The romance genre is a difficult one to break the “nut” in. It took me years of writing and then years of attending writing workshops, mostly through Romance Writers of America, to learn my craft and come up with a publishable manuscript. Well, a manuscript an editor thought could maybe be published after a lot of polishing! In the course of all the conferences, meetings, and workshops I’ve attended in RWA and elsewhere, I became aware of an author who is dedicated to her craft:  Molly O’Keefe. Molly isn’t in this for the quick thrill of getting her book published. It’s clear to me that she is a thoughtful, deeply committed writer who believes in the power of words. The power of love. And she puts it on paper time and time again. I’m attracted to people and especially writers who take the time to excel at their craft. Now Molly has punched it up with the release of her first single title romance, CAN’T BUY ME LOVE. I couldn’t wait to download it on my Kindle and have to confess I was up until the wee hours last night reading Molly’s latest novel. It’s as all of Molly’s work is, amazing. Engaging. Captivating. But this time there’s more to enjoy as it’s a longer and bit more complex read than a category romance. I’m loving it! If you like Susan Elizabeth Phillips, you’re going to love Molly O’Keefe. I’m thrilled to have Molly visit today, and in light of my constant search for positive thinkers in this often tumultuous publishing world, I asked Molly a success-related question. Please note: Molly did all the footwork to get where she is! I’m so proud to have her here today. Molly, how did you make the decision to transition to single title? Can’t Buy Me Love is my first single title romance after writing 20 novels for Harlequin. My agent was always a big advocate for me to attempt a single title proposal, but I was very happy with my career at Superromance. My first Superromance came out while I was pregnant with my first born, so I wrote a lot of books during naptimes, while pregnant and breastfeeding and struggling to get more than three hours of sleep in a row.                 But then when my second child went into daycare a few days a week, I suddenly found myself ready to take my agents advice and try something new. I put together a proposal with what I thought was “a big idea.” It got rejected far and wide, but my agent was very supportive and very focused – we only sent the first proposal, and the second proposal to four editors. When the second proposal was rejected, I went back to the drawing board on that big idea. Instead of pushing the envelope on every single detail of my story – I choose just a few things to push. Mainly my characters. I put together the proposal for Can’t Buy Me Love and it’s sequel Can’t Hurry Love and suddenly we had some nibbles.                Instead of going to auction, my agent asked me if I had a preference and I’ve always admired Shauna Summers and the books she had edited, so I made the choice to go with Bantam.                And I’ve loved every minute of it. I’m challenged and grateful.  Thanks so much, Molly! I’m motivated to keep working hard at my own stories. You are an inspiration. If Molly inspires you, please leave a comment. If you comment on or before Friday, June 29 at 5pm EST, you’ll be entered to win a copy of CAN’T BUY ME LOVE.