Welcome to our New Faces column, where we are delighted to showcase some of the debut authors in the romance industry. This time we welcome Meredith March, whose first category romance, The Rocky Ridge Man, is an August Harlequin Temptation release. Let's meet Meredith.

Tell us about yourself.

Born and raised in Prince Edward Island, Canada, I'm the second-oldest of eight children. Since the opportunity for solitude was rare in such a large family, I escaped from hectic reality into the private world of books. While a pre-teen, I discovered romance novels, and I've devoured them ever since!

After obtaining a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Radio and Television from Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada, I worked as a radio personality, wrote and produced television commercials for ATV in Moncton, and edited three business publications. While employed as Director of Marketing at Champlain Place Shopping Centre, I was given the opportunity to transfer to Crystal Palace -- a regional tourist complex that features a hotel, restaurant, indoor amusement park, science centre, cinemas and Chapters Book Store -- all under one roof!

Currently a freelance writer and actor, I make my television acting debut as Mrs. Alvarez in the first episode of DARING AND GRACE, a new Canadian series scheduled to premiere on both CBC and YTV during either this year's fall or winter schedule.

I studied acting at the Banff School of Fine Arts in Banff, Alberta, and at York University in Toronto. When writing, I cast myself in the roles of my heroines and heroes and live the story with them.

A co-founder and president of Marshlands Romance Writers, I reside in Moncton, New Brunswick with my very own handsome hero and our two children.

Are you coming to romance writing from another job?

I'm also a freelance writer and actor. I've had numerous articles published in my city's daily newspaper and articles published in regional business magazines. My business clients include a regional health care corporation and an advertising agency.

What led you to write romance?

Yes. I'm an avid reader - and I always have been. While in University, a professor of creative writing suggested I write romance novels for a living; but I decided to pursue my acting, plus a career in radio and television. At the back of my mind, I always knew I would write -- someday.

Tell us about your road to publication.

In 1993, I received an honorable mention for a children's story I submitted to a provincial literary competition. As a result, I met another lady who was interested in both romance and children's writing. We met up with a third interested lady, and the three of us formed a critique group. Out of that group, we founded our local chapter of the Romance Writers of America.

In 1994, six of our 10 members attended the RWA National Conference in New York City. Up until that time, I hadn't had a chance to write much -- I was in the process of setting up my own marketing and communications company. After I met with a Harlequin Superromance editor, I set the goal of completing my manuscript for the 1995 Golden Heart. Subsequently, I sent the first three chapters and synopsis to the Superromance editor. I received some great feedback from the Golden Heart and also received a great rejection letter from the editor. I shopped the manuscript around a bit, and realized it needed a lot of re-writing. At that point, I decided it might be best if redirected my energies to writing a single, rather than multiple-plot book.

I began my second manuscript -- a short contemporary novel that I targeted for Harlequin Temptation. In October, 1997, I sent the first three chapters and a synopsis to a Harlequin Temptation editorial assistant. I planned to have the book completed by the end of 1997, but our company was awarded a major contract that required my attention.

In January, 1998, I received a call from Harlequin Temptation editor Susan Sheppard, who told me she'd read my submission, enjoyed it, and wondered if the book was completed. I truthfully told her it was half written, and she asked if I'd send the finished manuscript to her upon completion. I said I would, hung up and hyper-ventilated!

After putting my two children in after-school daycare, I completed the second half of the book in 6 weeks. On June 25, 1998, I received a message from my agent that Harlequin had offered to buy my book!

What kind of research was involved for your first book?

I'd lived in Banff, Alberta, Canada a number of years ago and had visited the city of Calgary numerous times, but I'd never been on a ranch. I researched dude ranches in Western Canada on the Internet, to get a feel for a ranch, and looked up flora and fauna in encyclopedia. For the rest, I relied on memory.

Who are your influences as a writer?

All the Temptation authors -- they are an incredibly talented group of writers. Nora Roberts, of course. I enjoy Sandra Brown, Tami Hoag, Jennifer Cruisie, Barbara Delinsky, Tess Gerritsen, Robert Ludlum, Mary Higgins Clark -- just to name a few.

What does your family think of having a romance author in their midst?

My husband thinks it's great -- he loves telling everyone he's my inspiration! My 8 year old daughter and 11 year old son think it's cool. My parents are very proud of me and my seven brothers and sisters -- who always let me know I was the "odd one" in the family -- are proud of me, too, even though I suspect some of them were doubtful I'd actually succeed!

Tell us about plans for future books.

I'm currently working on a couple of proposals for Temptation -- and keeping my fingers crossed!

How can readers get in touch with you?

They can contact me through email at: sboyce@nbnet.nb.ca

Meredith, thanks for joining us, and best of luck with those proposals! Readers, we have a review of The Rocky Ridge Man on our category page.

July 20, 1999