WRITER’S DREAM COMES TRUE WITH SALE OF FIRST BOOK

San Diego writer, Janet Wellington, announces the release of her first romance novel, "Bachelor For Sale," which will hit the Wal*Mart chain in late August 1998.

The love story, set in the outlying areas of San Diego, features a llama rancher and a hair salon manager. When asked why she chose the setting, Wellington replied, "They say to write what you know and I happen to live in America’s finest city! The nearby Cuyamaca mountains were a perfect location for my hero’s llama ranch and the San Diego suburb of La Mesa was my inspiration for the heroine’s home and workplace."

The story’s theme revolves around the concept of viewing your past as either a hitching post or a guidepost. Wellington describes the novel as a short contemporary romance, where the heroine has to come up with a bachelor willing to be auctioned off to the highest bidder at a charity auction.

Last January, she sent the manuscript to Kensington Publishers editor Hilary Sares with their Precious Gems line in mind. Precious Gems romances are only available at Wal*Mart stores across the country and feature a low $1.96 price tag. "I liked the idea that Kensington passes on a savings to the consumer. I think the affordable price encourages new readership, and these romances are top notch."

Wellington hasn’t given up her day job, yet (she works as a human resources representative for San Diego Hospice), but her career goal is to write full time. Past writing credits include editing the script of a Cindy award-winning video and writing its accompanying guidebook, and penning newsletter and newspaper articles.

"I also enter writing contests," she explained, "and last year I won the grand prize of the Day-Timer’s "Why I Can’t Live Without It" 50^th Anniversary Contest." Wellington’s 50-word dictionary style entry earned her an all-expense paid 8-day trip to London. "The best part was the flight over on the supersonic Concorde," she said. "It was definitely a dream come true and I’m looking forward to more of my dreams coming true!"

When asked how it feels to be a new author, Wellington said, "I’m so thrilled to be able to go to my local Wal*Mart and actually see my name on a book on the rack."

She credits her success to membership in Romance Writer’s of America, Inc. -- the world’s largest non-profit genre organization which specializes in romance fiction. The organization boasts a membership of over 8,200. Wellington also regularly attends both the San Diego and Orange County chapters of RWA. "One thing I’ve learned," she said, "is that romance writers are people that are ready and willing to share their expertise and tips. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of other writers and the confidence of my editor, Hilary Sares."