Decadent Publishing
Meet Heather Bennett!
Co-Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Decadent Publishing!
Decadent Publishing is an ebook-to-print publisher in the romance, YA, non-fiction, and mainstream genres.
First question:
Eggnog or Mimosas? Are you old enough to drink?
Eggnog. Spiked. Old enough to know drinking too much will lay me out for a few days.
We’re also taking pictures with Santa, did you bring a gift for him? (Maybe a new release or a pretty book cover…)
I have the PERFECT gift for him, a book called Santa, Cutie by Cerise DeLand. It’s in Madame Eve’s 1Night Stand Holiday Anthology. This lovely author, Clarissa Yip, is also featured in that book. Do you know her?
Please enter. Drinks are served by the elves in the corner.
Are they naughty elves? Deanna Wadsworth permanently tweeked my vision of the merry little buggers in her Naughty North Pole book, Ms. Claus’ List. Never knew elves were that….flexible.
What’s your favorite holiday and why?
Christmas. For a number of reasons, not the least of which is the kids are off school for 2 weeks and I can sleep in (which, at our house, means 8a.m.). I also enjoy the month leading up to it; holiday music, cozy fires with stockings, buying presents, decorating, making cookies and taking plates to our elder neighbors, etc. I have tweeners, so this is an awesome age for the holiday. This year we’re doing Grinchmas at Universal Studios, too. Shall be fun!
Did you ask Santa for anything good?
This answer could go SSOOO wrong, but I’ll behave. I need a new nifty wine opener, mine wore out, and I want one of those cake-pop makers. I have a kitchen-gadget fetish. Does anyone remember the Cosby episode where Claire forbade Cliff from buying more small appliances? Yah, that’s me. *gazes lovingly at new NuWave oven*
What’s your favorite place to spend the holidays?
Absolutely at home. We don’t go anywhere on Christmas, people come to our house and we have a junk-food feast on the 24th (taquitos, cheese and crackers, mini-weenies, mini-quiches, wings, chips, dips, etc.) and we pile in the car to go see Christmas lights. Then we’re home until the 26th, enjoying each other’s company, watching movies, eating leftovers. Serious snuggle time.
What is your favorite Christmas memory?
When I was a little kid, we had a GIANT snowstorm on Christmas Eve. We spun out on the ice, had to get pulled out of a snow bank, but mom was determined to get to my grandparent’s house and she kept driving. Mom had me looking in the dark sky for Santa’s sleigh on the way, we ate chocolate, I know that. My grandparents lived in the country, and my uncles drove up and down the dirt road leading to their driveway for 2 hours so the road stayed clear for us. I was maybe 3yrs old, but it is a vivid memory. I woke up and had a MOUND of presents, the snow was feet deep. Picture-perfect holiday for a wee one!
As an adult, there isn’t really one, it’s just the whole experience with my husband and kids and family.
Do you have personal resolutions for the New Years? Anything interesting?
I want to remember to take more time to enjoy next year. I get really busy and forget to enjoy the little things. I answer business emails at the beach and text at the movies. Need to stop that! Is that boring? J Oh, and hire an Organization Fairy.
Why do you publish romance?
It’s what I love to read, it has amazingly talented people writing in the genre, it’s a serious but fun industry to be in, and we have THE MOST interesting conversations over cocktails.
What do you love in running a pub?
Dealing with the people every day. There is a lot of joy in seeing authors get great reviews and awards for their hard work, seeing the new ones realize their dreams, having editors tell me they enjoy their job. I had a ton of fun developing a few new lines this year, a western and a sci-fi world-building line and a few others; the creative back and forth was inspiring. I also really enjoy meeting the readers and authors at conventions and in chats.
What advice would you give aspiring authors?
WRITE WRITE WRITE! One book out there is good. Congratulations! But you need to keep going if you want a career. And, by the way, a successful career in ANYTHING is a lot of work—writing is no different. Only half of it is writing, the other half is getting out there and getting your book into the hands of readers. Also, never stop learning. Take some classes or seminars, read other people’s work, do research and write what you enjoy.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Oh, lord. How much space do I have here?
Ok, without being biased toward Decadent authors)…Lara Adrian (whom I met this year, and she IS as cool as it gets), Sherrilyn Kenyon (fabulous world-builder), Sherry Thomas (amazing use of the language and humor), the late Kathleen Givens (epic researcher), Diana Gabaldon (2 words—Jamie Fraser), Sabrina Jeffries (sassy historicals), Susan Mallery (smart contemps), Lorelei James (smokin’ cowboys, talented at characterization), Lisa Renee Jones (I buy her off the shelf every time), Tori Carrington (fun stories, fun people), Samantha Kane (ménage master!), the older Jude Deveraux and Johanna Lindsey stuff (my first fictional loves—all of the Montgomery brothers and *fans self* James Mallory), a giant list of ebook authors, growing daily. Also Kate Douglas and Hannah Howell because they are fabulous writers and great to follow on Facebook. Of course my partner, Samantha Gail. I am in lust with her hero from Guarding the Coast.
There are more. But you will probably cut me if I keep going.
What goals do you have for the new upcoming year?
Keep building Decadent Publishing in the manner we’ve been doing—quality stories, quality authors, quality staff.
Any big projects for 2012?
I don’t think we have any SMALL project in 2012! We are branching out with a new imprint– Bono Books–for our sweeter romance, mainstream, and YA books. That should launch soon after the new year. We have several new lines open or opening; including world-building sci-fi and western romance lines, Honor Guard (stories about modern alpha men working in or around foreign embassies), The Edge (short, very hot stories), and our main line and 1Night Stand series are going strong.
We’ll be at a bunch of Cons all over the country; RT, Tucson Book Faire, Arizona Dreamin’ and the New York Book Faire. Also I will probably be at EPIC, maybe Comic-Con. Decadent authors will be at a lot more. We’ll have a Decadent Publishing team at our Relay For Life event.
We’re currently in the editing process with Bill and Susan Seaforth Hayes, more notably from Days of Our Lives. They wrote a wonderful historical fiction book that will release before April. There is another big project on the board I can’t talk much about yet, but definitely has a little celebrity tie-in.
What news would you like to share with your readers?
We have a writing contest for our Western Escape line with great prizes, including a contract for first place, a critique by Desiree Holt, one by rising star Ann Mayburn, and more. http://bit.ly/smvKhf
We also have a VERY cool blog for the holidays where someone wins prizes every day! Holiday stories, recipes, books, musings, music. http://30daysofdecadence.blogspot.com
Additionally, anyone who emails me at decadentnews@gmail.com and signs up for our newsletter will be entered to win a Decadent ebook of their choice. If you’re already a subscriber, let me know and your address will be verified and entered!
Where can readers find you?
- Twitter: @DecadentPub
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/decadentpublishing
- Website: http://www.decadentpublishing.com
- Others: http://decadentpublishing.blogspot.com
http://30daysofdecadence.blogspot.com
http://westernescapedecadentpublishing.blogspot.com - Newsletter: decadentnews@gmail.com
Thank you so much for joining us at Romance Author Hotspot!
Prize: 4 ebooks from Decadent Publishing; a 1Night Stand, a holiday novella, and 2 main line books of winner’s choice.
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December 24th, 2011 at 8:18 am
Merry Christmas. Glad there is someone out there who likes the kitchen gadgets. Me I only bake during Christmas.
December 24th, 2011 at 9:23 am
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays~~ I love spending time in the kichen:)
December 24th, 2011 at 10:02 am
What a fun way to start the day on Christmas Eve. I love romance and contests!
mcv111 at hotmail.com
December 24th, 2011 at 10:57 am
Thanks for the contest…nice to relax before the craziness begins ( I have to brave the stores for 1 more gift).
Merry Christmas!
December 24th, 2011 at 11:28 am
Lovely interview. Enjoyed it very much. Thanks for sharing. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
December 24th, 2011 at 12:44 pm
Merry Christmas. I just love to snuggle up with a good book on a dull dark day . Especially while stuck inside during a snow storm in Alaska.
December 24th, 2011 at 2:54 pm
Merry Christmas, Heather!
December 24th, 2011 at 4:34 pm
That’s one thing I was told as an aspiring author to write what you love. Merry Christmas!
tabithablake at ymail dot com
December 24th, 2011 at 5:31 pm
I love to cook around the holidays and watch movies. The smells of food in the house just makes everything feel comfortable and warm. Thanks for the giveaway.
December 24th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
I want to a pic with Santa, too. I left him some milk and cookies. Merry Christmas.
December 24th, 2011 at 6:34 pm
I loved getting to know Heather better. I love the stories over at Decadent Publishing. I can’t wait to see what happens in 2012 at Decadent Publishing.
December 24th, 2011 at 7:07 pm
Decadent Publishing is a new one for me.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza, and Merry Christmas!
kscathy@yahoo.com
December 24th, 2011 at 8:55 pm
Your Christmas Eve gathering sounds great and we do something similar by having chili and cinnamon rolls as well as the appetizers. And the Mallory clan rocks and I agree with your love for them Thanks for the giveaway.
joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com
December 24th, 2011 at 10:59 pm
Great interview.I’m really enjoying Decadent Publishing books.especially the 1NS series.
Merry Christmas
December 25th, 2011 at 12:39 am
LOL kitchen gadgets can be very addictive. Specialty kitchen shops are always fun to visit to search for that perfect gadget. It was great meeting you. Have a fun Christmas. Enjoy the lights!
December 25th, 2011 at 1:05 am
Oh yes… Jamie Fraser. ;D I got Outlander 20th Ainnersary Edition for Christmas this year!
December 25th, 2011 at 2:14 am
I love the 1NS books, there so good. Sherrilyn Kenyon is a great ‘world builder,’ I love her books, I can’t get enough of them. Their is no such thing as too much Acheron. Wonderful interview. I wish for you many successes in the publishing world. Merry Christmas!
rshereifa(at)yahoo(dot)com
December 25th, 2011 at 9:52 am
What a sweet christmas memory. Decadent is a fabulous pub! Glad to be a part of it.
December 25th, 2011 at 10:19 am
Jamie Fraser and James Mallory made my morning.
But I enjoyed your post.
What a great Holiday memory for you. You listed so many great Authors. Wishing everyone a great and Happy Holiday. Don’t enter me for the e-reads because I can’t read them .
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
December 25th, 2011 at 11:01 am
Hello Heather and Merry Christmas!
Just want to say you’ve done a wonderful job with Decadent Publishing. Thanks for your continual support. Wishing you and Decadent much joy and prosperity in 2012. Keep those awesome books coming, girl,
Hugs, Keta
ketadiablo@yahoo.com
December 25th, 2011 at 11:53 am
Merry Christmas! Another kitchen gadget junkie. Loved reading about your favorite Christmas memory.
skpetal at hotmail dot com
December 25th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
Merry Christmas. Love the 1night stand series of books. rougebolo at aol.com
December 25th, 2011 at 11:51 pm
I love the 1 Night Stand series. I am looking forward to reading the Christmas anthology. Many of my favorite authors are in it. Merry Christmas!
December 26th, 2011 at 2:39 pm
Thanks so much to everyone who commented! I have had a whirlwind holiday thus far and need to get back to work to recover from the fun.
@StacieD–let me know what you think of the Antho when you’re done! We love feedback.
@Retta-thanks so much! Which 1NS is your favorite so far?
@Jean-Love my gadgets!!! I look in my cupboard, though, and feel guilty that they don’t get used enough. LOL! (got my cake-pop maker…yay!)
@Keta–thanks, doll. You rock!
@Carol–Thanks for commenting! Jamie and James are melt-a-locious. I hope you win an ereader soon so you can partake in our Decadent goodness. Also, we have print books!
@Fantasia (Tara)–RIBBIT! We’re so happy to work with you!
@Criss–That is so sweet. Thanks so much for your well-wishes.
@Niina–JEALOUS I AM!!!!!!!
Shelley–Bed Bath & BEYOND and I have a long-standing relationship.
Thanks!
@Elaing–Very happy to hear you enjoy Decadent books! What titles have you enjoyed most?
@Joder–happy to see you here! Cinnamon rolls…mmmmm……
@Cathy–Come on over to Decadent, we’ll treat you well! Thanks for commenting.
@Raquel–you’re fabulous. Thanks for your support this year.
@Jane–my kids were so mean. They refused to take a pic with Santa this year. They are getting ‘too old’. THE HORROR!!!
@Jennifer–if I don’t cook enough, I find scented candle a good substitute. LOL!
@Tabitha–exactly! I hope you’re following that advice. Your heart will show in your words.
@Laura Kaye-Merry Christmas back atcha, doll!
@Marilyn–where do you live in Alaska? My business partner lives on PoW Island! I’m in SoCal, though, enjoyed 78* yesterday!
@Tamsyn–Thanks for stopping to comment! Happy Holidays!
@Kimberley–I hope you made it out in 1 piece!
@Monica–thanks for stopping!
@Loretta–I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and here’s to a lovely 2012!
@Chris–baking is fab. My Mom made these gorgeous Santa hats with a brownie topped with a strawberry and whipped cream. SSooooo decadent!
December 28th, 2011 at 3:34 pm
Ditto! Thanks so much for the fun year! (Holds glass out) a toast to you for the new year coming up!
Tara
December 26th, 2011 at 2:59 pm
Heather, I loved the interview – so many of your favorite author’a are some of mine too. And I love the books that I can get at Decadent Publishing. Without you, there would be so many authors and books I’d be missing out on!
I hope you all are having a wonderful holiday season, and thank you for making my reading experience so much richer!
December 26th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
i hope everyone had a great Christmas and has a fun new year!!
terri_dion@hotmail.com
December 26th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
More gifts post Christmas. How Fun! Love you guys.
December 26th, 2011 at 5:06 pm
Happy New Year Publisher!
Love
liz
December 26th, 2011 at 7:17 pm
Hi Heather! Stopping by to visit some of my favorite peeps:)
December 26th, 2011 at 7:40 pm
LOL…You’re a kindred spirit if you wore out a wine opener! Plus, I love the tradition of pigging out on junk food before going out to see the lights.
catherinelee100[at]gmail[dot]com
December 27th, 2011 at 1:19 am
Hey, Heather, wasn’t this a fun place to hang out over the Holidays! Happy Christmas!
December 27th, 2011 at 1:57 am
Hi Heather! I have been having fun at your holiday celebration at Decadent. I have the same problem with kitchen stuff, mine tends to be different, new pans and such (not that I cook or anything, lol). Have a wonderful New Year!
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com
December 27th, 2011 at 2:31 am
Love the interview
sugerlady@aol.com
December 27th, 2011 at 1:10 pm
@Gena–that is the sweetest thing to say! Thank you so much, you made my day.
@Terri and Sue–thanks for stopping, good luck on the contest!
@Vivi and Liz–Hey ladies!!! Two of our fabulous authors, and FUN!
@Catherine–I GOT A NEW ONE! Woohoo!!!
@Anna–thanks for stopping. And I commented you, too, because you’re fab and you KNOW I heart your books soooo much!!
@June–I am a Le Cruset/All-Clad/Calphalon girl. My pans are solid for 50yrs or so! But I am slowly wearing out the stuff I had before I got the good stuff, and will need to replace a few pots. I told husband early on that pans are MY tools, he has his in the garage, and I use mine more, so they would be quality if he wanted to eat well. LOL
@Tamara–thanks!
December 27th, 2011 at 2:04 pm
I’ve got so many 1NS books on my wish list, I don’t know how I could pick just one.
drainbamaged.gyzmo at gmail.com
December 27th, 2011 at 2:45 pm
Merry Christmas! And beleive it or not, I love mini-weenies too with BBQ sauce. lol!
msgabby(at)gmail(dot)com
December 27th, 2011 at 2:58 pm
Thank you for the wonderful post! Wishing you sontinued success, and I thank goodness everyday for the internet as living in Alaska I so need to have sites like yours….*S*
I so love Decadent’s authors and books…they have brought me so many wonderful hours of happiness this year….*S*
Thank you for being a part of the great event, and I have added so many more books to my gotta have list just on this event…*S*
Darcy
pommawolf @hotmail.com
December 27th, 2011 at 3:00 pm
HAPPY NEW YEAR HEATHER AND ADDING YOU TO MY LIST!
December 27th, 2011 at 3:40 pm
Hey Heather,
Just stopping by to share some luv and support. Yes, LOL, I sent in my status report.
Can’t wait to see what Ann Mayburn has in store for her readers next – she’s one of my new favorite authors.
December 27th, 2011 at 3:49 pm
Those Mallorys. A real guilty pleasure. Makes me want to go back to my bookshelf and read them all one by one.
December 27th, 2011 at 4:55 pm
Stopping by to say Hi! Happy Holidays!
December 27th, 2011 at 6:33 pm
I loved your Christmas memory of going to visit your grandmother and how your uncles kept the road open. Your mother must have been frantic but kept you distracted looking for Santa–what a great mom.
What the heck is a “cake-pop maker?”
Decadent Publishing sounds like a great place for a writer to call home.
December 27th, 2011 at 7:40 pm
*Waves at Heather* Wanted to drop in and say howdy!
December 27th, 2011 at 8:36 pm
oooh a cake pop maker! I tried to make mine from scratch and they just didn’t turn out. Thanks Heather… another item I don’t have room for in my overstuffed kitchen. The kids will say it’s worth it though I’m sure.
Always love looking through Decadent’s release list. So many great titles on there I can’t keep up!
January 2nd, 2012 at 4:10 pm
Moira, you won the 4 ebooks from Decadent Publishing! Congratulations!
December 27th, 2011 at 8:54 pm
Just dropping in to say and show my Decadent Pub love
Did someone say Cake Pops YUMMY
December 27th, 2011 at 9:46 pm
I haven’t had a cake pop yet. My girls are dying for me to make them but, I truly stink at baking. I just had my sister bake us some goodies for Christmas.
Mary
mary_reiss @ hotmail.com
December 27th, 2011 at 10:04 pm
The best christmas goodies ,Whoopie pies. Read ,eat and be merry.
December 27th, 2011 at 10:11 pm
Your plans for 2012 sound exciting. I look forward to reading about the launch of both your sweeter romance line and YA. Very cool.
Oh, and if you find a qualified organizational fairy, can you send him/her my way? I can use all the help I can get. ( :
Happy Holidays!
December 27th, 2011 at 10:25 pm
Hope you had a wonderful holiday and I really enjoyed this interview! SO excited to finally be with Decadent – the books are just plain awesome!
December 28th, 2011 at 12:54 am
I enjoy the 1NS series and so happy to discover Decadent Publishing thanks to Desiree Holt. It was her book Night Mission that first had me going to this site. Since then, I have got more books there. I hope the 1NS series continues for a long time. Happy New Year
December 28th, 2011 at 1:17 am
I love Decadent Publishing! Everything that I’ve read from them I haven’t been able to put down =D Thank you for the chance to win
December 28th, 2011 at 1:25 am
Loved your answers, thanks for sharing. I am always checking out your site to see what is new. I have to say the 1NS series is a winner!
Gabrielle
meingee@yahoo.com
December 28th, 2011 at 1:46 am
I totally understand the kitchen gadgets thing. I have dozens
Ive branched into holiday themed ones as well…LOL!! That was a great interview and you seem to have an amazing job!! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season!!
viajeradelmar@aol.com
December 28th, 2011 at 9:05 am
I got a cake pop maker for Christmas!!! I didn’t get to try it out yet I’m sick with a cold but I can’t wait too. And don’t worry I have so many small appliances in my kitchen my husband had to get extra cabinets to store them all. But for the record no kitchen is complete with out a griddle, waffle maker, electric frying pan, CAKE POP MAKER, 2 different mixers, ect ect ect
Happy new year!!
brandon_savannah@yahoo.com
December 28th, 2011 at 1:38 pm
Thank you for sharing a part of you with all of us! I wish you the best of luck with finding your fairy
Happy New Year!
December 28th, 2011 at 4:59 pm
Thank you for the contest! I love Desiree Holt, Clarissa Yip and Rebecca Royce! I hope you have a Happy New Year.
December 28th, 2011 at 7:57 pm
“…we have THE MOST interesting conversations over cocktails.”
How do I get in on these???
December 29th, 2011 at 8:30 pm
Happy New Year! I love the 1NS series. They’re Great. Thank you for sharing a little with us.
December 30th, 2011 at 12:14 am
Happy New Year to you and your family! You and your books sound like so much fun!!!
Patti
December 30th, 2011 at 12:41 am
I love how the excitement oozed off this interview! I will be lookin up some off the authors you mentioned
Itwasemotional (at) yahoo (dot) com
December 30th, 2011 at 10:40 am
I am NO exception…who doesn’t LOVED the 1NS series??!! Keep it up in 2012!
books4me67 at ymail dot com
December 30th, 2011 at 12:26 pm
I’ve really enjoyed everything I’ve read from Decadent so far–thanks for the terrific interview and the chance to enjoy even more books!
Best wishes for continued success in the new year!
f dot chen at comcast dot net
December 30th, 2011 at 2:24 pm
I loved your ancedote about Christmas when you were young. It’s kind of funny that some of the exciting memories of one’s youth was probably among the more stressful for the parents.
December 30th, 2011 at 6:53 pm
Hi, Heather. I had to stop by and check out your room and say hi. And of course the 1NS Holiday Antho is up.
December 30th, 2011 at 8:15 pm
GREAT interview! I just visited your site and signed up for the newsletter…thx!
barbbattaglia at yahoo dot com
December 30th, 2011 at 9:25 pm
Will have to check out the Western Escape line. I wouldn’t mind a cake pop maker because it takes forever to make them by hand. Did you get yours?
December 30th, 2011 at 11:10 pm
Just wanted to add that I just received the Decadent Publishing newsletter with the B1G1F offer. What a great deal!
December 31st, 2011 at 2:28 pm
wow it great cover and info i will be looking for it the coming year
December 31st, 2011 at 2:39 pm
Christmas at home, always the best ones.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.
January 1st, 2012 at 1:22 am
Thanks for the giveaway & have a Happy New Year!
elizabeth @ bookattict . com
January 1st, 2012 at 10:56 pm
Happy New Year Heather!
Thanks for the giveaway!
beckerjo at verizon dot net
January 2nd, 2012 at 1:56 am
Your site is awesome! So many great authors and books! Thank you! Happy new year!
shadowluvs2read(at)gmail(dot)com