Abby Gaines , Hand-wrote her first novel at age 17. Typed it and sent it to a publisher, who used it to line the office cat's litter tray. Abby's younger sister loved it, though.

She had another stab at fiction years later, after winning accolades as a business journalist. Not that any of Abby's business stories ever veered into fiction.... Nearly six years later still, she sold her first novel to Harlequin (Question: Is Abby a slow learner?). Her family and friends were once again able to look her in the eye without pity or embarrassment.

Abby sold another 14 books to Harlequin. Dismayed to find it gets harder, not easier, to write the best book she can.