Comments on: Special squeetastic edition!

By: Myra

Myra — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:23:37 +0000

Courtney – A certain gal that’s a pixie with initials for a name was bragging on you and what an awesome encourager you are just last night. Your post is inspiring, as is your generosity.

By: Maggie Robinson

Maggie Robinson — Fri, 08 May 2009 16:34:05 +0000

Doesn’t everybody have a book in them? *blinks innocently*

It’s an honor to be included in such fine company! Thanks, for the shout-out, Courtney. 2010 is going to be a great year.

By: Elyssa Papa

Elyssa Papa — Fri, 08 May 2009 15:51:45 +0000

I so agree with everything you wrote—there’s no competition between any of us, and I want to see all of you succeed. And I know you all will. I am so lucky to have met and be included in the Chocolate Mafia group.

By: Tiffany

Tiffany — Fri, 08 May 2009 15:42:53 +0000

It is about sticking together. Surround yourself with others who have the SAME GOALS! I think that is the most important thing we did as the Chocolate Mafia… and really, that is totally the best name!

Thank you for the congrats! I’m still SQUEEEING!!!!!!

By: Carolyn Jewel

Carolyn Jewel — Fri, 08 May 2009 14:57:59 +0000

Frankly, I would love to be a member of a group called the chocolate mafia. That’s too awesome for words. Wise words and 9 of 14, wow! That’s some great results. Congrats on the sales.

By: Courtney Milan

Courtney Milan — Fri, 08 May 2009 14:25:50 +0000

Katie, there is most assuredly hope for you! The number one thing is that you have people who will give you great feedback.

And Louisa, I don’t think that publication ever pits authors against each other. From my perspective as an extremely voracious reader, I never felt as if I had to make a choice between Julia Quinn and Eloisa James, or Lisa Kleypas and Connie Brockway. There were never enough books out there to satisfy me. I used to read every historical romance published, and lament the fact that there weren’t enough to satisfy me. (These days, now that I’m writing, I don’t have time for that anymore, and so I am a little more picky–but I will still throw down everything for a book that people tell me is a must-read.) When I read a good book, it makes me hungry for more good books. When I read a bad one, it makes me want to go do something else. Authors are not in competition; they should be in cooperation, because the more good books we produce, the more readers we will have, and the greater the voracity for published books.

Now at some point, the demand will fall off–but I don’t think we are anywhere near the saturation point for truly excellent books.

And Santa and Laura–you are both a vital part of the Chocolate Mafia, and rest assured that I *know* that if you continue to write and push forward, you are going to see your books on the shelves. All of my friends really can get published, and that specifically includes YOU TWO.

As for Tessa… squee is right!

By: Tessa Dare

Tessa Dare — Fri, 08 May 2009 14:06:36 +0000

SQUEEE! Again for Maggie and Tiff!

By: Laura T

Laura T — Fri, 08 May 2009 14:01:03 +0000

As a huge fan of the Chocolate Mafia… I don’t know how to explain that seeing some (ack MANY!) of my favorite authors getting published is so awesome… I cannot WAIT to go to the book store and buy their books. Just reading little snippets so long ago on Avon FanLit wasn’t enough… I wanted more.. and thanks tro their hard work, we’re all in for an amazing treat!!

This is so great.. I am a fan… and will have an entire bookshelf dedicated to the Chocolate Mafia! YAY!

~ Laura T (a long time fan).

By: Santa

Santa — Fri, 08 May 2009 13:40:07 +0000

The Chocolate Mafia is on a roll! Adding my Squees here for Tiff and Maggie. By my count, there are about three more published ladies from the FanLit/Mafia mix.

Back to my word mill.

By: Louisa Edwards

Louisa Edwards — Fri, 08 May 2009 13:36:02 +0000

I like that idea–I especially like that you pointed out that your friends (and other writers in general) are not your competition. For all of the publishing industry’s faults and difficulties, it’s not really about pitting authors against each other, especially at the early acquisition level.

Congrats to Maggie and Tiffany! Fabulous houses to be pubbed by.