Emily March | I'm a Virgin...Again

March 12, 2011

It isn’t often that woman gets to become a virgin again.  Man, is it fun!

My name is Emily March and my debut novel, ANGEL'S REST, is a March release.  It’s the first book in a series I’m writing for Ballantine called Eternity Springs.  The second book, HUMMINGBIRD LAKE, arrives at bookstores on March 22^nd, with the third book, HEARTACHE FALLS, coming April 27^th. 

So many wonderful things have happened since this first book came out.  It’s been released as an audiobook--as an Audible member with two accounts because I buy so much this is a real thrill.  It’s been chosen as a featured selection for Doubleday Book Club and is available as a ebook and in large print, too. 

The biggest thrill for this debut author to date came when I learned that ANGEL'S REST had received a coveted starred review from Publishers Weekly magazine. 

As an author with twenty-two previous books under my belt with no previous PW starred review, I was ecstatic.

Which brings me back to the whole virgin thing.

Before ANGEL'S REST and my Eternity Springs series, before I was Emily March, my name was Geralyn Dawson.  As Geralyn, I’d been  a USA bestselling author and a contributor to a  New York Times bestselling anthology.  I had been published for almost fifteen years.  So why, you may wonder, did I elect to write my Eternity Springs series under a pseudonym?

The answer is both simple and complicated.

The short answer is that with my Eternity Springs books I’m writing something new.  I need to signal that to my readers and not lead them into false expectations. There are no Bad Luck Weddings (from my historicals) or Russian mafiosos (from my romantic suspense stories) in Eternity Springs.  My Eternity Springs series is contemporary romance with a touch of women’s fiction to it.  I personally like author Barbara Freethy’s term– romantic women’s fiction.  Susan Wiggs was gracious enough to give me this fabulous quote for ANGEL'S REST that I think sums up the story and the series very well: 

"Emily March has penned a heartfelt story of family, community, second chances, and the power of love to heal the deepest of wounds. Throw in a charming small town, dogs, romance and quilting, and it all adds up to feel-good fiction at its finest. Don't miss it!"

The long answer is regarding the name change is WHY I’m writing something new.

Three years ago, I did something I hadn't done in over fifteen years--I took a break from writing. I was tired. I had no ideas. I didn't even want to write a grocery list. So, I decided to walk away from it. I quit!  I shut the office door and didn’t look back.

It was heaven. I gardened. I joined a gym. I volunteered. I took up quilting. I became a Lady who Lunched and I was a happy, happy girl.

Then, after six or seven months of bliss, something unexpected happened. Story ideas started fluttering through my consciousness. Characters began cropping up in my brain. A new and different setting--a new world--teased my mind. For the first time in a very long time, I started playing with story ideas as I went to sleep at night.

Darn it. I'd quit writing. I didn't need this. I had GREAT tomatoes growing in my garden. Unfortunately, Gabe Callahan (now the hero of ANGEL'S REST) wouldn't leave me alone. I wanted, I needed, to know what happened to him!

Finally, eight months after shutting down my word processing program for good, I clicked on that Wordperfect icon and wrote a few pages. Just for me. Not because I had a deadline, but because I wanted to write. Then I wrote a few more pages, and a few more, and a few more.

Again, it was heaven. I couldn't wait to get to the computer in the morning. I gardened a little less, and gave up lunching and antiquing and before I knew it, I spent part of every day up in my office.

During this time my husband–hero that he is–called my attention to some truths I had missed. He pointed out that I had started writing when my youngest child was born. I walked away from writing when that little girl went off to college. I had a nice, new empty nest and I had to figure out what I wanted to do with it. I had to figure out what I wanted to do with me.

I found my answers while writing ANGEL'S REST.  I wanted to be a writer again . . . only different. Unlike my most recent novels, I didn’t write romantic suspense or historical romance.  I wrote a book about a wounded–literally tortured--hero who discovers a woman, a world, and yes, a dog, who helps him heal. I wrote a story about family and friendship. I wrote a story about rebirth.  Under the circumstances, I don’t think I could have written anything else.

The Eternity Springs series is a new direction for me.  These books are about love, but they’re also about friendship and family, of overcoming the difficult times in life and celebrating the good. These books are about change, and it seems only fitting that I change, too.

My nest is empty, my heart is full, and my mind is spinning with stories once again.  My name is Emily March and my first book, ANGEL'S REST , is now on sale.  Welcome to my new world. By the way, we’re taking the scenic route. 

I hope you’ll visit my website at www.emilymarch.com.   I’m hosting a March Madness contest there and one here at Fresh Fiction, too.  If you visit Facebook, please come like my page at www.facebook.com/emilymarchbooks.  You can follow me on Twitter @emilymarchbooks. 

If you have any questions, please ask them and I’ll do my best to answer–though remember, I’m new at this.  A virgin, so to speak.

Happy reading,

Emily

ANGEL'S REST February

HUMMINGBIRD LAKE March 22

HEARTACHE FALLS April 27

Comment to win an advanced reading copy of HUMMINGBIRD LAKE

Comments

72 comments posted.

Re: Emily March | I'm a Virgin...Again

I think it is very helpful if writers tuck their genres under different pen names.
(Mary Preston 3:17am March 12, 2011)

Great blog. Isn't it amazing how something can change our lives so much, such as your daughter going off to college causing you to need a change in your career, first a break from writing then writing totally different types of books. Best of luck with this new series, the stories sound amazing and the covers are beautiful.
(June Manning 3:34am March 12, 2011)

Congrats on your virginial new books :-) !
(Birgit Lehner 3:44am March 12, 2011)

What a refreshing way to start anew! Always loved your historicals. Now I have
something new to try. Thank you and best wishes.
(Sandra Spilecki 6:44am March 12, 2011)

I have just started Angels Rest last nite and look forward to reading it. Only into it a few pgs.

Love series books.
(Pat Lieberman 6:47am March 12, 2011)

Good luck! Sounds like a wonderful series!
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 6:55am March 12, 2011)

Good luck with the new series.
(Pam Howell 7:54am March 12, 2011)

If Susan Wiggs says to read it, I'd love to! Her books are wonderful and if yours are in that vein, then I'd really like to read the series.
(Karen Gervasi 8:18am March 12, 2011)

I love when writers blog and talk about how a character wouldn't leave them alone in their head! I wish I had that kind of imagination but I guess I'll just have to read the product of other's imaginations! Have a great weekend!
(Renee Pajda 8:46am March 12, 2011)

T WOULD LOVE TO WIN THE BOOK AND GET TO KNOW YOUR WORK!
(Silvana Moscato 8:46am March 12, 2011)

Your husband is a smart man.
(Connie Williamson 9:01am March 12, 2011)

READ THE FIRST 3 CHAPTERS ON-LINE AND RAN OUT TO BUY THE BOOK! After reading those chapters, I went to the local drugstore and bought the book yesterday. It would be finished by now but I had to go to my son's for dinner last night!! I NEVER pay full price for a book, always wait to get it at Walmart or Chapter (with my discount card) but I DID NOT WANT TO WAIT this time. It is such a good read. I will definitely be looking for the next 2 books as soon as they come out. I came across your books via a comment by Christina Dodd on her Facebook page. You can thank her - I certainly will.
(Dale Willman 9:06am March 12, 2011)

Congratulations on your new books and thank you for the visit. This looks like a great series I look forward to checking out.
(Christine Stack 9:13am March 12, 2011)

Thanks for writing Gabe's (johns) story I always wondered what happened to
him. I loved Angels Rest it's a wonderful book. Is the family reunion going to be
part of this series or another story?
Isn't it amazing how our lives can change when our children go away to school?
It does finally become our time to find what makes us happy.
(Debbie Olson 9:21am March 12, 2011)

Good morning! Thanks for reading my blog. Feel free to ask me any questions you might have.

Debbie: I wrote the family reunion in A CALLAHAN CAROL, the free xmas story that's available on my website.

Dale: Glad you found me. Christina is a dear friend of mine and a wonderful person. She's been helpful to me throughout my career. And, our husbands get along, too, so we have fun traveling together.
(Emily March 9:30am March 12, 2011)

Love to read especially series. Looking forward to reading your work.
(Grace Baldi 9:41am March 12, 2011)

Love series and this sounds like a good one!!
(Shannon Johnson 9:45am March 12, 2011)

You have characters in your head bugging you, and I have ancestors in mine bugging me with their stories. Sleep? What is that?

All the best wishes and luck on your series. Can't wait to lose myself in them!

~Caroline
(Caroline Pointer 9:50am March 12, 2011)

I've read books you've written under Geralyn Dawson, but not under Emily March - can't wait to start on these. I found you through FB read 3-5 books a week that I am always looking for a good series to start - found one :)
(Diana Gould 9:51am March 12, 2011)

I love to read books in a series! Good Luck!
(Susan Hackney 10:01am March 12, 2011)

How lucky you are. I have 2 teen boys that can't seem to fly the coop. My daughter is off living her life but my boys are here. I WANT TO BE AN EMPTY NESTER. Anyways, the book sounds great. I am more in to the contemporary romance stories. Good luck and Congrats. Talk about coming back with a bang!!!!!
(Vicki Hancock 10:09am March 12, 2011)

This looks like another good series for me to read---and it will be pleasant to be in the present for a change.
(Sue Farrell 10:16am March 12, 2011)

Congrats on a new start! Good luck!
(Pamela Stewart 10:18am March 12, 2011)

Wonderful blog. This is a series I will be reading.
(Roseann Moss 10:28am March 12, 2011)

I hope your new venture into this genre is a huge success! Can't wait to start reading this series!!
(Gina Borkowski 10:41am March 12, 2011)

It's inspiration to hear how you took to time to find your new path (or let it find you!). I look forward to reading your series.
(Maria Munoz 10:48am March 12, 2011)

I loved your books as Geralyn Dawson and now am a huge fan of Emily March. I am thrilled the books are coming out so close together.
(Cheryl Ricin 10:53am March 12, 2011)

Congratulations on your new direction and new name.
(Maureen Emmons 10:59am March 12, 2011)

The books sound exciting, I'm looking forward to reading them.
(Wilma Frana 11:13am March 12, 2011)

I'm new to your work! I picked up Angels Rest when it was released and
I'm so excited to crack it open. I have been trying to save it lol:) I can't
waiit for Hummingbird Lake! It sounds great!

Melodi Flakes
(Melodi Flakes 11:13am March 12, 2011)

I get too easily confused when authors use different names. If I have one I have enjoyed I will look for that name. I am slow to pick up new names. The book budget is small, so I have to be very picky what I spend it on. This series does look like a great read!
(Lisa Hutson 11:20am March 12, 2011)

What a wonderful blog! Isn't it amazing how one thing/event in our lives
can change everything (hopefully for the better)? I'm looking forward to
reading this series!
(Erin St. Clair 11:26am March 12, 2011)

Thanks for the nice comments about my work--under both names. :)
(Emily March 11:28am March 12, 2011)

Can't wait to read all three books in this new series!
(Laura Coppens 11:37am March 12, 2011)

I just finished Angel's Rest. What a wonderful book, can't wait to read Hummingbird Lake. It took my local Walmart weeks to get Angel's Rest in, if you send me Hummingbird Lake I won't have to wait so long to read it.
(Donna Magnine 11:37am March 12, 2011)

Congrats Emily for your reborn life and your new series to go with it. Also, congrats to your daughter on her college graduation and your son on his wedding.

God bless!
(Cathy Phillips 11:42am March 12, 2011)

Just finished Angel's Rest and would so love to receive a copy of Hummingbird Lake. Wow! What a cute title.

[email protected]
(Connie Fischer 11:46am March 12, 2011)

Looking forward to reading your new series.
(Kathy Sexton 11:48am March 12, 2011)

Wanted to say that I loved your rebirth story and your new direction in writing. It was inspiring to read what you did when you found yourself with an empty nest. I have visited this road too and it was a very hard adjustment, but al turns out well. Good luck and hope to see you on the best seller list!
(Kathy Sexton 11:49am March 12, 2011)

cannot wait to read it!
(Debbi Shaw 12:05pm March 12, 2011)

Want to read the entire series! Looks wonderful. Loved your post here & it only made me want to read these books even more.
(Kay Martinez 12:18pm March 12, 2011)

Congratulations on the PW review. I also think that it is helpful if authors change their name to meet the new direction of the books that they are writing.
(Cindy Olp 12:25pm March 12, 2011)

This sounds like an interesting book, one I will enjoy reading.
(Anna Speed 12:31pm March 12, 2011)

I meant to ask before...any of you who Twitter, I'd appreciate your spreading the news about this blog today. :)

The link is at the top of this page. Thanks!
(Emily March 12:45pm March 12, 2011)

Great post thank you so much for sharing and thanks for the super contest!

Take Care
Desere
(Desere Steenberg 12:59pm March 12, 2011)

The whole series sounds wonderful... thanks for sharing this blog post with us!
(Colleen Conklin 1:26pm March 12, 2011)

Thanks for the great contest!!!
(Jerriann Graff 1:27pm March 12, 2011)

Series sounds great...beautiful covers, too!
Thanks for the chance to win.
(Leanna Morris 2:09pm March 12, 2011)

Your books sound wonderful, the covers are fabulous, and I can't wait to read them!! Need I say more! I also love the titles!! Welcome back to writing, and congratulations on your new book, as well as all the accolades you've received along the way!! I have you on my TBR list, and I'm anxious to get going on them. I also enjoyed your blog. It's always a pleasure to read a little bit about the author, and find out about the path they've traveled. I'm sure you'll enjoy this trip a little more.
(Peggy Roberson 2:19pm March 12, 2011)

I'd love to win your book. I like finding "new" authors. Congrats on your rebirth.
(r w 2:40pm March 12, 2011)

wow i have not read none of yours but would love to read and blog on them iam folowing you twitter and posted to face book
(Desiree Reilly 3:07pm March 12, 2011)

What an amazing story! I am currently reading Angel's Rest and love it. I notice that some of your other books written as Geralyn Dawson used the Callahan name. Any connection, such as John carried on because he is special in your heart? Or like your coming back to writing after a rest. I haven't read the series yet, but poked around my Kindle samples as I intend to buy them. I saw that there are four brothers, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The emotional writing in Angel's Rest really lets us know each person and what they have been going through. And the healing process that is showing its way in is amazing!
(Marjorie Roberts 3:27pm March 12, 2011)

I love a series & this looks like a good one!
(Diane Sallans 3:30pm March 12, 2011)

Sounds like a great series, looking forward to reading them.
(Sheila True 3:47pm March 12, 2011)

I think a rebirth is something we can all practice in...we are and we are not that same girl we were 20 years ago and sometimes we are pigeonholed into a personality that we feel we must live like. We grow, we change, tragedy and blessings shape our new persona. Why not let everyone see you are you and not who you were typecast as.
(Darci Paice 4:45pm March 12, 2011)

You made me do the giggle smile. I've heard of being all new again with certain cultures and how it's a sticking point for certain families and religions.
(Alyson Widen 5:21pm March 12, 2011)

I laughed and laughed at your a virgin again comment. What is life but a series of new beginnings? what like is
(Caroline Kolb 6:58pm March 12, 2011)

I love reading books that are in series,these sound womderful.Thanks for giving me a chance to win your book.
(Linda Hall 7:11pm March 12, 2011)

I like series too without too much turmoil. I have enough angst in my real life and read to escape.
(Molly Wilsbacher 7:18pm March 12, 2011)

The covers are great and I love series books. This one sounds great.
(Karen Triolo 7:25pm March 12, 2011)

Marjorie: The Geralyn Dawson Callahan books were a romantic suspense series that I didn't get to finish with my previous publisher for a long list of reasons. I left the fourth brother hanging, and have tried to deal with that as best I could for my Geralyn Dawson readers who find their way to Eternity Springs. I have a free short story on my website, A CALLAHAN CAROL, that shows the family reunion. Happy reading!
(Emily March 8:17pm March 12, 2011)

A reborn virgin! How terrific is that! Wouldn't it be great if we could all start over
again and live our lives as we would like! Keep up the good work! I can hardly
wait to read your new series!
(Joan Siegel 8:24pm March 12, 2011)

Thanks for the great contest. I would love to win.
(Sheila Cohen 9:01pm March 12, 2011)

I love the titles and book covers on this series. And if there are dogs between them, I'm in! Can hardly wait to read Angels Rest. It's on my Kindle...just running behind w my reading list! :)
(Lyndee Henderson 9:13pm March 12, 2011)

No questions just Congratulations on your releases!
(Diane Sadler 9:15pm March 12, 2011)

A new type of series, a new chapter in your life...why not a new name!
(Michele Lawrence 9:35pm March 12, 2011)

Congratulations on your rlease. The book series sounds fabulous!
(Brenda Rupp 10:07pm March 12, 2011)

I think a rebirth is something we can all relate to. As I get
older it amazes me how many thing I do that are brand new. I'd
have thought(at 25) that by the time I was 50, that there would
have been little or no things that were new.
(Lisa Richards 11:39pm March 12, 2011)

Congrats on hitting the "refresh button." The new series sounds great!
(Cheryl Castings 8:28am March 13, 2011)

I only had one girl and she moved out as soon as she finished school. She even took her ferrets with her. At least she left me my dog. Her graduating was like me graduating. No more school fund raisers, school events like football games and rushing her to one function after another. Playing the mom role felt diminished. I had to get my own ferrets and to beat all my mom finally left the nest too. She moved to a retirement community. I had a nice little flower garden the first couple of years, remodeled some of the house, and started projects. My favorite one is my current one. I'm making a quilt and getting the pieces autographed to auction and finish training my service dog. I've been working on it since October and have only a few pieces put together. Mostly I'm still stuffing envelopes and sending them around the world for autographs. I've made lots of quilts in my life, but this one is the one that will change my life the most. Then there's reading. I bought a Kindle so I could enjoy all those free books on the web and find real bargains with the older books no longer in print. It actually paid for itself in the cost of books. A second virginity I can understand. Sounds like I need to add your new series to my Kindle.
(Christina Harrison 9:38am March 13, 2011)

I love that you've been able to reinvent yourself and that we can still share your talent for writing. I'm looking forward to reading your new series. I recently retired and I'm still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up!! Congratulations and best wishes for continued success.
(Karen Cherubino 3:16pm March 13, 2011)

Stopping and trying something new was a brave thing to do. Most people tend to stay with what is safe. It is refreshing to see someone stop and then find their passion agian.
(Maude Allen 5:01pm March 13, 2011)

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