Several years ago, I decided I needed to write the characters that kept popping into my head. I wrote a 75k paranormal that went nowhere. It is pretty much a showcase for all the mistakes new writers make. It even starts with a dream sequence and immediately moves to the main character describing herself in the mirror. Yikes…
After I wrote myself into a plot corner (or several), I needed a break. So, I wrote a random scene to get my creative juices flowing. I kept adding to that scene every time I hit another wall in my paranormal mess. A few months later, I realized I had written half of a historical romance and loved every minute of it.
I was a romance author! I wrote a historical that went through a few revision rounds before it was rejected. I took the encouraging feedback I got to heart and started taking all the craft courses I could find.
Then Harlequin announced the Medical Blitz. Two of the medical authors are in my local writing group and suggested we all try it. I plotted and brainstormed with my sister – a devote follower of the medicals and then wrote and rewrote my submission before holding my breath and hitting the submit button.
When the request for a full manuscript came in, I was over the moon. After doing a round of rewrites, Julia Williams asked for a few more revisions. I turned those around quickly, and one of the authors I knew told me not to worry if it took a while to get a response back because that might mean it was with acquisitions.
Exactly a week later, an email popped in a little after six in the morning. It was a Monday; I was already at the office. I thought this was the “nice try, but your still not quite there rejection.” I figured Mondays stink anyway, may as well read the email, and move on. Instead, it was Julia asking to talk on the phone. I knew what that meant from reading other call stories.
I gasped – really loudly, and all of the guys in my office came running. They thought something bit me – not outside the realm of the possible because my office has been invaded by wasps and spiders. But those are stories for another day.
I’d only told a few of my female colleagues that I was writing romance. Which meant all the gentlemen in my office found out I sold my book before my wonderful, supportive husband, and my family. And discovered that I was a romance writer at the same time!
I wish I could tell you about my actual call with Julia, but the truth is that after she told me Harlequin was offering me a two book deal it all became a blur. I do recall that when I got back from talking with Julia, the guys were all discussing which one of them would be the best cover model for my book. It was lovely and heartwarming – and I am pretty sure I was the cause of no work getting done that day.
I am thrilled to be a Harlequin Medical author. And I doubt very seriously there will ever be another Monday quite so good!
Now, hear from Juliette’s editor, Julia Williams…
One of the joys of working at M&B is discovering new writers, especially through our regular blitzes. So I was thrilled last year to discover Juliette Hyland through last year’s Medical Blitz. From the very first chapter she sent in I was hooked by her voice and her interesting take on a medical. The story involves a celebrity medical doc taking time out in a small practice in Alaska run by an ex-child actress turned doctor. It felt like a breath of fresh air to read a story not only set in such an unusual setting but with both the hero and heroine having interesting conflicts that mirrored one another and caused tension between them. It’s been a delight working with Juliette to craft this story into publishing form, and I am so happy to be working on her next book which promises to be just as good!
Look out for Juliette’s Hyland’s debut title for Harlequin Medical Romance: Unlocking the Ex-Army Doc’s Heart, available May 2020!
3 replies on “Getting the Call – Meet New Harlequin Medical Romance Author Juliette Hyland”
CONGRATS, Juliette! I love your call story! I can just imagine the office guys posing for the cover. Lol. That would make a cute romance story in itself. Good luck! I can’t wait to read your debut book! 🙂
Congratulations, Juliette. I enjoyed reading your call story and am so glad things worked out for you and Medical Romance. I look forward to reading your book when it comes out. It sounds interesting.
Good Afternoon, Juliette:
I hope that you don’t mind me addressing you by your first name. You are sp pretty. Your ‘call story’ is delightful. I agree with Chrissie’s comment, the guys in your office posing for a Harlequin book cover…..a story in the making. Ok, boys, off with the shirts!!!!!! Best wishes from West Virginia. Can’t wait to buy your book.
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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!