Earlier this year I was contacted by representatives for Adam’s Media about working on a new project for them. Agents and Editors and negotiations later, I had a new contract! This is something a little different for me, but I’m really hoping people will enjoy it and give it a try. Ok, ok, so here’s the deal: I’ve been hired to basically rework one of my favorite books of all time - Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen!!!

I know, OMG, Austen!

No, I’m not adding zombies and ghosts. What I am doing is heating things up a little and exploring more of the unspoken romances. How did Charlotte really become engaged to Mr. Collins? Just how innocent was Lydia when she ran away? Will Elizabeth wait until the wedding night? Will Jane?

You know the writing…
You know their story…
You know how they fell in love…
Now it’s time to discover what you don’t know!

When I was first approached to work on this project, I was thrilled at the prospect of being allowed to play in Jane Austen’s world. I’ve been a fan of Austen’s since I discovered her books hidden on the shelves of the High School library, and have the greatest respect for her talent and imagination. The love story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is easily one of the greatest romances ever written and I, like many Pride and Prejudice fans, long to know more, to peek behind the veil of this complicated relationship into the lives and private thoughts of these beloved characters—especially the enigmatic and often misunderstood Fitzwilliam Darcy.

The book keeps the storyline and style of Austen with the sizzle and romance we expect today. I really hope you enjoy it as much as I’ve enjoyed working on it.

Oh, and by the way, the last I heard, the publisher said they’re calling it: Pride and Prejudice, Wild and Wanton. I’ll announce as soon as I have a cover and release date, but I believe it will be this fall!

You can keep up to date about this on my website and blog: www.michellepillow.com

Hotter After Midnight and Midnight Sins author Cynthia Eden’s next three paranormal romances, again to Megan Records at Kensington Brava, in a nice deal, by Laura Bradford at Bradford Literary Agency (World).

Cynthia Eden’s EVIL MINDS:  While forced to face her own dark past and the lover she left behind long ago, a Special Agent tracks a serial killer who turns his victims’ worst nightmares into reality; the first of a sexy romantic suspense trilogy about the FBI’s elite Serial Services Division, to Alex Logan at Grand Central Publishing, in a very nice deal, in a three-book deal, by Laura Bradford at Bradford Literary Agency (World).

Congrats are in order for two Bradford clients–Beth Kery and Lauren Dane both scored recent deals!  Here is their info:

Beth Kery’s untitled erotic romance, in which three people indulge in a night of impulsive pleasure that ends in regret and betrayal — now two lovers remain and each suspects the other is guilty of the third’s murder, to Leis Pederson at Berkley Heat, in a nice deal, for publication in February 2010, by Laura Bradford at Bradford Literary Agency.

Lauren Dane’s untitled sequel to the author’s upcoming title, Laid Bare, to Leis Pederson at Berkley Heat, in a nice deal, for publication in January 2010, by Laura Bradford at Bradford Literary Agency.

***

Wonderful news!

First of all, the lovely Laura Bradford has crit for three chapters and a synopsis up for auction for the Jo Leigh auction! Check it out! I can say firsthand that Laura is wonderful with editorial and her eye has made all my books better.

I’ve also got something up for auction - all of my Chase Brothers books and all my Witches Knot books - all in print and all signed and personalized.

Fellow Bradford Buncher Cynthia Eden has a manuscript critique up for auction! ALSO autographed copies of Hotter After Midnight, When He Was Bad, Everlasting Bad Boys, Midnight Sins

Ann Aguirre offers up a mentoring opportunity: a full manuscript (romance / fantasy (which includes UF) / SF) critique and help with query letter for same manuscript, to be submitted to Ann within 6 months of auction. and ALSO - autographed copies of Grimspace and Wanderlust

Vivi Anna offers copies of HELL KAT and INFERNO

Denise Agnew offers a copy of Meant To Be

For those unfamiliar with the story - Jo Leigh - an author whose fabulous romances have made many a day better - lost her husband this year and the proceeds of the auction will go to paying the medical bills.

A full listing of the auction items can be viewed here

This week, two Bradford Bunchers have deals - congratulations to Elisabeth and Megan!

Megan Hart’s next two untitled paranormal romances, continuing her upcoming handmaidens series, to Cindy Hwang at Berkley Sensation, in a nice deal, by Laura Bradford at Bradford Literary Agency.

Elisabeth Naughton’s MARKED, to stave off a war with the demons of the underworld and protect his people from extinction, an argonaut hero must find the woman who unknowingly fulfills an ancient prophesy, only to fall for her even knowing she is marked for sacrifice, to Leah Hultenschmidt at Dorchester, in a nice deal, in a two-book deal, by Laura Bradford at Bradford Literary Agency.

We thought it would be fun to list whatever new deals Laura’s clients have landed in the prior week here at The Bradford Bunch!

Congratulations this week to:

Christie Kelley’s next three books in the author’s Regency historical Spinster Club series, to Peter Senftleben at Kensington Zebra, in a nice deal, by Laura Bradford at Bradford Literary Agency.

Juliana Stone’s DARK REVENGE, about a missing woman who can’t remember her past and her former lover, a jaguar shifter and assassin, who must choose between discovering the truth or enacting his revenge upon her, to Esi Sogah at Avon, in a nice deal, in a two-book deal, by Laura Bradford at Bradford Literary Agency

Cathryn Fox, Lisa Renee Jones, and Jodi Lynn Copeland’s RUBY RED, an erotic holiday anthology about mixing love, life, and sibling rivalry beneath the mistletoe, to Kerry Donovan at NAL, in a nice deal, for publication in fall 2009, by Bob Diforio at D4EO Literary Agency for Fox, Roberta Brown at Brown Literary Agency for Jones, and Laura Bradford at Bradford Literary Agency for Copeland.