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Meet Dani Collins, Runner-Up in the Instant Seduction Writing Competition

16 Comments April 1st, 2008 in writing contest Posted by Tessa

by Tessa Shapcott, Executive Editor Harlequin Presents

This is the first of our two runners-up bios. You’ll be able to meet Eve Powers tomorrow.

Dani Collins

 

When Dani discovered Harlequin Presents in high school, she was excited to finally find exactly the type of book she liked to read.  She loved that she could trust in their happy endings and soon began wondering how a person got the job of writing books like that. 

She started writing her first romance before graduating—and quickly found out it’s tougher than it looks.  A few years later, her first submission went to Presents, back when Toronto was still acquiring for M&B. 

A number of years, houses, jobs, babies, and manuscripts later, (only one husband though!) she is still writing.  With forays into many other types of writing including newsletters, marketing copy, technical manuals, newspaper articles, and short stories for magazines, romance remains her favorite for both reading and writing. 

Currently, Dani writes policy and procedure manuals by day, which leaves something to be desired in the Satisfying Love Story department.  So she crafts her own before and after work.  If it’s been a rough day, however, she curls up with a cup of herbal tea, the family cat, and someone else’s story– usually one that includes a Greek tycoon seducing a virgin before making her his wife.

Dani will be blogging with us about receiving the call and working on her manuscript throughout the year.

 

16 Comments

16 Responses to “Meet Dani Collins, Runner-Up in the Instant Seduction Writing Competition”  

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  1. 1 ChrisM Apr 1st, 2008 at 8:56 am

    Hi Dani,

    Congratulations on being a runner up, I can’t wait to read your chapter. Hopefully this will lead to the sale of your first Presents.

    Chris.

  2. 2 Lynn Raye Harris Apr 1st, 2008 at 9:02 am

    Hi, Dani! Very nice picture. :) For me, that was the hardest part of this so far. My husband took several, and I fiddled with them. *sigh*

    I understand the ‘years later’ part for sure. Life has a way of making you do other stuff for a while. Congratulations and I’m looking forward to reading your chapter!

  3. 3 India Grey Apr 1st, 2008 at 9:58 am

    Well done on your success, Dani– and huge respect to you for fitting in your writing around a career and family. It’s not easy, but I’m so glad your hard work is paying off and can’t wait to read your chapter soon.

  4. 4 Lori Apr 1st, 2008 at 11:04 am

    Great pic Dani! Both pics look professional! Congrats on winning and can’t wait to read your chapter!

  5. 5 Eve Apr 1st, 2008 at 1:24 pm

    Congrats Dani!! Both your pictures are lovely, I need to find a better one of myself, ack! :) I can’t wait to read your entry and wish you the best!

  6. 6 Annie West Apr 1st, 2008 at 3:21 pm

    Ah, Dani, I can relate to your situation! I used to write parliamentary papers by day and romance by night. And yes, when it’s a rough day, there’s nothing like curling up with someone else’s romance, is there?

    Congratulations on being selected by the editors. It must be a terrific first chapter. I’ll look forward to reading it.

    Annie

  7. 7 Jennie Lucas Apr 1st, 2008 at 5:28 pm

    Dani! So great to see one of my fellow Wet Noodle Posse girls here! (Trish Morey is a Noodler, too.) Huge congrats on being a finalist!! I hope to see your book in print soon!

    And can I just add on a personal note, you look fantastic. I seriously covet your hairstyle. I’m trying to gather the courage to get a Katie-Holmes-style bob like that. You look so chic!!

    *hugs*
    Jennie

  8. 8 dani Apr 1st, 2008 at 8:02 pm

    Thanks everyone and hello Eve! Nice to finally meet you. And congratulations!

    I meant to pop in and say Great Bio! yesterday, Lynn, but fitting even email in this week is a challenge.

    My sister is leaving for Australia Friday, so every relative we haven’t seen in far too long is dropping by for a hug. It’s wonderful to see everyone, but I’m itching to write! I’m sure you can all imagine :)

    Dani

  9. 9 Trish Morey Apr 1st, 2008 at 9:26 pm

    Dani, super congratulations on your success! Great to see another noodler up there. The GH class of 2003 rocks!

    Look forward to hearing more great news soon.

  10. 10 mulberry Apr 2nd, 2008 at 6:52 am

    Great news Dani, I’m looking foward to reading your blog! Entering the contest has inspired me to start my own blog about my path to (hopefully!) eventual publication. Somehow, I think your blog will be a bit shorter in the journey than mine- the amount of work and energy you have put in to get you here is clear!
    Love the Wet Noodle Posse blog too- lots of great info on writing, plus very funny to read.

  11. 11 texasmom22 Apr 2nd, 2008 at 7:14 am

    Congrats, Dani!! Best of luck with your writing!

  12. 12 Kate Walker Apr 2nd, 2008 at 12:49 pm

    I’ve had my head down, dealing with the latest book but now that I’ve sent it to my editor and I can breathe again I can also come and visit a few sites

    So I get a chance to say Congratulations to Dani on your placing in the contest.

    I’m looking forward to reading your chapter and your blog – I heop this is the start of great things for you.

    Any friend of Trish Morey is a friend of mine

    Kate

  13. 13 MARIAN Apr 2nd, 2008 at 3:26 pm

    Dani–Just wanted to add my congratulations for placing in the Presents contest! Can’t wait to read your work!

    All the best!

    MARIAN STEVENS

  14. 14 dani Apr 2nd, 2008 at 4:53 pm

    Thanks again, everyone.

    This is such a warm, welcoming group. I can’t believe I only ever lurked before, reading for writing tips ;o)

  15. 15 Lynn Raye Harris Apr 2nd, 2008 at 5:26 pm

    You and me both, Dani! I always lurked. :)

  16. 16 Eve Apr 3rd, 2008 at 9:50 am

    I only lurked as well. I tend to be a little on the shy side but have to agree, this is such an amazing group I wish I’d have participated before!

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