Today is Release Day. I usually enter this fog-like state, part terror and part squeeing joy, as my books hit the shelves. At this point, the books are out of my hands. I can only hope booksellers will stock them, people will buy them and readers will like them. But today’s release is different because my editor and long-time writing champion, Kate Duffy, passed away over the weekend. That loss colors everything.
Gruff, determined, funny, dynamic, supportive, direct, smart, devoted and savvy – all of those words describe Kate. She was this huge steamrolling force. A publishing icon who touched so many and launched the careers of hundreds, probably thousands. She loved romance novels and respected authors. She understood the creative side of writing enough to say, “I don’t know how you do what you do” but never lost sight of the fact publishing is a business. She got angry when authors missed deadlines and had little tolerance for whining, but if she enjoyed your writing she poured all her energy into making you shine.
Kate was my editor, the first person in publishing to love my work. She believed in me when I had ceased thinking I had any writing talent. She gave me two precious gifts: hope and a chance. There is no way to repay someone for those. A simple thank you is insufficient. Words can’t capture the gratitude just as a blog post can’t adequately pay tribute to her now.
I do have memories, some I can share and many more I can’t, but all give insight into the type of person she was:
…I remember the first time she read one of my manuscripts. I was unpublished and had finaled in the Brava Novella Contest. Kate called me and said: “I’m going to be your editor one day…but not today.” Then she told me what I was doing wrong and how I needed to fix it so she could buy from me.
…I remember the excitement in her voice when she called with my first offer. Most of The Call is a blur, but that much stuck with me.
…I remember how she called me three times on the day she read the book that would become YOUR MOUTH DRIVES ME CRAZY to tell me how much she loved it. She said calling once was not enough to express her happiness.
…I remember how she agreed to read an early draft of RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW when I said something was wrong but I was too sick to figure out what it was. She took a look and said: “The dialog is so good that I can almost overlook the lack of plot. Almost. Add in some of that and you’re good.” After I fixed the book, she declared it “perfect” and told me take a week off and then get working on my next single title.
…I remember how she read the original draft of the book that would become HOT AS HELL and called to say: “I have one problem: the heroine. I hate everything about her. I don’t even think I like her name.” When I pointed out that the heroine appears on almost every page, Kate said: “Yeah, that’s a problem but it’s your problem. And I need the rewrite in three weeks.” A year later I reminded her of this story and she said, “no wonder people think I’m a bitch, but I was right about that heroine.”
…I remember her calling last year and saying she wanted me to write a single title for a secondary character she loved from YOUR MOUTH DRIVES ME CRAZY and a Christmas novella based on another secondary character. When I pointed out that readers might be sick of my Hawaii-based stories, she said: “Then they’re idiots!”
…I remember how she made me promise that we would always have dinner together at the RWA National Conference so she could steal a few moments without people pitching to her or authors asking about their publishing schedules. I vowed to keep that promise of a non-business dinner to the end, never knowing the end would come so fast.
…I remember how hot she got when reviewers said negative things about books by her authors. She went into full Mother Hen mode and then let the nasty language fly.
…I remember her laugh and how great it felt to share a story with her.
…I remember the first time I met her, the last time we talked, and every dinner and phone call in between.
Kate wasn’t perfect and didn’t pretend to be. We argued and laughed, disagreed and gossiped. She was a mentor, my boss and a friend. The dragging sadness I feel right now will eventually lessen, leaving behind a mix of admiration, joy and appreciation. But today as the books she requested officially release – HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO and the novella in KISSING SANTA CLAUS – it all feels more bitter than sweet.
Be at peace, Kate.
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What beautiful words, HelenKay. You’ve got me crying this morning, but in a good way. I “knew” Kate only through the many authors whose books I enjoy, to which I have Kate to thank. Always I’ve read nothing but respect and admiration for this amazing force of nature, a woman who brought out the best in several writers. She will definitely be missed.
Thank you for sharing a small part of her with us. She’s made many special memories for readers and writers alike. What a lovely legacy.
by Stacy ~ September 29th, 2009 at 3:08 amHelenKay thanks for sharing your Kate stories. I only met her briefly once several years ago but felt like I knew of her through authors like yourself. She will be greatly missed.
Prayers to her friends and family
by Judy F September 29th, 2009 at 3:14 amThanks for sharing some memories with us, HelenKay. They were lovely to read about his morning. I remember sitting in on a Kensington spotlight at RWA in Dallas and thinking she was really passionate about her work and her authors.
My thoughts and prayers go out to those lucky to have known her.
by Robin September 29th, 2009 at 6:52 amThanks for sharing some of your precious memories with all of us HelenKay. I only “knew” Kate through her authors and a few blog post. My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family and friends right now. From what I’ve seen in the last few days, she touched many lives.
by Liza September 29th, 2009 at 7:25 amYou know, HelenKay, one of my Kate memories is of her introducing me to you at RWA in 2007. “Have you met HelenKay Dimon?! NO?!” like there was seriously something profoundly deficient in my genetic code that I’d missed the opportunity to meet you.
She was then and afterward so proud of you. You’re the Spencer/Tracy in my memories of Kate on SBTB, and she was so, so proud of your writing.
I can’t imagine what it is like to lose someone who was such an integral part of your career and your writing life, and you have my deepest, most sincere condolences.
by SB Sarah September 29th, 2009 at 7:43 amI still can’t fathom her being gone, that I’ll never again get one of those wonderful phone calls or emails.
by Jill Shalvis September 29th, 2009 at 7:54 amI never met Kate in person, but she helped me tremendously when I was working on Larissa’s auction. Amazing woman. I’m so sorry, HK – it does make release day bittersweet but you’re so lucky to have worked with her! Thanks for sharing your memories…..
by Stephanie Tyler September 29th, 2009 at 10:23 amThanks so much for this post — I know how hard it must have been for you.
I only got to meet Kate once, and she gave me a huge, squeezy hug along with a squeal that we finally got to meet. I’d talked with her a lot over the phone before that, and in emails, and I loved her for taking the time to chat with me even though I wasn’t published.
She was a huge help in GETTING me published, and I told her once that I WOULD write for her.
Well…I have news I can’t share yet, but somehow, I think she had a hand in it.
(((hugs))) HelenKay, and do try to enjoy your release day!
by Larissa September 29th, 2009 at 10:58 amThank you so much for this, HelenKay. I only met Kate once but she made an impression. I am sad not to have been able to work with her and sad that the romance world lost such a wonderful person. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
by Monica Kaye September 29th, 2009 at 11:12 amThis was beautifully stated and shed light on one amazing woman. You are so lucky to have been given the opportunity to work with her. Many of us always wanted to and never did. She will be greatly missed.
Happy release day! I’m sure Kate would want you to smile today and celebrate your work, as we all do.
by Jaci Burton September 29th, 2009 at 11:44 amHelenkay, that was lovely and so Kate! Thank you. I just can’t quite believe she’s gone. She was my editor years (writing as Jennifer Apodaca) and I just assumed we’d work together again.
We were lucky to have had the chance to know and work with her.
My heartfelt condolences to her family. Your loss is unimaginable. May the memory of your beloved Kate bring you joy and smiles even as you miss her.
by Jen Lyon September 29th, 2009 at 6:38 pmWhat a touching post, HelenKay. Your words definitely show what a great woman Kate was and how much she touched your life – and those of your readers.
Congratulations on your new releases!
by Karin September 30th, 2009 at 2:30 pmHelenKay: Kate was my editor, too. In fact, I could have written much of your post because it was filled so much with what Kate was like. I feel a bit lost right now. I’m on deadline and keep thinking that I need her to read my manuscript. She was my only champion, my only cheerleader, the only one who made me believe in myself as a writer and now she’s gone. I still can’t believe I can’t talk to her about my next project. I was so looking forward to that conversation. But I know what she’d say. “I love it. When can you get it to me?”
by Jane Goodger September 30th, 2009 at 8:26 pmBest,
Jane Goodger
What a wonderful post about your editor, HelenKay. I was so touched by your words and how much she meant to you. She will live on in your heart.
Many congratulations on your book!
by Michele L. September 30th, 2009 at 9:36 pmMy heart goes out to you HelenKay and to the rest of her authors, co-workers (Megan), friends and family. I know many of you will be wondering what you will do without her, but just remember what she told you, and you can get through it. Keep a little picture of her on your computer, so when you get stuck or second guess yourself, you’ll see her and remember her words of wisdom or her tough love.
by Dawn Chartier October 2nd, 2009 at 6:12 amOh I almost forgot. Congrats on your new releases. I ((so)) look forward to Holding out for a hero. I read the excerpt and it sounds like a great book!
by Dawn Chartier October 2nd, 2009 at 6:15 amAwwww, HelenKay, BIG HUGS.
by Cindy Procter-King October 2nd, 2009 at 2:29 pmThank you for sharing those memories, HelenKay! Hugs to you and other who were blessed to know her personally–she’s done so much for the romance-loving community! And congrats on your latest, too!
by Fedora October 2nd, 2009 at 9:51 pmBeautiful, HelenKay. A perfect tribute.
by Ann Christopher October 5th, 2009 at 4:49 pm