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This actually is NOT my Harlequin editor, Wanda Ottewell. This is a photo that came up when I Google-imaged the word “editor.” I chose it because A) I realized belatedly that I don’t have a good pic of Wanda and myself together (on account of I take crappy photos that need massive airbrushing before they can go public), and B) my grandmother used to have a lamp like the one in the background of this one, with a map of the world design. Though, at that time, you could still see things on it like “Belgian Congo” and “Chinese Turkestan” and “Persia.” I bet I could get a bundle for it on “Antiques Roadshow.” If it still existed, I mean. Which it doesn’t.

Um, where was I?

Oh, right. My Harlequin editor, Wanda Ottewell--who DOES still exist, thank God--is going to be visiting with us here at Squawk Radio tomorrow. She’s worked for Harlequin for seven years, on several different lines, but primarily with Blaze. (She was also in charge of the Flipside line, which is where she and I first began working together.) She’s edited six of my books and one novella, and she’s done an incredible job with all of them. In fact, the first HQN she edited for me, YOU’VE GOT MALE, was my first Rita-nominated book in that category. Coincidence? I think not. But I think the defining moment of our author-editor relationship came at the RWA conference in Atlanta last summer when she showed up on Rita night wearing a pair of shoes identical to a pair that I myself own.

She loves reading romance and thinks it’s “the coolest industry to be in.” (Gotta agree with you on that one, Wanda!) She’s also very excited to be blogging with us tomorrow. So everyone, be your usual sweet, kind, charming selves for Wanda, and, Connie… Well, just do your best, Connie.  And please join me in welcoming my Obi-Wanda Kenobi to Squawk Radio: WANDA OTTEWELL!