…Diana Peterfreund!
Who, you ask? Trust me, if you haven’t heard of her, you will. Today! And after today! And many of you before today because she has an amazing, informative, fun blog that many people visit. But mostly, you’re going to know her because she’s written a truly amazing book that I’ve already read cover-to-cover, but that doesn’t come out for one more week.
At the bottom, I’m going to give you links…make sure to follow them to her website and to read more about her book, SECRET SOCIETY GIRL. I’m holding off because I want you to read the blog first. :-)
Diana and I met under relatively odd circumstances. See, she was on a plane on 9/11 heading to New York City. The world fell apart and while it did, she was reading my book, EXPOSED. A few weeks later, she wrote me an email. Funny thing was, I’d stopped writing. I couldn’t justify my work anymore in light of the world falling apart. But she told me that my book had kept her mind occupied during her terrifying flight and subsequent journey to her boyfriend. I started writing again and we became friends.
There are so many weird kismet things about us…her hometown is actually about thirty minutes from mine. She was a reporter and ended up writing a feature article on me. She loves Star Wars and Harry Potter as much as I do. She’s a foodie! (Even did time as a food critic!) Even when she had her reporter hat on, I realized immediately that she UNDERSTOOD romance novels the way only another writer could. I encouraged her to give it a shot. Eventually, she joined my local writer’s group. I’ve watched her career evolution and I can’t be happier for her. So without further ado…
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When a Romance Isn’t a Romance
I adore romances. I’ve been reading them since high school when my friends and I used to smuggle Johanna Lindsay novels back and forth in study hall. In college and beyond I left petticoats behind for contemporary romances. I read all the Plotmonkeys. I discovered Julie with her amazing book EXPOSED, part of Harlequin Blaze’s “Sexy City Nights” series, and have read every book she’s written since. Her heroine Ariana opened up a whole new world of female heroines for me. (Carly and Janelle also participated in the Sexy City Nights miniseries. You can find Carly’s BODY HEAT re-released as a single title about a sexy, injured detective named Jake and the physical therapist he lusts after.) I may have been one of the first in my crowd to discover the wonder of the Bad Boys series, not least because of Janelle’s story in I LOVE BAD BOYS about a very hot challenge between two old friends. And then, who can forget that magical scene in Leslie’s TWO TO TANGLE when Trent dances in the rain?
That was it: sexy, fun contemporary romances for me! I was going to write them. And I tried. In fact, I wrote three, three award-winning, highly lauded, ultimately unpublishable manuscripts, one of which got the memorable rejection of, “I love your writing, but what this story lacks is romance. Please submit to us again, and remember: romance romance romance!” I was absolutely crushed. What I was writing was so romance.
But what it wasn’t was mostly romance. So then I found women’s fiction (or chick lit, or whatever the powers-that-be choose to call it today). Here there was also romance, hot, sexy, fun, contemporary romance like I love in my romance novels, but standing in the background. I started writing one of these, and a publisher bought it. It’s coming out next week, as a matter of fact, and the thing that blows my mind is that I keep hearing from reviewers and booksellers and readers who have advanced copies about how much they like the romance.
Of course there’s romance in the book. Me writing a book without romance is like me writing a book without dialogue. But I didn’t expect Booklist to call my novel a secret society story with “a romantic twist.” I’m thrilled. Yay, someone finally thinks I’ve got a romance!
But it’s not strictly a romance. Like Julie’s Marisela books, my heroine Amy has more than one romantic interest, and though the book has a happy ending, it’s not necessarily a romantic “happily ever after.” But that’s okay. My girl Amy is still pretty young, and she’s got a little more work to do before she deserves her HEA. Still, everyone who has read the book has definite opinions about whom she should be ever after with. There are camps. Two main ones, of course, but also some votes for some of the dark horses in her life. But whatever hero they pick to root for, they root for him a lot. There’s all manner of mayhem in my book, but apparently, it’s the cute guys that really make an impression.
At first, I was a little mystified. My book’s not a romance like Julie’s or Carly’s or Leslie’s or Janelle’s. But then I thought about it. Many of my favorite ‘romances’ don’t take place in a romance. The Empire Strikes Back. The Terminator. Working Girl. So maybe that’s what I write. Romances not in romances.
I’m cool with that idea. I still get to write all those wonderful moments that I adore in romances: the tingly feeling the heroine gets when she first lays eyes on the hero; the accidental hand-brush; the thrill of the first kiss; that moment of awareness when the two first realize that, despite all their obstacles, they are going to become lovers; the slow burning passion; the growing affection; the agony of wondering if they can make it work; the absolute terror of maybe losing the person just when you realize you love them; and of course that incomparable “I love you.” Raise your hand if you don’t live for moments like that in your fiction. I certainly do. And I’m going to write them.
Romance, romance, romance, indeed.
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Check out SECRET SOCIETY GIRL here at Diana’s fabulous new website, where you can read an excerpt and pre-order a copy of the book. And don’t forget to visit her blog…she’s having all sorts of fabulous contests and you might just win an ARC of SSG or perhaps (hint, hint) Pomegranate Martini Lip Gloss.
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold over forty books to four publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her daughter, a spoiled dachshund, a haughty lynx-point Siamese and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
Blazing Midsummer Nights
Dirty Little Secrets
Karma
Through The Night
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:wave: Hi Diana, great to have you here. Your name is familiar – I’ve seen it in my blogging travels. I love Julie’s intro – what a way to meet. Some things are just destined like that, I guess. Very moving story.
I will admit that I love the “mostly” romance stories. I’m more about the love LOL. I do enjoy reading Julie’s Marisela series and Evanovich’s Plum series. Your book sounds like it fits right in with those. Good luck with the book, and thanx for stopping by to visit
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Welcome, Diana!!!!!!!!! What a treat!
Didn’t know the 9/11 story but how moving.
So glad to have you here!
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Welcome Aboard Diana!! You are very lucky to be friends with the
CRAZY PLOT MONKEYS. They are the BEST!!!!
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:wave: Diana,
It’s great to see you here with the plotmonkeys (we need a plotmonkey icon).
I didn’t know the story of how you and Julie met, really cool. And thank goodness you emailed her. I can’t imagine her not writing anymore.
Can’t wait to read SSG. I already know it will end up on the re- read shelf.
I love your blog and it has been added to the daily read blogs (starting with the plotmonkeys always)
Can’t wait to see you in August.:cheer:
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:wave: Hi Diana, Welcome to Plotmonkeys. Thanks for getting Julie to write again after 9/11.
It sounds like your book is one for me to pick up when it comes out. I love all types of books. Even the ones that aren’t strictly “romance” :)
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PS: What a horriffying experience 9/11 must have been for you. I know the shock all of us were feeling on the ground. I can’t imagine being on a plane headed for the city that was being hit so hard by the terrorist.
Did you actually know what was happening in New York while you were in flight?
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Hi, guys! Totally overslept this morning!
I want to thank the Plotmonkeys again for having me over here 
and letting me play with the icons. Man, I’m LOVING these icons! 
I didn’t know Julie was going to tell the 9/11 story. I don’t talk about it a lot, because everyone has a “where I was” story about that day, and where I was was such a lucky place. I moved to NYC afterwards and I learned that most people did not have that.
But, to answer your question, no, they did not tell us on the plane what was going on. they told us there was “a problem” at the airport. Then they redirected us to another airport. Then there was “a problem” at that airport. Then they redirected us to DC. I suppose you can guess what happened next.
But I knew what was going on, because after the first redirection, I tried to call my friend who was picking me up at the airport. When I couldn’t get through to my friend, I called my mother, who told me what happened. I spent the rest of the flight wondering if there was a terrorist on my plane. (Remember, we didn’t know yet what was going on.)
When we finally landed, in Baltimore, the pilot came out and told us. But we didn’t leave the plane, or even the tarmac, for a long time afterwards. And then I didn’t sleep until I made it from there to Connecticut. It’s a long story. I read that Blaze like six times! I’d never written an author before but I couldn’t NOT write her after what the book meant to me.
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Hi Diana,
My goodness 9/11 was a day that changed everyone ,but I can’t imagine the terror and fright you were going through.
Julie is great isn’t she. That is one thing I’ve found out through the internet author friends. I’ve been on the internet with authors since sometime in 2001 and the authors are just the best. We learn so much. Hey and they come up with so many ideas that we might try on with our significant other.
Mine being my hubby:happy2:
I’ve been to your site and read a bit on your book Secret Society Girl. Mark my words that book is going to be a winner. :lightbulb:You can say the PlotMonkeys helped launch you.:D
I remember what Kelly Rippa did for Carly and her Bachelor.:dog: I remember watching Carly on the show. I even had the date marked on the calendar way back then. I wish Kelly still did had her book club. I guess she doesn’t have time to read anymore.
I tried to add something to your blog, but it wouldn’t let me in. Said my name was already used and then it wanted for me to start my on Blog Category so I gave up. I usually don’t but If i didn’t I was going to have a “BF” with my ‘puter.:happy2:
Only 6 more days until the release. May this be the first of many, many more releases.:D
:doggie::doggie::doggie::doggie::doggie::doggie::doggie::doggie:
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Hi Diane :wave:,
Wow what a story! I’m so happy that both you and Julie continued to do what you guys do best!!!! for that I’m truely thank for, because you and the plot monkeys are my escape:love2:!
I love meeting and reading new authors. I just pre order SSG from Borders. I can’t wait to read it.
Welcome aboard!
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Gigi, when you go to comment on my blog, you can click on the option marked “Other” and then just type your name in. I *think* that will work.
Alternately you can use anonymous and then just sign your name at the bottom like you would on an email.
thanks for stopping by!
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Diana, I hope you don’t mind me telling the 9/11 story :)…I don’t think you’ve ever fully grasped how you saved my career. I’m dead serious when I said I wasn’t writing. I’d pretty much quit–not physically, but psychologically. I needed a reminder that romance novels are important…and you gave it to me! So thanks again!
Secret Society Girl is a fabulous book, you guys. Seriously. It’s majorly funny, has a fabulous plot and characters that really connected with me even though they are much, much younger than I am! (Of course, age hasn’t kept me from devouring Harry Potter!) Oh, to be Amy Haskell’s age again, making life choices in college, dealing with exploring who I am and doing it while being the object of affection for some very sexy boys…:love:
Can’t recommend this book highly enough!
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Welcome!
SECRET SOCIETY GIRL sounds so good!!!
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JULIE,
I was wondering how the sales from the re-release of New Orleans Nights did? I know you were going to give a portion of the proceeds to the Renew New Orleans group.
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hi dianne . glad you are here:cooldance:
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Hey, Trish! Way too soon to tell. Harlequin won’t release any hard numbers to me for about a year. Crazy, huh?
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WOW
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:wave: Hi Diana! Welcome to the jungle. It’s great to have you here as a guest blogger!
SSG sounds awesome, and Julie has been raving about the story for a while now, so we’re all anxious to go out and BUY IT!!! It sounds like a fun story! And how cool is it that you developed such a great friendship with Julie over a fan letter! I love how that happens :love:
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WELCOME DIANA:wave:
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Thanks, Janelle! :wave: Oh wow, is it bad that I want to design all of my comments around the icons? I want to sound whiny
or frustrated :wallbash: or ranty 
or just plain batty:bat:
Ahem. I’ll stop now. I’m just evil.
Okay, really, though. Julie’s the best and I’m so glad the universe arranged for us to hook up.
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Hey Diana, welcome to Plotmonkeys!!!!!
I so agree with what you said–even when I don’t write romance (occasionally, I dabble…:D…I still have some kind of romantic element in all my books. I love those moments, too!
Can’t wait to read Secret Society Girl!
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:wave: Diana! Wishing lots of best sellers lists your way! It amazes me at how romance affects people’s lives. I even have my husband reading the Tara Janzen crazy series now. Never judge a book by it’s cover, is what he is learning!! Good luck with your new release…now to bookmark another blog…….:lol:
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Great to meet you here, Diana! I’ll definitely check out your new book. I’m always looking for fabulous authors to add to my stash of must reads. Your 9/11 story was truly touching and I’m so glad Julie shared. I love reading this blog. I get so little downtime, but I make sure I take a few minutes every morning to visit my favorite spots. Good job plotmonkeys!
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Hello Diana, Welcome to Plotmonkeys!:wave:
It is always fun to discover a new author. Julie’s recommendation makes me want to run out to get the book! I’m going to go check out your blog. Good luck with the book & many more hitting the bestseller list.
Julie, thanks for sharing the 9/11 story. It certainly affected us all in some way. I flew from California to Denver about 2 or 2 & 1/2 weeks later to visit my daughter & her family. No way was I going to let the terriorists keep me from my grandchildren. :) People asked me if I was afraid to fly but I wasn’t & my feeling was that we had to continue living & enjoying our hard won freedom. All of this is to say I am so glad you continued writing because the terriorists want to disrupt our lives & take away our freedoms, not from me!:love2: Okay, I will get off my soap box now.:D
By the way, did you read my mind, I was just wondering the other day if you were going to do another “Guest” on Plotmonkeys.
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Welcome. Secret society Girl sound interesting. Am going to check out your web and blog.
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I didn’t know about your 9/11 story, Diana. Yike, that must have been scary.
I was watching a baby being born when that was happening. Ironically, she’s half-American (she wasn’t born in America, though.)
I hope my post comes through. I’m sick of WordPress blogs that think I’m a spambot (Julie, if this comes through, your MM blog thinks I’m a spambot, and I don’t know why).
Cindy
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Yay, PlotMonkeys doesn’t think I’m a spambot!!!
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Welcome Diana…Your SSG books sounds so good, and I am going to be marking your blog when I finish here. And have added this book to my ever growing want to get list.
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:wave: Diana,
Welcome to the crazy plotmonkeys site :happy2: Well not so much crazy but they are the best
. I am ss to hear what happen with you on 9/11. I am glad that you have emailed Julie about her book and she had became a writer again 
What a nice way for you to, to have met :)
Diana you have a nice blog and your book sounds good. Congrad’s on being the guest blogger here today
Linda.H.
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Hi girls:wave::wave:
This is my first visit and I am enjoying reading your blog. Diana’s book is slyly calling my name from the closet where I store all of the ARR review books….and after reading her guest blog, I may just have to snap it up myself!
Leslie, congrats on Here Comes Trouble!
Julie, I can’t wait for Marisela again!
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Diana, what a story! And thank goodness you wrote to Julie. Imagine if she had stopped writing! Congrats on your upcoming release
And thanks for reminding me about Leslie’s book Two to Tangle. I lurved that book! And for the life of me could NOT remember the title. So an extra special thanks 
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Diana-
I can’t wait to get the book. I have a big enough TBR,but then what is one, 2, 3…. more to add. ::sigh:: I have decided that as long as I have a pile to read, I will keep breathing on a regular basis. Can’t die until I read everything, now can I?:cooldance:
I am surprised that someone has not done a book on what people were doing 9/11- not the ones directly affected, but people like us, and how it changed their lives. What would have happened to Julie’s career if you hadn’t written her about your experience?:cry: I find that I can relate to these types of stories more than the ones we see on Tv or in the movies. That may be bad of me to say, but I think it would make an interesting book. I can only spend so much time reliving the actual events, and in my case the 92 days that my husband spent working there. I find many of the stories filled with much hope and they raise my spirits. I like that. (Much like the Tom Brokaw books about WW2).:lightbulb:
ev