Yes! Instead of being plucked from the slush pile like so many other writer’s who get “The Call,” I won my first contract through a contest Dell Publishing used to sponsor called the Dell Diamond Debut. Authors were asked to submit the first three chapters of a completed manuscript. Several months later, five finalists were invited to send in their complete manuscript for final judging. Finally, at a Romance Writers of America luncheon, with over 1000 people present, my book, Brazen Angel, was declared the winner. It went on to be published in 1997. Sounds simple, right? If only it had been that easy. To learn the amazing story behind my amazing win, visit My Favorite Hero.