We are so delighted to introduce Deanne Anders, new author for Harlequin Medical Romance. Join me in welcoming her to the Harlequin family! Here is her call story, in her own words…
My story has been a journey which started with making the SYTYCW contest finals, starting with the slush pile, and then receiving the call.
Harlequin romances were some of the first romances I read so when I decided to take my obsession with romance books from reading them to writing them, I did two things. First I joined my local writing group and then I started researching how to get published with Harlequin. What I discovered was a great community of aspiring authors in their writing forums and the SYTYCW contest and Harlequin Medicals. As a nurse with over twenty years of experience I knew this was the path I wanted to take.
After entering the 2013 SYTYCW, I was shocked to learn that I made it to the top ten finals, so when I received what I thought was a rejection from the editor I was working with I wasn’t surprised. At the time my mother’s Alzheimer’s was progressing so I had to set my writing aside. Later I learned with the help of the HQ writer forums that what I had actually received was a request to revise and resubmit.
While my mother had been sick I had been taking classes, reading books on writing and attending workshops. I knew that I could write a better book now so I started overhauling my manuscript, and a few months later I resubmitted the first three chapters and started back in the slush pile. When I received a request for a full from Carly Byrne it was ready, so I sent it in that day. And this time when I got the request for revisions I knew this wasn’t a rejection but an opportunity to resubmit. Working with Carly was an amazing experience and with her guidance I worked through two sets of revisions that made my story stronger and a better fit to the Medical line.
I was at work the day I got the email requesting a time she could talk with me and I knew this was good. I walked through the hospital that day as if I was on cloud nine. With the time difference between the UK and the US I got up early the next morning and sat waiting for the phone to ring the whole while thinking I was prepared. I would be calm and collected. I had my notepad next to the phone to take notes. I was ready.
Then my phone rang and my brain turned to mush. I stammered and stuttered through the conversation and by the time I hung up I knew Carly had to think I had lost my mind. I looked down at my note pad and could barely decipher what I had written. A two book deal was more than I had ever hoped for and I am so excited to begin a new journey now with Harlequin Medicals.
Best wishes to you as you travel your own journey and choose your own path to your call story.
9 replies on “Getting the Call: Meet Deanne Anders!”
CONGRATULATIONS! So wonderful to hear a positive story like yours. I wish you the very best! 🙂
Hey, congrats, Deanne! I see that your blurb is up for the June debut, too. ^___^ Love the Call story, and I’m so happy for you!
P.S. I’d be tongue-tied, too.
Huge congrats my friend and Welcome to the Medicals team! Can’t wait to read your first book! 🙂
Congratulations! I loved reading your call story and looking forward to reading your books!
All the best!
Deanne, you know how proud I am to know you. I’ll be your best beta reader ever friend. Best of luck!!!
Oh and I’ll be seeing you at the next conference where you’ll be sitting on the other side of that table. Can’t wait!
A fabulous call story, Deanne. This is how hard work, dedication and desire pays off. Congratulations! xxxms
Deanne, I loved reading your inspiring call story. Congratulations and I look forward to reading your books.
Congratulations! I love medicals and can’t wait to read your books.
A wonderful “getting the call” story from an awesome author. Loved the first book and look forward to the second which is pre-ordered!
Comments ( 7 )
I spent the entire shutdown working. Had no time to wind down. I didn’t see my son much when school shutdown. My one co worker was told to stay home for 3 weeks so I picked up her hours. This year has been really crappy.
Ugh, Janell. Here’s hoping the rest of your summer is better.
Thanks for the info, Carol! Everyone is different in how they deal with the shutdown! I stay at home all the time since I don’t work so I haven’t been too effected but my shopping and errands sure have been effected!
Valri, I’ve been doing most of my shopping online. My local Target is still low on some items – mostly cleaning supplies. Grocery store is pretty much back to normal. Most of the dining in our town is outdoor. I can’t imagine have school-age kids!
Wow–getting your creative process on track must have been daunting–especially with “extra-large dog” glad to have you home. You don’t like coffee–I love coffee and have enjoyed my fortifying 2 cups in the morning even more than usual! How as COVID affected your story lines and characterizations? Best Wishes for all releases!
Interesting question, Virginia. You’ll have to tell me if the tone of my “COVID” books changed any! LOL
Life has changed so much! My dad passed Feb 2. The assisted living facility my folks were at went into hardcore lockdown the beginning of March. Mom couldn’t leave her apartment for 4 months! She was on the third floor, Will be 89 in two months & doesn’t use the phone. My husband and I remodeled the lower level completely and moved her in with us July 1. What a life change and difficult transition for the 3 of us! But we’re working thru it!