Tuesday, December 09, 2008

spilling a secret

Current work: nonfic and Modern Heat
Listening to: Rachmaninov, Piano Concerto #3 (one of my favourite bits of music - lovely to catch it on the radio)
Reading: Julia Williams, Strictly Love (enjoying this – very ‘now’)

Finally I can talk about my news! (At least, I can talk about Secret #1. Secret #2 is under wraps for a bit longer.)

The full story is over here at the Pink Heart Society.

But I’m absolutely thrilled and excited, because Harlequin chose my book Hotly Bedded, Conveniently Wedded as an enriched e-book. Their very first one was my friend Nicola Cornick’s ‘Unmasked’; and the first series book they’re doing is a Presents… mine.

It’s such an honour. And I’m a bit overexcited about it.

Working on the enrichment with Amy from Harlequin’s digital team was great fun. They’re using the ‘behind the book’ bit from my website, and the recipe (nearly all my books have a recipe, as visitors to my website will know). There are extra photographs, all taken by me – some of Bloomsbury (the area in London where the book is set), some of the Roman section of the British Museum, and one of the gorgeous atrium within the British Museum (one of my ‘arty’ pics, which I hope will show readers exactly why I love the place so much – Kate Nerdy off on her architecture thing again). There are also 130 hyperlinks in the text, giving more information behind bits in the book. I suggested a few, plus gave extra information from my research.

I haven’t had my copy to play with yet, but I can’t wait to see it!

It’s available from eHarlequin this month (they release things a bit early for those of us who just can’t wait), and through the normal ebook stores on its official release date next month.

The auction for Jo Leigh is still continuing – so do go and bid! (17 hours left on my books, at the time of writing this, but there are lots of other goodies remaining)

And do remember to go and visit eharlequin on Thursday – it’s the annual Open House, so lots of authors will be around, and there are goodies to be won. (I will be reminding you on the day!)

Yesterday was mianly a good day. Had another postcard from school praising son’s hard work (their reward scheme is really well thought out); feel happier after putting the wreath and freesias on my mum's grave; had a successful final Christmas shop; received a lovely email from my ed that's made me feel veyr chirpy... so that was all great.

BUT then I had a scary call from my credit card provider's fraud dept. My account is safe, but they've put a stop on the card and are replacing it. (Apparently there are thousands of other cardholders affected, so I haven't done anything rash.) But that call really unnerved me. And then I thought... was it a phisher being clever? (Unlikely, as my phone number is ex-directory, but I checked anyway and it was genuine.) Bit inconvenient, having to wait for 10 days at this time of year - not to mention having another PIN number to remember - but it could have been much worse. Would be nice if phishers would develop a social conscience...

Today: the plasterer has been and gone; my guitar lesson has moved to tomorrow; and I am going to play with my new book. Speaking of which... I'm gone!

13 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh now this is COOL. I haven't yet really embraced the concept of ebooks, but with links to background and extras I think I might just have to take the plunge...

(What am I saying? This is a DISASTER! How am I ever going to get another stroke of work done?!)

Unknown said...

That is so KEWL (to echo India). I love the idea of links etc. Just thinking of the book I have just submitted there could be lots of links to music... *sigh*

Liz Fielding said...

Congratulations, Kate! Fab news.

Not so cool about the CC. I had two scammed in as many weeks earlier this year. The good news is that the banks seem to be on top of this, but it's a pain having to wait for a new card.

Lorix said...

Congratulations - it's a big honour to be one of the first in the new venture!
Sorry to hear about the credit card - hope it doesn't hinder Santa!

Lori x

Jan Jones said...

Oh, splendiferous news, Kate!

No wonder you've been so busy recently...

Rotten re the cc

Nell Dixon said...

Congratulations! Very cool! Hugs on the CC

Kate Hardy said...

India - thank you :o)

(And don't ask me about doing another stroke of work...)

Kate Hardy said...

Biddy - I would've liked the links to music, too. (Bu-u-ut - licensing, royalties, etc etc...)

Kate Hardy said...

Liz - thank you.

And hugs on your own CC nightmare.

Kate Hardy said...

Lori - thank you!

And Santa has already done most of the things - it's just last-minute bits. And the things I normally put through my card to rack up the M&S vouchers *g* - more irritating, than anything else.

Kate Hardy said...

Jan - thank you!

Kate Hardy said...

Nell - thanks! I'm pretty chuffed :o)

Romance, Rumours and Rogues said...

This is sooo cool, Kate.
Congrats!