We are now officially on the  3rd business day before the release of my debut romance, SINFUL SURRENDER. For me, this is a dream come true. Sometimes I want to pinch myself. It’s finally happening, I’m going to be a published author.

SINFUL SURRENDER is my first attempt at writing a historical novel. Oh, I’d been reading them since my teens, but I just knew I couldn’t actually write one. Too much research, and there was that thing about having a ‘historical voice’–did I even have one? But in June 2006 after not having written in over a decade, I remembered my dream of being a writer. I WANTED TO WRITE again. I started with what I knew the best, short category. I wanted to write for Harlequin. But I’d tried to write several short category novels at the age of 19 when I was in college. I almost completed  one and the others didn’t rack up page counts of more than 40. This time, I promised myself, would be different. I was going to actually FINISH.

I started 2 stories and didn’t make it past the first chapter. Then I remembered my LOVE of historicals; Johanna Lindsey, Catherine Coulter, Virginia Henley, and Karen Robards. That was just about the time I stumbled across the Avon Fanlit Contest. Oooeeeewwww, I could vote for several sub-genres, Regency included. I voted for Regency and it won. For the next 6 weeks, I threw myself into writing chapters (1500 words each) for this contest. Oh, I never finaled or anything like that, but it showed me I had a half decent ‘historical voice’ and more importantly, I LOVED writing historicals. When the contest ended, I bought tens of historical research books and threw myself into research for a solid month, determined to conquer the Victorian-era. On November 1st I started the first draft of SINFUL SURRENDER (initially titled An Honorable Rogue) for NANO. I completed the first draft January 5th 2007. It was the first manuscript I’d ever completed. I was overjoyed! On September 4th of 2008, after having sent Hilary Sares the manuscript February 2008, I sold SINFUL SURRENDER to Kensington.

But I didn’t get there alone. I had some really wonderful friends who contributed to critiques and who constantly encouraged me. To my friends from Fanlit Forever, Alice, Christina and Kelly, I will be forever grateful for your critiques and support. To the Manuscript Mavens who put my first query through the wringer, thank you for an eye-opening and learning experience. To Barb who not only helped me with my query but who was the first person to ever mention the term GMC to me, thank you for filling me in, and the large revision task that nugget of information provided!

Last but certainly not least my heartfelt thanks, love, and friendship goes out to my two CPs, Anastasia and Mary, and my family, who always told me I could do it, and whose faith in me and my abilities NEVER EVER wavered.  I can never thank you all enough.

So to celebrate my coming release, every business day from now until, the release date, January 5th, I will be giving away a copy of SINFUL SURRENDER and some other wonderful gift I know you will enjoy. Today, a random commenter will also receive a copy of Courtney Milan’s much anticipated and highly praised debut, PROOF BY SEDUCTION.

~*~*~

Proof By Seduction
Author: Courtney Milan
Publisher: HQN
Pub. Date: January 1, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0373774395
345 pages

She is his last chance for a future of happiness . . .

Jenny Keeble has never let her humble upbringing stop her. She’s made her way in the world as a fortune teller, one who convinces her clients her predictions are correct by telling them what they most want to hear. Business is good… until she meets her match in the form of Gareth Carhart, the Marquess of Blakely, a scientist and sworn bachelor.

He just doesn’t know it yet.

Broodingly handsome, Gareth is appalled to discover his cousin has fallen under the spell of “Madame Esmerelda,” and he vows to prove her a fraud. But his unexpected attraction to the fiery enchantress defies logic. Jenny disrupts every facet of Gareth’s calculated plan— until he can’t decide whether to ruin her or claim her for his own. Now, as they engage in a passionate battle of wills, two lonely souls must choose between everything they know . . . and the boundless possibilities of love.

Comment to win a copy of SINFUL SURRENDER and PROOF BY SEDUCTION, 2 January Debuts!!! Winners will be announced January 5th.

Come back tomorrow when the Bonus Gift will be a DVD of Pride and Prejudice.

ContestshistoricalsSinful Surrender Countdown
By Authors, Contests, Giveaways, Harlequin, Kensington114 Comments on Day 5 – The Countdown to SINFUL SURRENDER

114 Replies to “Day 5 – The Countdown to SINFUL SURRENDER”

  2. I am so happy and excited for you! It also gives me something to look forward to in the new year! I know that “Sinful Surrender” will be an outstanding read! How do I know this? Because of the intelligence, depth, thoughtfulness and fun with which you manage your blog posts and your website : )

  3. It sounds like you’ve put your heart and soul into writing this novel! I’m so thrilled that your dreams are coming true. I can’t wait to read the reviews!

  6. Hi Beverley! Conratulations on the upcoming release of “Sinful Surrender”, I can’t wait to read it.

  7. And the countdown begins! That’s soooooo exciting. How cool is it that your release is two years to the day of your first completed draft!!!! I’ve got mine on order so you can skip over me for the contest. I just wanted to let you know how thrilllllled I am for you!

    Huge hugs,
    Brynna

  8. Bev,

    I’m so excited for you! Is someone doing your PAL report in January? You’ll be there, right?

  9. Beverley, this is so exciting for you! I am so glad I was able to find out about you and The Season site. More importantly, I am so glad you finally believed in yourself as a writer to finish a novel and that your dream is now a reality.
    Woot! Woot!

  10. congrats on the up coming release of Sinful Surrender. I can’t wait!!!! Please enter me in this contest for the TWO debut novels!

    Can’t wait to read your story, and hopefully you have many more to come!

    Dorthy

  11. Wow, two fantastic books at once, what a great prize! Count me in, I’d love to have both of them, or either, I’m not picky.

  12. Bev, I knew when I first met you that you had that something special, that drive and commitment that would make you fly and fly fast. You have been gifted with an amazing talent. I’ve enjoyed watching you on this journey, the progression forward and the little setbacks. I cherish the friendship that has been built over the last several years and pray for many more to come. I can’t wait until I hold that NYT Bestseller list in my hand, it may not happen next month, or next year, but it WILL happen.

    Readers will be blessed when they read Missy and James’ story. You’ll definitely be one of the must read authors! My only complaint is that we have to wait so long for the next. 😉

    What a fabulous way to bring in the New Year! Love you!!!!!

    C

  20. Hello, Beverley! Remember me from FanLit? (doglady!) I am SO proud of you! I remember reading your work during FanLit and I knew then you had a very unique and strong historical voice. I cannot wait to read Sinful Surrender and I know it will be the first of many, many Beverley Kendall books to come!

  21. Wow, you actually left tears in my eyes. I’m so very happy for you- your hard work and determination really paid off! I can’t wait to read Sinful Surrender, which sounds like a true gem. Also, thank you for sharing your story, it just shows you how far perseverance and the love and support of friends and family can get you. There’s no end. Thank you for creating the wonderful “The Season,” a wonderful site for all romance authors and readers. It’s beautiful and so are you.
    Best, Kit

  22. You mentioned a lot of authors that I love reading too. Historicals have always been my favorite and I welcome any author that wants to write them 🙂 I can’t wait to read Sinful Surrender!

  23. I am anxiously awaiting your book; I checked Walmart several times this past week and 1/2, but to no avail….I am sure it will be worth the wait.

  24. Huge congrats on the release of Sinful Surrender! How exciting! I know you’re walking on clouds. 🙂 It sounds like a wonderful read, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it!

    Best of Luck on your release, and Happy Holidays!

    ~Carol

  25. Congratulations on your debut novel, Beverley! I am super excited to read it. January 5th can’t come early enough. Please enter me in your contest. Thanks!

  26. Beverley, I wish you the best of luck with your debut novel. I know it’s a competive market out there. And thanks for having all these contests. It’s a great blog you’ve got here too. I love the new look and I really like the burgandy background and the design. Looks very professional! 🙂

  27. Congratulations on being published. I can’t wait to read it. Thanks also for the daily giveaway – the prizes look fantastic.

  30. Hi, Beverley!

    Congrats on your release.

    Please enter me into this wonderful contest. Thanks!

  31. Congratulations on your successful first novel. I can’t imagine what it’s like to have such a love of creating stories, but I’m certainly glad that you and others do.

    Please enter me, too.

  32. I really enjoyed your ‘call’ story. It gives me hope to deal with rejections. Mondo congrats on achieving your dream, and mega sales to you. (BTW – I liked your original title better! I wish they’d give authors more freedom to choose their titles).

  33. Congratulations on your book!!!!!
    You should be so proud of your accomplishment. You have picked a good genre to explore and write. Of course it is one of my favorites, so I’m biased 🙂
    Best of luck with the release of SINFUL SURRENDER. Good luck with your future books.

  34. Congratulations!!
    You made it. I hope sales are very good for this book and
    that you write many more!
    Best wishes and Happy New Year!!
    Betty

  35. woohoo! its almost release day! though i did happen to see a copy at the store! i can not wait to read it.

  37. What a wonderful story! Your path to publishing inspires me to keep writing, even on the hard days. Congrats on your debut book! I look forward to reading it.

  38. Beverley,
    I’m so thrilled for you that your book is coming out!
    I really look forward to reading it!

  39. I’m so happy for you Bev! You are finally realizing your dream! This is awesome and I can’t wait to read your first Historical Romance!

    After all your hard work and determination, we can finally see your work! I can’t wait for your book to be out in a few days!

  40. How very exciting. Congrats on the new release…and since it releases on my son’s birthday, I know it will be a hit!!! Happy new year!!!

  41. Congrads Bev! I love hearing stories like this, because it gives me hope that maybe one day I’ll find one of my own books sitting on a shelf in a bookstore one day. You’ve relit my “hope” flame, so thank you, I’m going to go write now 🙂 Please enter me in the contest too, book sounds fabulous. 🙂

  42. Ginger, thank you so much. I’m so happy that you enjoy the sites. They are lots of work but so worth it! I want to get everyone reading historicals (or just reading period). Whether my book tickles there fancy or another author is more their bent, what really matters is that they have a large variety to choose from.

    OhSoUnique, thanks so much. I’m crossing my fingers and hoping I love their reviews of my book too 😉

    Penney, Debra, Amber, thank you ladies!! Thanks for stopping by.

    Brynna, thanks ssoooo much sweetie. And I’m so happy for you and your success. I know in my heart good things are coming your way too. 😉

    Hi Ana!!! Thanks so much sweetie!! How are you doing? And yes, I’ll be at the meeting in January and no I don’t have anyone to do my PAL report. How is something like that arranged?

    Deb, Dorthy, Barbara, thanks so much ladies. I sure hope you enjoy it. I will ALWAYS have a special place in my heart for Missy and James’s story.

    Renee, what can I say, dear. It’s like it seems so long ago but not. LOL. I mentioned you in the post but using your real name. 😀 Thank you for the critiques and ALWAYS championing me and my stuff. You’re a doll, an absolute gem. I have lots of love for you, and your time is coming soon. 🙂

    Amber Leigh, Angelique, BookLover1335, Chloe, Linda, thanks ladies. I hope you enjoy the book. It was lots of fun to write.

    Katiebabs & Fiction Vixen, thank you! And thanks for checking out the book. I know your TBR piles are miles high, so I totally appreciate you squeezing me in. 🙂

  44. Beverley,

    Your success story is one of the most inspiring I’ve ever heard. You set a goal for yourself and followed through. I know it wasn’t easy, but the reward was worth all the hard work–being a writer is the most difficult job in the world!

    I would love to win a copy of SINFUL SEDUCTION. It sounds like my kind of read. 🙂

    Congratulations on your most exciting debut!

    Lis’Anne

  45. Louise (doglady), of course I remember you. And we met this summer in DC. 🙂 Well I know your time is coming soon. I always saw your name all over the contest final lists. 2010 is going to be the year for you if it hasn’t happened already. And thank you!! At the beginning of that contest I wasn’t sure what kind of voice I had. LOL.

    Oh Kit, thank you. You are tooo sweet. I’m so glad we got to meet in ‘real life’ in DC. I know you’re going back to school for your Master’s and I hope that goes well. And I can’t wait for your 2010 release, The Vengeful Bridegroom.

    Catslady, I have the same bias. 😉 And thank you. I hope you enjoy!

    Thanks Phyllis, Nikki, Melissa, Cathy and Ranurgis. I think the giveaways are fun too. I really think it gets readers more interested and more willing to go out and purchase more books. Am I wrong in thinking this?

    Maya, and that isn’t even the whole call story. That call had me nearly speechless for the first 30 seconds while I tried to figure out why on earth Hilary Sares would be calling me. LOL. Thanks and follow your passion and keep writing. It will happen. 🙂

    Librarypat, Betty and Jamie, thank you!!! And Jamie I just love when I hear that people have been seeing my book in stores.

    Kiera, Jennifer, Sandra and Zeee, thank you ladies!! And Sandra, just follow your passion. When I started SS everyone told me historicals are dead. I just shrugged and said, it’s the only genre I want to write so that’s what I’m going to write.

    Lisa, I hope you find it! And I so hope you think it’s worth the wait. 😉

    Thanks Carol, Giuseppina and Sapphire. And Sapphire, thanks about the blog. I love burgurdy. I’ll switch away for a change but I always come back to it. 🙂

    Thanks Mitzi and Kayla!!! I’m very excited about this release. You’re only a virgin once. 😉 And if I helped relight a flame, Kayla, then I’m happy. You go write!

  46. I am looking forward to reading this when it comes out. After many years of not reading regencies or historicals of any type, I have found myself drawn back to them more and more. And finding new authors who can write them is part of the fun I think. And since the only way new author’s of any genre get to sell another is by selling lots of the first book, I love to buy those first ones.

    ereader or paper copy? decisions, decisions.

  48. Congrats on your release and for sharing your story. Perseverence and hard work can and do pay off. I’m really looking forward to reading Sinful Surrender (and Proof by Seduction).

    And how lovely you look in your picture, too!

  49. i’m waiting for my chance to read your book BEV ! it sounds wonderful. count me in will you ? 🙂

  52. Bev, the Queen of the Bottom 503 is so proud of you, and of all the FanLitters who have done so well for themselves. I’m so excited about both yours and Courtney’s books, just as I was for Tessa’s. I’m not even sure I could be happier if it were mine being published. For all that we haven’t stayed in touch much since FanLit (mostly because I’ve been insanely busy with other things), I still feel like we’re a writing family. I’ll be happy to buy your book whether I win it or not (mostly because my mom and I fight over the good ones if we don’t each have our own copy!).

    The happiest of blessings for you on this auspicious occasion,
    Queen Sarah

  57. Congrats on your new release. It must be exciting to see your hard work and dreams become a reality.

    I look forward in reading in and your future works.

    Thanks!

  60. I am jumping up and down over here in Australia Beverley I can’t wait to read Sinful Surrender and Courtney Milan’s book sounds wonderful as well

    Way To Go

    Have Fun
    Helen

  62. Congrats on the debut, Beverly, how exciting for you! I’m also looking forward to Courtney’s book after enjoying her Christmas anthology story. Happy New Year!

  63. Aw, shucks, Bev! Congratulations – it is so well deserved. Anyone who hasn’t had the pleasure of a sneak peak at Sinful Surrender is in for a fabulous treat! What a fantastic way to start the new year … 🙂

  67. Yaaaay Bev!!!!!!!!!! 🙂

    What an excellent way to ring in 2010!!!

    I wish you much success and hope you sell tons of copies!!!!!!

    HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 🙂

  72. As one of her faithful “family” members I am so proud of Bev for seeing her personal vision through to culmination. Bev’s personal passion for her writing illuminates her work and her enthusiasm and confidence in herself really shines through. She is her own biggest cheerleader for her goals, visions, desires that she has for her life, and if I played an even small part in that I’m honored.

    I’m not worthy…

  73. Congrats on the new release! What a great way to start the New Year! And having Colin Firth would also be another great way to start the new year!

  75. Good luck with the new release! I love historicals, especially in the winter when I can curl up under a blanket with a cup of hot tea and lose myself in the past. I am wondering what GMC means now, though.

  76. Congratulations on your new release . I am an avid reader and would love to win one of your books. Happy New Year and much success with your books in 2010.

  78. Hi Beth, I’m so glad you love new authors cause I am one. hehehehe. 🙂

    Hi Lis’Anne, Thanks!!! And you if I thought writing the book was hard, and getting the agent, promoting the book is WAAAYYY harder. LOL.

    Hi Ev, there are some readers who don’t like to try the ‘untried’ so I’m to hear you love to try out new authors. 🙂 Thanks. And any format is fine with me, I’m not fussy.

    Thanks Bonnie!!! And Lori aren’t you a doll. (pstt that pic is a little old but I need to get professional ones done and just haven’t had them done. Task for 2010, professional pics).

    Mariska and Jen, if you don’t win a copy this time around, I’ll be blogging all over the blogisphere for the next several weeks and I’ll be giving away copies on each blog. 😀

    Josh, so glad your fiancee reads romances. 😉

    Queen Sarah, how have you been? Wow, remember those days–never finaling, chatting on the forum about the entries . There were so many of us in that bottom 503. 😀 Hey, the company was great. The best to you, my dear. Thanks!

    Hi Alice!!!! Yes, SQUEEEEEE!! Who would have thunk??? THANK YOU for the encouragement and support. 🙂 Hugs

    Thanks Jane and Meridan!!!

    Ahhh Laurie, sweetie. THANK YOU!!!You are a dear. Hugs

    Thanks Tracey D. It’s one of the hardest but most rewarding things I’ve ever done. 🙂

    Thanks for dropping by Julie and Steph. Steph, to lots for writing in 2010. Looking forward to hearing good news from you this year.

    Hi Helen. Yay, I hope it does come to Australia (I have no idea). Let me know if you see it in any of the bookstores. 😉 Thanks for your regular visits.

    Thanks so much, Maureen and Pam P. 2010 should be an exciting year!!!

    Hi Kelly!!!! Thanks for stopping by. It’s been like forever. And seems that long since you critiqued SS (when it was titled 3 different things). LOL. Thank you for all the critiquing back in those early days and the friendship. Hugs

    Thanks Sandy, and Margay, I believe a TBR pile can never be too high. 😉

  79. Thanks, Danielle. 🙂

    Paula, from your lips to God’s ears. But I’d be happy to have a 100% sell through on whatever number is out there. Thank you!!!

    Kathleen I love that era the best!! I’m not so fond, however, of the undergarments that go with the mid-Victorian period. Wishing you the best with your full request from Kensington!!! Let’s get a sale this year.

    Thanks Jcp and Eva!!

    Thanks Dawn. You’re the best cheerleader a sister could ever have. Hugs

    Thanks Joder, Quilt Lady and Cynthya P!!! And Cynthya a GMC is Goal Motivation Conflict and your characters should have them. 😉

    Thanks Joan!! And Happy New Year to you too Joye!

  80. Beverley, I’ve been looking at the cover of SS more closely the last few days and I love it more each day. The hero looks so gentle as if he’s trying to reassure the heroine that Sinful Surrender will be Wonderful Surrender. Ooh, can’t wait, can’t wait!!

  82. Congrats on your first historical novel. I started reading historicals many years and I still love them.
    Happy New Year!!

  86. Hi Bev, we are very excited about your debut romance novel, and wish you all the best. We always knew you could do it. Love Mom & Dad

  87. Don’t know what happened to my comment. It posted last night.
    Congratulations on getting your book published. The book cover Goddesses were kind, it is lovely.

  89. I also posted last night and my comment is gone….but I will say again, Congrats and I can’t wait to read your book. The early reviews are awesome!!!! Have a Happy New Year and continued Success!!!!

  90. Your book sounds like it is going to be sooo good!!! congrats and I can’t wait to read it!!!

  93. OMG will def. have to get Sinful Surrender!! Beverley it looks like you’ve done a fantastic job!
    Proof by Seduction is an amazing book which I just had to finish – couldn’t put it down!!! Love your site!!!

  94. Holy crud! I don’t know how you did it, but you did, and thank God for that. I have been trying to write my own historical romance novel for a while now, and it seems that I can’t get past the third chapter. I seriously want to read Sinful Surrender! I LOVE romances, and Sinful Surrender seems like it would be really good!!! Hope all goes well with your writing career! You are an amazing author!

  95. Congratulations Bev on your book. It’ll be a great New Year with your release. I’ll be sharing the love by cheering you on!!

  96. The books and prizes all sound so wonderful! Please put me in the hat for them all! 😉 happy new year!

  98. Happy New Year and congratulations on your book. Please enter me for a chance to win.

  99. Happy New Year! I wish you every success with this new book.
    And thanks for the fun contest this week –

  100. Thanks Judy!!

    Estella, I can’t wait for stores like Amazon, Borders and Barnes & Noble to finally have it off of pre-order!! Thanks!!

    Thanks Maered. I do try to keep everything about The Season sites visually appealing. 😉

    Mom and Dad, I love you dearly. And thank you for never once scoffing at my dream of writing romance novels. xxxooo

    Hi Librarypat, thank you!! And yes the cover gods were truly good to me. Love ’em.

    Inthehammackblog, thank you so much!! I’m waiting with bated breath for feedback from readers. I’ve received only one so far. 😀

    Mitzi, I have no idea why the comment would disappear but I’m glad you and librarypat posted again. 🙂 Thanks so much!! And where are these early reviews??? I’d love to see them myself. 😉

    Hi Jeanetta, thanks so much!!!

    Kelly S Courtney is an awesome writer!

    Thanks Kim, and same to you.

    Hi Stephanie, thanks for dropping by. I hope you enjoy SS. And I too have Proof and will read as soon as I clear some time in this promo madness schedule of mine. I’ve read excerpts enough to know the writing is top-notch.

    Shawna, you are too sweet!!! You keep at it sweetie. You’re young and the sky is the limit for you. Thanks!!

    Thanks soooo much Armenia, you’re a doll!

    Hi Molly, thanks so much and I hope you enjoy it!

    Hi Emmanuelle, my lovely French visitor. You always make me want to practice my rusty French. Merci mon amie. 🙂

    Thanks so much Joan. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂

  102. Congrats on being so close to your release day Beverley! I’m so excited for you! You have a fantastic book and I know everyone is going to love it just as much as I do! 🙂

  110. Thanks for the compliment, and I plan to keep at it, even if it takes a few years. I cannot wait to read your new book, that is if I can get my parents to give a few extra dollars. I’ve been reading so much that my parents don’t like to buy me books because I read too much. I get home from school and go straight to my room and read, and I can tell its starting to get on their nerves. He, he.

  111. Bev, congrats on the upcoming release of SINFUL SURRENDER. I read it yesterday (couldn’t put it down) and *loved* it! What a wonderful story! I can’t wait until everybody else here has read it so we can all gush together!

  112. PJ thank you soooo much!!!! I’m so happy you enjoyed SS. I had a wonderful time writing it. 🙂 Can’t wait to visit with you at The Romance Dish. 😀

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