
It was a week of surprises and celebrations.
The Monday before I received “The Call” I was notified that
I had finalled for the second year in a row in Harlequin’s So You Think You Can
Write Contest. I had until that Wednesday to submit my FULL manuscript for the
next round of judging.
Once I hit the ‘send’ button, I began to relax. The next
round was all done by the editors so there was nothing for me to do…but write
something new. And there was a rumor going around that there would be no new
sales until the editors finished their round of judging
.
The very next morning, Thursday, I received an email from
the editor I’d been working with for the past year. She wanted to know if it’d
be a good time to call. Oh my goodness!!! *cue fluttering heart* What could
this mean? Was it the call? *cue denial* Did she want to discuss all of my
submissions (at this point she had 2 FULL’s and my SYTYCW entry)? Was she going
to clarify how we would proceed? That must be it. Because I never heard of an
editor calling to say that someone was a terrible writer and they should find a
different profession. At least I was hoping she wouldn’t say that. LOL. Okay so
I was a little nervous and having the craziest thoughts. Then I realized I
hadn’t emailed her back. *cue rapid keystrokes*
I couldn’t sit still. I couldn’t concentrate. I started
cleaning my house at a furious pace. I had to keep moving, burning up nervous
energy. Could this be the call? No, you’re crazy. But maybe. Nah…you’re
dreaming. Yep, those were my thoughts. LOL.
On Thursday, October 18th @ 8:30a.m. EST my phone rang and
my palms grew moist. I answered and all I could hear was static. Heavy static.
Then like someone was shouting across the ocean I heard the faintest British
accent. My editor got out enough for me to understand she’d try calling back.
*cue next phone ring / pounding heart* This time the line
was clear, and let me tell you that Carly Byrne has the most beautiful voice
and accent. I could listen to her talk all day. She said that she wanted to buy
my Fast Track submission. SQUEE!

BTW, I went on to sell my 2011 SYTYCW story. It is my second
release, SNOWBOUND WITH THE
SOLDIER. It was be available October 2013.
So my biggest piece of advice for unpublished writers is to
just keep believing in your dreams and keep writing. I’m proof that dreams
really do come true. :-)
To celebrate my July 1st debut, I’m giving away
one copy of RANCHER TO THE RESCUE. Leave a comment, answering my question below
and you will be entered.
Have you ever wanted something really bad and had it happen
when you least expected it? If so, share with us what it was.
Damsel in a wedding
dress!
Jilted at the altar, celebrity chef
Meghan Finnegan flees the scene--and the baying press--only to run straight
into the muscled torso of Cash Sullivan.
The former rodeo champion knows what
it’s like to have your life crumble in the spotlight, so he offers Meghan a
place to lie low at his ranch.
Fresh air, no paparazzi and the
brooding rancher's lazy smile are making Meghan not want to leave her
sanctuary. But she and her unborn baby can't stay here forever...can they?
I am so pleased to see your call story up here and thought Rancher to the rescue a lovely romantic read.
ReplyDeleteThanks Michelle! I'm thrilled to be here sharing my story. This time last year I had no idea what was in store for me.
DeleteSo glad you enjoyed the book. :-)
Brilliant call story, Jennifer! Congrats all over again :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Maya! :-)
DeleteGreat call story!
ReplyDeleteHi, Chey! So glad you enjoyed it. :-)
DeleteNo, hasn't happened yet
ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com
Hi. Thanks so much for stopping by. :-)
DeleteThe first time you get "the call" makes all the stress and hard work worthwhile. Looking forward to your July 1st release.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly does. I screamed and jumped up and down like a little kid. LOL.
DeleteThanks so much!!!
WINNER...
ReplyDeleteCongrats bn100! You've won an ebook of RANCHER TO THE RESCUE.