OK, settle down and make yourself comfortable, because there’s lots to tell you this time and I want you to concentrate!  I’ve spent the last week scratching my head about how to mark the publication of my 50th book this October.  I have a sinking feeling we’re all going to get sick of hearing about that book, but I felt I had to do something, and rather than wait for a frenzy in October, I’ve decided (with some prodding from Nikki!) to liven up the website all year, so we’re starting now ... 

I’ve got the message that websites need to be interactive, but it’s hard trying to think of something that will involve you without requiring a lot of time and effort on your part.  However, we’ve come up with a couple of ideas, which we think you’ll find fun, and I really hope you’ll take part over the next few months and help make this a really special year. 

The first is to create a map of readers – asking Where in the world are you? I’m often asked what’s the best thing about writing for Harlequin, and for me it’s not finishing a book or seeing it on the shelves or winning an award, thrilling though those all are.  It’s hearing from readers, and realising that there are women reading the stories I write here in York all round the world. I’ve always loved travelling, and there are still so many wonderful places I haven’t seen, so if I haven’t made it to your part of the world yet, why not send me a picture – a sort of cyber postcard - and show me what it’s like?  I’d love to see where you are, and all entries will be put up on the ‘notice board’. I’m really excited by the idea of connecting with readers in different countries, so please do take part!

You just need to visit the page the map is on (apparently it’ll know where you are automatically – clever, eh?) or, even better, send a photo.  I’ll draw a name from each month’s photographic entries and send a signed copy of one of my books to the winner, but your free book (and my undying gratitude) will be guaranteed if you send me a picture that includes you with a Jessica Hart in a recognizable location. 

There’s also a chance to be part of creating a new Jessica Hart romance.  I’ve called this Pick Your Own Romance, because all you have to do is click on your favourite book, setting, hook and so on.  I’ll update you regularly on the results and every couple of months I’ll narrow down the poll and you’ll have the opportunity to vote again.  The winning elements will be announced in October, and then I’ll start writing the book according to your specifications.  I’ll even include the names of your choice and you can win the chance to name secondary characters yourself and even to have the resulting book dedicated to you.  So go on, have a go and vote for the kind of book you want!  You click, I’ll write … how interactive is that???

The blog will still be here, but instead of my usual slothful monthly update, there’ll be something happening every week or so.  I know this won’t seem much to those of you who visit blogs every day, but it’s a giant leap for me.  I’d like to promise a daily blog, but I’d just fall by the wayside and end up feeling guilty about it, and frankly I’ve already got too many broken new year resolutions, and it’s still only January!  I Instead I’ll be joined by some wonderful guests to keep things fresh and fun – by authors and readers and those with an insider’s view on the whole tortuous Jessica Hart writing process.  So keep checking back to find out who’s here, what they’ve got to say.

And if you’d like to be really interactive and do more than clicking, why not write a blog from a reader’s perspective?  I’d love to include you!  Just send me an email, talking about your favourite Jessica Hart or what you love or loathe about romance generally, and I’ll put up the best on the blog in the run up to October. 

Congratulations if you’ve read this far!  You’ll be glad to know that’s it for now, but do come back soon and see what’s going on.  The first of my special guests will be blogging here at the beginning of February, and I’ve books to give away every month, so you’ll have a chance to win one of those later in the month.  In the meantime, don’t forget to pop over to the Harlequin Romance blog where there’s news of the fabulous romances on sale at the moment and a chance to win a signed copy of Mother in a Million by Melissa James. 

See you soon!