Loretta Chase Chronicle
Volume 1.3 Fall 2000
Work in progress
Let’s Face the Music
The new story broke out into open rebellion in September.
Its characters presented their creator with a long list of grievances. Among other plaints, they claimed the Author had (a) unfairly and inaccurately characterized them, (b) given them lines of dialogue they could only regard with abhorrence, and (c) contrived plot elements which they, on divers principles, were strongly averse to pursue.
Well, everyone knows characters can be exceedingly moody and unreasonable. We are all aware that they tend to prefer the easy way out. They greatly dislike finding themselves in peril at regular intervals (although they are all aware this is the rule when one signs up for popular fiction duty), and will not usually exert themselves beyond what’s safe and comfortable unless the the cruel and heartless Author threatens to kill them off early, in a humiliating manner.
However, after reviewing the evidence they presented, I was obliged to agree with them. The new work is simply not ready and won’t be this year.
None of us here--whether a figment of the imagination or not--wants to see a book sent out into the world that isn’t up to standards, particularly when we are embarked upon a completely new enterprise. It will be difficult enough for some readers to make the transition from Romance to New Wave Gothic (my current self-created label for the genre). They should at least encounter the characterization, conversation, and (occasionally strange) humor they’re accustomed to finding in a Loretta Chase novel.
This means it is highly unlikely the book will be published in the course of 2001. However, readers will be updated through the interim stages. Please be sure that, the instant the manuscript is completed to the satisfaction of the Author and the assorted voices in her head, the fact will be proclaimed in VERY LARGE TYPE in a special edition of the Loretta Chase Chronicle or on the website, or both. When the completed story finds a publisher, that fact, too, will be broadcast, as will the publishing date, once known.
Reviving the Undead
This author views with dismay most of the “business” associated with books. Entering an imaginary world where one bosses characters around and makes them say all the witty things one never thinks quickly enough to say in real life is fun. The commerical, legal, and technical aspects of getting stories into print and between covers and out into the world are not fun. Consequently, you will not catch Loretta Chase leaping with anything like alacrity into such an endeavor.
However, though not done instantly, it will be done: In the not too distant future, my out-of-print books will be returned to print.
The question is, which book should be revived first? It makes sense to begin with the one most in demand. To discover which one this is, it may be helpful to take a vote. Please send along your preferences. See the following page for ways to communicate these and other weighty matters.
THE BACKLIST
[H = hardcover P = paperback]
ISABELLA
Walker & Company (H) 10/87 ISBN 0-8027-0975-3
Avon Regency (P) 2/89 ISBN 0-380-70597-4
THE ENGLISH WITCH
Walker & Company (H) 7/88 ISBN 0-8027-1027-1
Avon Regency (P) 8/89 ISBN 0-380-70660-1
VISCOUNT VAGABOND
Walker & Company (H) 12/88 ISBN 0-8027-1046-8
Avon Regency (P) 2/90 ISBN 0-380-70836-1
THE DEVIL’S DELILAH
Walker & Company (H) 6/89 ISBN 0-8027-1058-1
Fawcett Regency (P) 7/90 ISBN 0-449-21894-5
KNAVES’ WAGER
Walker & Company (H) 5/90 ISBN 0-8027-1114-6
Avon Regency (P) 8/91 ISBN 0-380-71363-2
THE SANDALWOOD PRINCESS
Walker & Company (H) 12/90 ISBN 0-8027-1128-6
Avon Regency (P) 11/91 ISBN 0-380-71455-8
THE LION’S DAUGHTER
Avon Historical Romance (P)10/92 ISBN 0-380-76647-7
“FALLING STARS,”
short story in A CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
Avon (P) 11/92 ISBN 0-380-76833-X
also in A CHRISTMAS PRESENT
Avon (P) 9/94 ISBN 0-380-97240-9
CAPTIVES OF THE NIGHT
Avon Historical Romance (P) 2/94 ISBN 0-380-76648-5
Five Star Romance (H) 2000 ISBN 0-7862-2368-5
LORD OF SCOUNDRELS
Avon Historical Romance (P) 1/95 ISBN 0-380-77616-2
Five Star Romance (H) 11/99 ISBN 0-7862-2252-2
“THE MAD EARL’S BRIDE,” novella in
THREE WEDDINGS AND A KISS
Avon Historical Romance 9/95 ISBN 0-380-78122-0
THE LAST HELLION
Avon Historical Romance (P) 4/98 ISBN 0-380-77617-0
Five Star Romance (H) 8/99 ISBN 0-7862-1989-0
AND HOW TO FIND IT
Keeping track of the books still allegedly in print has proved to be a task beyond my powers of divination. My suggestion: If your local bookseller cannot or will not order LORD OF SCOUNDRELS, THE LAST HELLION, or THREE WEDDINGS AND A KISS, you can try calling Avon’s order department at 1-800-331-3761. If you’re told the book is out of stock, ask when it will be back in stock. If you do not receive a comprehensible answer, please write or e-mail me.
The following out-of-print books may be purchased from the author’s limited supply.
KNAVES’ WAGER $4.
THE SANDALWOOD PRINCESS $4.
CAPTIVES OF THE NIGHT $5.
For one book, please add $3 shipping and handling.
For two to four books, please add $4.
No more than four books can be shipped at a time.
Each copy will be signed with the author’s name only unless you request it be inscribed “To ______________.”
Please send your request and check or money order (payable to Loretta Chase) to the PO address given below.
Note1: KW and TSP stock is very low.
Note 2: I have purchased a very limited number of copies of LORD OF SCOUNDRELS. These are reserved for readers with addresses outside North America, because I’ve heard from several who’ve tried unsuccessfully to buy the book through other sources. Kindly write or e-mail me for details.
Note 3: KW, TSP, and COTN can also be shipped abroad. Please write or e-mail for shipping rates.
MAKING CONTACT
Thanks to a loyal and talented reader, information is available electronically.
the Loretta Chase home page: www.theLChp.com
e-mail: lorettachase@yahoo.com
Or, there’s always mail with a stamp:
LORETTA CHASE
BOX 3063
FAYVILLE MA 01745-3063
We’re especially grateful to those who enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for the reply.