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Harlequin CEO and Publisher Donna Hayes with author of 75 Harlequin Presents novels Sandra Marton at the Harlequin RWA party.Â
Remember how those fairy tales you loved as a child always began? “Once upon a time, there was a…â€Â Often as not, the next word would be “princess.â€
Well, nobody’s ever called me a princess. Given my choice, I wouldn’t want to be one, not unless princesses get to wear jeans and go barefoot or dress up and look elegant, depending on their mood, with nobody watching except a husband who loves you no matter which way you look.
But that doesn’t mean I haven’t been living my own private fairy tale.
This one begins Once upon a time in New York City, where a little girl named Sandra discovered she loved to hear and tell and write stories. Her dolls, her friends, her mom were all her captive audience.
The little girl had wonderful dreams. Sometimes, because she loved animals, she dreamed about being a veterinarian. Other times, because she loved the wilderness, she dreamed about becoming an explorer in the Arctic or in the Amazon. She dreamed about being a wildlife biologist, so she could combine the two dreams into one.
And yet, as glorious as they were, those fantasies were always secondary to her deepest desire. She dreamed of what it would be like to become a writer and to tell stories that would touch the hearts of lots and lots of people.
What could be better than that?
Sandra grew up, as all little girls must. Her dream still burned bright within her but reality took center stage. She went to university and studied to become a teacher. Well, yes, she studied Creative Writing, too, but that was a special treat, kind of like tucking into a hot fudge sundae after first finishing all your spinach. Everyone knew you could never really become a published writer…
Could you?
Time passed. Sandra had married her childhood sweetheart while she was still at university. Now, she became a mom. She did lots of things and they all made her happy—but The Dream never went away. She wanted to write. And, at last, she decided that the only way a dream could die was if you let it.
So she gave in.
She began to write short stories. Confessions, they were called. To her delight (and surprise) she sold them but it wasn’t enough. She wanted to write books. Novels about exciting men and interesting women, and what could happen when fate scooped them up and brought them together.
“Why not?†she thought, and she took a deep breath and went after The Biggest Dream of all. She wrote a romance novel. And Harlequin Presents bought it!
Oh, she was happy! Deliriously happy. What more could she possibly want? Well, actually, there was this one thing. If she could only write and sell LOTS of books to Presents. If she could, in some small way, help brighten the lives of women all around the world…
Just as in those wonderful fairy tales, Sandra’s dream—my dream—came true. And on Friday evening, August 1, 2008 at Harlequin’s big, beautiful party at the Romance Writers of America conference in San Francisco, Donna Hayes, CEO and Publisher; Craig Swinwood, Executive VP Retail Marketing & Sales; and Loriana Sacilotto, Executive VP Global Publishing & Strategy, presented me with a beautiful gift from Tiffany’s in celebration of the sale of my 75th book to Harlequin.
Is that a fairy tale ending or not?
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EVP North America Retail Craig Swinwood, EVP Global Publishing & Strategy Loriana Sacilotto, author Sandra Marton
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Cogratulations on your wonderful achievement, Sandra. Your books definitely brighten my day. I hope there’s a lot more to come.
Chris.
Sandra, I’m so thrilled I was there to see you receive your gorgeous Tiffany silver! It couldn’t happen to a nicer–or more talented–person. Congrats on this amazing milestone!!
*hugs*
Jennie
Congratulations Sandra! It was a fabulous night, made all the more special because of your fabulous achievement. I’ve loved your stories for years – keep up the great work and here’s to the next 75!
Love and hugs,
Trish
Congratulations Sandra – that is an incredible achievement and you’re a fabulous inspiration. I’m with Chris – your books have been brightening my days for ages – I look forward to even more!
Best wishes,
Natalie
Congratualtions Sandra!!! I just wish I could’ve been there with you!
XXX
Congratulations Sandra!
And what a wonderful lady–we met at RWA this year and she’s fantastic.
Thank you all for your good wishes and warm, lovely comments.
To those who’ve wished me another 75 books: what a wonderful goal!
To those who’ve thanked me for the books I’ve written–I thank you for reading them. It’s almost impossible to describe the joy of knowing your stories touch women’s lives.
To those who’ve made me blush with all the nice things you’ve said–believe me, I feel the same way about you guys.
And to Joanne Carr, my wonderful editor… I wish you’d been there, too… but there’s always next year.
I have to say, this was the best conference ever and though getting my award was part of it, seeing old friends and making new ones (hi, Kimberly!) was a big piece of ithe fun. I had a great time from the minute I arrived in SF. It was like being at one grand, non-stop party.
Now, if I could only catch-up on my sleep…
Sorry to be late to your cyber-party Sandra – jet lag crept up on me. But I was lucky enough to be there with you on your special day and to share the celebrations in person. It was a wonderful evening and I was thrilled to be able to share it with you and to be able to congratulate you in person.
Many many congratulations on this fabulous achievement – I’ve loved reading your books from the time when we were both starting out and I have your brand new one on my TBR pile right now.
Congratulations on your 75th – and here’s to many many more
Kate
Sandra,
Coming in late too, but better late than never right? It was an absolute pleasure to meet you at the conference (one of the major highpoints for me, in fact). And all I can say about your fairytale is, I hope the 75th book is not an ending but a new beginning. We want more books, lady!
Heidi x
Sandra,
It sounds like a magnificent night, but even better was the recounting of your own personal fairy tale. Just think of all the women whose lives you’ve touched! I’m happy to say I’m one of them (yay). It still astounds me, that notion of ideas emerging in an author’s brain, being translated onto the page and then being read by so many others is so many far flung places.
You’re right. It’s a fabulous dream. I’m so glad yours going strong, and with some special Tiffany sparkle!
Huge congratulations.
Annie
Congrats Sandra.
What a fabulous achievement
Sandra,
CONGRATULATIONS! What a great achievement. Over the years I’ve read many of your books. “The Second Mrs. Adams” if one of my favorites.
Many congratulations, Sandra. Making readers happy is the best possible reason for writing – here’s to your next 75 books!
Sandra, fabulous achievement!! I too used to write for the Confessions.
Thank you for all these warm and wonderful notes! They’re truly the icing on the cake. I’m priting them out and I’ll save them along with my photos of the party.
Sharing the evening with so many of you and now sharing the memory of it here on this blog… it’s just sheer joy!
Hugs to you all,
Sandra
Sandra, you’re one of my most revered people who hooked me on M&B. I’ve been in love with so many of your heroes it’s not funny!
Congratulations on your milestone, and I’m looking forward to the next seventy-five fantastic books.
annaxx
Sandra,
Congratulations on your wonderful accomplishment. We’ve never met but you’ve given me some wonderful advice and I thank you. Like so many others I’ve read and enjoyed so many of your stories. I’m looking forward to many, many more.
Patricia Riley
Congratulations Sandra!
Lovely pictures! Here’s to another 75!!!
Hugs,
MARIAN STEVENS
Sandra, just wanted to add my huge congratulations. What a tremendous achievement! It’s been my privilege to know and to have worked with you for a number of years, to enjoy your intelligence, wit and kindness, and to watch your wonderful characters and their stories coming to life. Your contribution to Presents is priceless – thank you so much.
I can’t possibly find the words to thank all of you for these wonderful notes. I am, truly, touched beyond measure.
There’s no group of readers quite like Presents readers, no group of writers quite like Presents writers. And Tessa, you know what our years together have meant to me. Thank you for your guidance, your generosity, and your clear understanding of what Presents is all about.
Love to all,
Sandra
Hey, Sandra – how glitteringly, goldenly stunning that photo of you and Donna looks – even though your 75th award was in fact a shimmering silver Tiffany key ring. Congratulations….what an amazing achievement and best of all – your books are as fresh and as compelling as when you first started to write them. I hold you (and Harlequin) entirely responsible for my subsequent purchase of a pair of dangly silver Tiffany ear-rings which I have worn every day since and which remind me of sunsets over San Fran, the joy of writing, and good friends.
Love,
Shazza (high on the fact that she has FINALLY MANAGED TO LOG ONTO IHEARTS!)