Wednesday, June 21, 2017

New Beginnings by Scarlet Wilson

from the June 19, 2017 issue

I know I said I wasn't going to analyze the Harlequin Mini-Romances, but I just wanted to say this story really felt like the perfect, regular, Woman's World story. I wonder if Scarlet Wilson is a fan of Woman's World?

11 comments:

Tamara said...

I thought the same thing, Kate.

Anonymous said...

Isn't this the second cancer story that Harlequin has placed in Woman's World magazine recently? The by-play between the boy and girl was lovely, but as a survivor myself, I found it depressing to be reminded of a very dark time in my life. Surely there could have been a more benign reason for their meeting over the year. Also, did all the other customers waiting in line just disappear while they had their conversation? Oh, maybe she was last in line.

bettye griffin said...

Loved this story!

Pat said...

I rarely disagree, but on this story I must. I found it a little depressing. There was so much cancer talk. In my mind I would have guessed it wasn't a 'regular' WW writer story if it wasn't presented as a Harlequin author. I just thought the story was 'okay.'

Tamara said...

If I'm remembering correctly, this isn't the first cancer-related story they've presented. It's a different standard for them apparently.

Mary Jo said...

If Harlequin bought this space simply as a monthly advertisement for their brand, perhaps the WW editors have little say in what is published there. Without malice, I have to say that I prefer the stories by the usual Woman's World writer. They may not be so dramatic, but surely they are more cheerful. Something the WW reader may enjoy at the end of the day.

Beth Boyden said...

I liked this story, but generally speaking it seems so odd to me that WW would sell the space to Harlequin like that -- at least on such a regular basis -- given how particular their fiction standards are otherwise. Maybe it's a short-term arrangment?

Anonymous said...

I suspect it was a case of money talks.

Delsora Lowe Romance Author said...

Even though a bit depressing (as I too am a survivor), I found this to be one of the Harlequin stories that in many ways seemed more like the WsW standard romance. I almost skipped over it. But since I do read Harlequins and have recognized author's name (and paid for the magazine), I did read it and was glad I did.

Anonymous said...

Are submissions from Harlequin now going in this space of the magazine? I can't find current, less than a year old, guidelines for reader/writers to submit stories to. Have the editors decided to go with what they consider "professional material, " instead?

Tamara said...

The Harlequin stories appear only once a month I believe, and they are still accepting and running stories freelance.