am a sucker for clever dialogue, relatable characters, strong supporting characters that enhance the story without taking it over and of course, the inevitable, satisfying ending (I’m not saying I could deliver all that, but a girl can dream).  My next love is historical romance, but as I majored in ancient history and have a love of little-known, long-forgotten facts, I have a sneaking suspicion that if I tried to write a historical, I’d get lost in researching details and it would never get finished.

I have to admit that I came to Harlequin fully expecting to be a writer. It’s my deep dark secret – I was convinced by working here, I would be constantly inspired to write. What I didn’t realize was that there are so many great books available to read here, I can’t stop reading them long enough to write. As I’ve never managed to pull off writing a book myself, I think that my unrealized dream helps feed my passion for promoting our books and authors.

Aideen is also a proud mom to two boys!

AJ: What do you think are the elements needed for a blockbuster book?

AOC: Beyond a striking cover, a unique concept or unique spin on a familiar concept and a title that really captures your attention, for me, engaging characters are essential. I am prepared to suspend my disbelief on a lot of details if I already love the characters. Megan Hart and Deanna Raybourn are particularly adept at writing layered characters that

Appreciating good cover art

you just wish you knew.

AJ: What are you reading right now? What was the last Harlequin or Carina book you read?

AOC: With a run of travelling under my belt, I’ve just played catch-up on some titles and finished Undeniably Yours from Carina Press(love Shannon’s style), Society’s Most Disreputable Gentleman by Julia Justiss from Harlequin Historical and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.  I read all over the map.

AJ: Dark, milk or white chocolate? Or no chocolate?

AOC: Or chocolate daily? Daily would be my preference. In all seriousness, I actually dislike white chocolate rather intensely. Why do we need it? Why mess with perfection? White chocolate seems wrong both in terms of aesthetics and taste. In fact, I once got an Easter Bunny that was white chocolate and refused to count it in my tally of goodies. (I could actually hear Aideen’s voice in my head as I was reading this answer. Made me laugh!)

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Introducing Jayne Hoogenberk

Angela James | January 31st, 2011

I’d like to start off by saying I’m pretty sure I’m lucky Jayne is in a whole other country and that we have an entire month for her to forget about this before we meet face to face again, but look, isn’t she adorable? I think these pictures showcase Jayne’s personality, which is totally fun. She’s not afraid to be goofy sometimes, and when she’s frustrated, her mini rants are hilariously entertaining.

AJ: To start, tell us your job title as well as what you do for Harlequin and Carina.

JH: Manager, Community and Social Content:  I manage our online Community at eHarlequin.com. Together with a team of moderators, we facilitate conversations between readers and authors. I also create the content for our various social networking sites eg podcasts and videos and manage a team of social media curators.

(Jayne left out that she’s part of the Carina Press acquisitions team, which includes reading acquisitions and writing back cover copy. I’m pretty sure writing BCC is her favorite part of the job)

AJ: You’re driving in to work (or riding in on the bus or by other means), what’s on your radio or mp3 player during the drive this week?

JH: I typically listen to an audio book to help make my commute more agreeable.  If not then I’m listening to the CBC which is Canada’s national public broadcasting system.

AJ: What’s the first thing people notice about you?

JH: I’d love to say my scintillating personality but the truth is I’m actually quite shy. (she lies —-> SEE! )

AJ: What’s the most overused plotline or trope, in your esteemed opinion?
JH: I’m getting somewhat tired of the woman in peril theme.  Seems to me with so many women doing it for themselves these days, that it’s more interesting to see how they get themselves out of peril rather than relying on some guy…no matter HOW hot he is.

AJ: What are you reading right now? What was the last Harlequin or Carina book you read?

JH: I’m reading Sarah Mayberry’s The Last Goodbye.

AJ: Dark, milk or white chocolate? Or no chocolate?

JH: All of the above…with a glass of red.

(I know, I know, Jayne blew you away with her effusiveness. I had to edit down her huge paragraphs of responses to make sure it all fit in the post. But really, get Jayne in person and she is NOT shy–or short on words!)

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Introducing Eleanor Elliott

Angela James | January 24th, 2011

Every Monday, I’m going to give you a chance to get to know one of the other Carina Press team members, to give you a sense of the faces of Carina besides me. This is your chance to ask them anything you want about Carina, themselves or the books (questions about what it’s like to work with me are off-limits ;) ) The interviews are informal, some of the questions are sometimes a little kooky and the pictures were mostly taken with the subject’s great reluctance.

I’m kicking things off with the force behind the Carina Press website and ebookstore, Eleanor Elliott. One of the things I admire and think is wonderful about Eleanor is her ability to get to the heart of an issue, whether it’s marketing, website, commerce or an acquisition. Her comments are always insightful and targeted. Seriously. Amazing!

Eleanor Elliot

AJ: To start, tell us your job title as well as what you do for Harlequin and Carina.

EE: My title is Director, Harlequin Digital Properties & Social Media. In a nutshell, I’m responsible for engaging current and potential readers with Harlequin (including Carina Press) through our websites, blogs, email, and social media. Basically, spreading the digital love! I work with a team of talented people who market and sell our products on eHarlequin.com and CarinaPress.com, create amazing content (blogs, videos, podcasts, online reads), and talk to readers and authors through our community, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

For Carina Press specifically, I get to do things that I don’t do for Harlequin – and that’s participating on the submissions team, writing cover copy, evaluating covers…all that fun stuff.

AJ: You’re driving in to work (or riding in on the bus or by other means), what’s on your radio or mp3 player during the drive this week?

I have a long commute (2+ hours per day in the car), so I’m a big audio book fan. In the morning, I usually wait for the traffic report on the radio – fellow commuters will know how important that is! – and then I’ll switch over to an audio book. On the way home, if I’ve had a particularly insane day, I have to listen to some music first. If I have too much going on in my head, I lose my place in the book. I have pretty wide musical tastes, but two bands that I never ‘skip’ on my mp3 player are The Smiths and Everclear.

AJ: What was the last book you purchased to give as a gift?

Eleanor's Desk (that book was there for a month!)

Good Eats: The Early Years by Alton Brown, for my husband. My husband is a stay-at-home Dad, and has discovered a passion for cooking and baking. Alton Brown takes a scientific, yet whimsical, approach to cooking, which I knew would be perfect for my husband. (I’ve had her husband’s baking. Yum!)

The last fiction book I gifted was Lamb by Christopher Moore. I sent it to a friend in Australia. It’s one of my favourite books….it’s a satirical telling of the Gospel by ‘Biff, Christ’s childhood pal’. I think you either love Moore’s work, or you hate it. I love it. (I’ve heard this book mentioned a lot this past month. I must read it)

AJ:  If you could do one other job for one day, anywhere, what would it be?
For just one day? Hmmmm.  Ben Affleck’s secret paramour. Is that a job? (Not one your husband would approve of) No. Oh. Then, I suppose I’d be a judge on Top Chef. That would be a great gig.
AJ: What are you reading right now? What was the last Harlequin or Carina book you read?

Oh, now I have to reveal my secret shame. I’m a polygamous reader! I read multiple books at once. Right now I’m reading The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley, The Confession by John Grisham, and Dance of the Moon by Dan Furst (nonfiction).

View from outside Eleanor's cubicle

The last Harlequin/Carina books I read were (not including Carina Press submissions): Society’s Most Disreputable Gentleman by Julia Justiss [Harlequin Historical]
Dark & Disorderly by Bernita Harris [Carina Press]

6.    Dark, milk or white chocolate? Or no chocolate?

No chocolate? What do you mean by that statement? It does not compute. (I know, the people who say they don’t like chocolate worry me) The only chocolate I don’t like, is the kind with fruit in it….like chocolate covered cherries or chocolate dipped strawberries. No, just no. But, otherwise, any kind of chocolate works for me.

AJ: You can follow Eleanor on Twitter at @el_el

Thanks, Eleanor! Anyone else wonder how people can possibly not like chocolate? And how can you not like chocolate covered strawberries, Eleanor?

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Posted in Carina Press | 13 Comments »

It’s not just me

Angela James | January 10th, 2011

It’s easy, I know, to hear Carina Press and associate it with me, especially if you read this blog, attend conferences, hang out on writer’s forums, follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Someone once said I’m everywhere, and I suppose that’s kind of true. I do like me some social media!

So Carina Press has built a brand, and part of that brand we’ve built has developed somewhat around me, but there is a whole amazing team of people behind the Carina Press brand. People probably even the Carina Press authors don’t know are in the background helping out (Hi, Angela Hill! Hi, Lora Jaggassar!)

And, of course, because I apparently don’t have a shy bone in my body, I decided the rest of the team should also enjoy being front and center for a change (and they are REALLY excited about that, let me tell you. /sarcasm)

But it was important to me to introduce them and give you a chance to get a sense of their skills and passion for Harlequin and Carina. Because who’s behind the scenes should be just as important to all of you as who’s at the front. And I think it’s not just important to authors and aspiring authors, but to readers as well, because these team members are constantly thinking about you, the product you want and how you want it delivered.

To bring them front and center, I’m going to start featuring one Carina team member a week, every Monday during 2011 until you’ve met them all. I’ll share a few pictures I’ve snapped of them around the office, make them answer embarrassing interview questions and give you a sense of what they do for Harlequin and Carina Press that makes your reading experience richer!

So watch this space beginning January 24th and come get to know the team behind the Carina Press brand!

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