Writing buddies, books & bracelets: Harlequin celebrates 75

Oct 10, 2024 | 10 comments |

I spent the last few days of September in Toronto, Canada celebrating Harlequin’s 75th anniversary.

It was a wonderful time of learning and socializing, and I returned home inspired and energized.

Learning

Attending authors took part in a day and a half of workshops led by Harlequin staff.

I learned about how our book covers are created and there were also sessions on book marketing, production and Harlequin’s Reader Service, a subscriber book club through which my Heartwarming titles are distributed.

Find out more about the Reader Service here.

Socializing with writing buddies (and editors)

I celebrated with fellow Heartwarming authors and editors at a “series dinner” held at Edna & Vita, a wonderful Italian restaurant near the Harlequin office.

It was great to meet author friends including Tanya Agler, Anna Grace and Jeanine Englert, as well as my Harlequin editor who helps make my books better.

I also had a “fan girl moment” when I found myself in a lunch line beside favourite author (and New York Times bestseller) RaeAnne Thayne.

RaeAnne is as lovely and gracious in “real life” as in her books, and it was a “pinch me, I’m dreaming” moment to tell her how much her stories mean to me.

Sharing a hotel room with author friend Jennifer Wilck meant lots of fun chatting about writing and life and some local sightseeing too.

A party at Toronto’s St. Regis Hotel wrapped up the event on Saturday night.

Between the gorgeous dessert buffet and dancing to a live band, it was a fitting finale to celebrating Harlequin’s history while also looking to the future.

Here’s Jennifer Wilck and I in our party finery. For me that finery included a borrowed circa 1930s shawl and 1950s evening bag.

And if after my last blog post you’re wondering which pair of party shoes I wore? It was the kitten heels!

Books & beaded bracelets

Along with talking about books, authors love new books to read.

While visiting Harlequin’s office, we got to choose books from the “current releases” shelf and were given a “Harlequin author” tote to put them in.

My top pick? Favourite author Sarah Morgan’s latest, The Holiday Cottage (published in the UK as The Christmas Cottage later this month).

And while I’m not a “crafty” person, channeling my inner “Swiftie” to make a romance author beaded bracelet was also fun.

Best of all?

For those few days, I was part of a strong and supportive in-person romance writing and publishing community, something I often miss working alone in my home office.

And looking to my own publishing future?

I have some happy Jen Gilroy romance book news coming soon! 😊

A last note

I’m sending caring thoughts and prayers to those in the United States impacted by Hurricanes Helene and now Milton.

And Happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian family, friends and readers celebrating this coming weekend.

10 Comments

  1. Heidi Vanstone

    What a wonderful opportunity to connect with like-minded writers and have some special time “away” from the regular routine! I’m so glad you were able to experience, in-person, your writing community. What a blessing!

    Reply
    • Jen Gilroy

      Thank you, Heidi. It was indeed a “blessing” and one I cherish. Thank you, as always, for reading and supporting my blog. xo

      Reply
  2. Angela Joynes

    I just love reading your newsletters, Jen! They always inspire me!

    Reply
    • Jen Gilroy

      Thank you, Angela. That’s so lovely of you to say. I’m happy you enjoy my blog and newsletters and that they inspire you. I appreciate you letting me know!

      Reply
  3. Lynn Butkus

    Sounds like you had a (well deserved) blast!! Can’t wait to see what your new works are going to be. Happy Thanksgiving!!

    Reply
    • Jen Gilroy

      Thank you, Lynn. I still smell when I think of that wonderful event! I also appreciate your Thanksgiving wishes. I’m excited to share news about more books when I can. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Rosey Lee

    This is fantastic! And you and Jennifer Wilck look lovely!

    Reply
    • Jen Gilroy

      Thanks very much, Rosey. Sharing a hotel room, and as we were getting ready for the party, it felt a bit like preparing for prom! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Susanna Bavin

    What a lovely event to go to. Having a job that involves working on your own must make being with your colleagues all the more special. Beautiful photo of you and Jennifer Wilck.

    Reply
    • Jen Gilroy

      Thank you, Susanna. Oddly, I’ve only just now spotted your lovely comment. Yes, being with my Harlequin author colleagues was very special indeed and it’s a memory I cherish. xx

      Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Blog

Want to get posts about my life, family, writing & more? To receive an email notification whenever I publish a new blog post, sign up here.
Loading

Newsletter

Want to get exclusive giveaways, subscriber-first book news & more? Sign up for my newsletter here.




Latest from the Blog

Photo by Robin Spencer, Spencer Studio