Good morning, everyone! (It's only 6:30am out here in sunny, Southern California).My name is Ashley Ludwig, and I'm an inspirational romance author with White Rose Publishing.
Wow. It feels really good to say that. But, does it tickle my heart any more than it did to say that I am a published author with The Wild Rose Press?
No. It does not. I'm proud of The Wild Rose Press. They're amazing. They took this fledgling author of the inspirational, historical romance, All or Nothing, gave me an astounding editor, a contract, and a garden full of amazing women with talent streaming from their fingertips. Then, they hosted a contest for the line I write for - The White Roses - and challenged me and my fellow authors to come up with a story based on a verse from Song of Solomon. Like the lily from the thorns, so is my love among the maidens. Thus, By Another Name was born. Next thing I knew, I had won the contest, along with two other authors. Who was 1st? WHO CARED?!?! We all won. It didn't matter. How cool was that?
Perhaps this is as good a place as any for a discussion of how important names really are. William Shakespeare said it best when Juliet says of Romeo, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet..."
I know there's been a lot of discussion on how separate we are -- do we do things differently now -- and our editors have been wonderful in sharing with us what all this means. So, here's my take:
Whether you write for any shade of rose for The Wild Rose Press, or are a reader who loves all lines -- the important thing is, we were all brought together in a lovely bouquet. The blessing of this new publishing arm is, we no longer have to explain to our audience who might find themselves blushing a bit at some of the other shade of roses covers -- to look beyond and go to our pages. They can now breeze in and pick stories without wilting in the process!
So, again, this author thanks Rhonda and RJ, Nicola, and all the editors and cover artists who have joined us here. Blessings to all of you, and to my writer friends in every sub-genre and line. We're all still a happy family. We've just added on to the house!
Have a wonderful day, everyone!
11 comments:
Ashley, I completely agree with you. It's very exciting as this new publishing house opens. It's a remarkable opportunity for us. A rose by any other name--Indeed!
Ashley - what a lovely post. I always sing TWRP's praises to other authors because I'm so happy to be part of this thriving, sweet-smelling garden. Your cover is very nice. I look forward to reading your Easter lily book!
Blessings, Teri
Teri Wilson ~ Romancing the pet lover's soul
www.teriwilson.net
Thank you Cindy! So fun to be here with you.
I've followed you over to the Authors Studio this morning - nice interview, by the way!
Thanks for your comment, and have a great day!
Teri - I love the theme of your writing! Pet lovers do have that added level to their romantic sides, don't they?
I agree with you! Nicola did an amazing job on the cover. Each Easter Lily book has a separate, but beautifully themed presence. This will be my first OFFICIAL release. Very exciting stuff.
We're very blessed to have found such a great group to be part of, that really cares about growing our careers.
Thanks for your comment!
Hi again Ashley! Congratulations and welcome to the White Rose line! Your description of the roses in the bouquet is very beautiful and very well said. We all have a lot to be grateful for and will blossom and grow. Welcome!
Sharon.
Sharon! Thanks for your comment. Did I mention I'm downloading the Claddaugh Ring Story even as we speak?
Anyway - just wanted to let you all know that with this switch over to White Rose Publishing comes ANOTHER wonderful bit of news:
All or Nothing is releasing 4 months early!!! The new release date is May 29, 2009!
More info on that here! http://ashleyludwig.wordpress.com/books/
Thanks for your note...
Ashley
Thanks Ashley! I'm thrilled. And a big congratulations to you on your early release. May 29th is my brother's birthday. I can't wait to read your book. All the best,
Sharon
Ashley,
RJ and Rhonda have always prided themselves on the consideration they show their authors. The new White Rose Publishing shows that they are considerate of their readers as well. But I hope we will not be considered totally separated from The Wild Rose Press and their many talented authors.
Kara Lynn,
We are all still part of the same family. I see White Rose Publishing as being just another wing of our mansion - much as the scarlet lines have their own separate side... LOL Talk about both ends of the spectrum!
Excellent point on respecting our readers. This is really the ultimate goal of this site, in my understanding. Readers will certainly be more likely to spend more time on www.whiterosepublishing.com
I know my critique partners and reader's group are thrilled with what Rhonda and RJ have done. I have one who has been busily buying titles and reading them! good news for all of us!
~Ashley
I think the move to a separate site was wise. :) Y'all get away from us crazy authors! (like moi!) Poor, poor Rhonda and the were-penguin jokes. LOLLLL
Congrats on the new release date. Have you stopped running in circles trying to decide which fire to extinguish yet? Calm down. You have plenty of time. ;) Skhye
Skhye! how'd you know! (see my feet singed and smoking from stomping!) :)
Well, we might have a new home for our readers to visit, but I know my fellow authors and I have made many friends -- and will NOT be leaving those other loops anytime soon. you can't get rid of me that easy!
We're a big happy family, with all different backgrounds. Were-pengins and all. (That sounds so much more fun than my professor's 'warts and all' period of Greco/Roman sculpture.)
Thanks for commenting. *hugs*
Post a Comment