We are delighted to welcome debut Love Inspired Suspense author Sharee Stover 
with her story on Getting the Call! In her own words…
I am a planner to the max. I’m the kind of person who buys the next year’s calendar the summer before. So, when I got THE CALL my planning went out the window and I couldn’t have been happier.
I’m a Colorado native transplanted to Nebraska. All that to say, when I say I know snow, I know snow. Big, white, fluffy flakes that make road travel treacherous and stressful. Looks great when you’re viewing it from the comforts of home and on winter picture scenes. Not so much when you’re skidding around wondering why you left your home in the first place. I don’t think I’ve ever been happier for a blizzard than when my amazing editor, Emily Rodmell, posted a Facebook message saying she’d be willing to answer questions and look at blurbs since she was snowed in. I’m sure the snowed in experience wasn’t as gleeful on her end, but it began the happily-ever-after for my story.
Taking a deep breath, I posted my blurb on Facebook. I about fell off the chair when she responded she’d like to see the story. Right there, in front of everyone.
I sent the full manuscript to her and within a month, Emily had responded with a thorough R&R letter. I was humbled and honored that she had taken such care to provide detailed feedback. That told me a lot about the kind of editor she is. AH-MAZE-ING. Needless to say, I was beyond excited and got to work on the revisions immediately and finally submitted the changes that made my story stronger than ever.
Remember the calendar thing? Well, I’ve made July 5th an official holiday because that’s the day I got THE CALL. I was sitting at my desk—where I spend 90% of my life—when my phone lit up with a New York area code, I said, “No…it can’t be.” Since my dog was the only witness to that, I can assure you I said it out loud. I swiped to answer the call and when Emily introduced herself I had to hold onto the furniture.
She gave me the details of what would happen next and I took copious notes with a very shaky hand trying desperately to hear her over the pulse beating in my ears. When she asked if I had any questions, I could barely talk through the smile on my face. At that point, she could’ve offered me a chicken and three loaves of bread and I’d have accepted it.
I think the funniest part for me was when I asked when I could tell everyone. She laughed and said, “we’re not going to take it away.”
But I’m a writer. We like things in written format. Tangible proof that I didn’t just imagine all of this. Because imaginations are what make us quirky and fun…right?
When I hung up, my college-aged daughter was in the next room so I ran to her and danced, and cheered and squealed. She joined in and we celebrated. When I could finally stop jumping up and down, I called my husband and started all over again. I screamed and squealed relaying the story, and he cheered with me. Although I didn’t actually see it, I’m pretty sure he was dancing on his end too. Needless to say, my family has eaten many a pizza so Mama could write. Their excitement was priceless and I was so proud of how my family had supported me. Sharing the joy of the sweet victory with them made it that much more remarkable.
I’m still pinching myself. When I share that my debut novel releases in April, I stop and think that really happened right? I wasn’t dreaming? I’m beyond thrilled to be a Love Inspired Suspense author. Thank you, Love Inspired and Harlequin for welcoming me into your family.
72 replies on “Getting the Call: Meet Sharee Stover!”
What a great story, Sharee!
I’m SOOOOO happy for you. Can’t wait until the book comes out.
Thank you, Connie! I’m counting down the days too!
Hi Sharee, congratulations on getting the call! I look forward to April when I can read your book!
Jackie, thank you so much!!
Oh my goodness Sharee, this is so exciting! I’m so happy for you!
Sherri, thank you for stopping by! I’m so excited for you to read it!
Sharee!!!!!!!!
LOVED your call story! Thank you for sharing, my friend! Enjoyed hearing about “the call” and how you ran into the next room and started happy dancing with your daughter. 🙂 I could just picture it.
Many CONGRATS to you and I cannot wait to read your fabulous book!
Cynthia, I’m pretty sure happy dancing is a must for the Call 🙂 Thank you for sharing the thrill with me!
Sharee! What an amazing story! Cannot wait to read your book. I am so excited for you!!
Thank you Sally! I can’t wait for you to read it too.
I am SOOOOO proud of Sharee Stover! I’ve been so privileged to have read several of her rough drafts – what an imagination – so excited to know I’ll get to read one of her books between cover come April 2018!
CONGRAT-YOU-LATIONS, Sharee Stover!
THANK YOU, JOY!! I can’t wait for you to read it!
Congratulations, Sharee! I enjoyed reading your call story. So exciting! I love reading romantic suspense and can’t wait to read your book. Can you share the title so I’ll know what to look for come April?
Absolutely Maurine! It’s called SECRET PAST and I can’t wait for you to read it!!
Congratulations! So exciting. *waves from Kansas*
Waving to you Christina! I love meeting new neighbors!!
Congratulations! I hope we’re still friends when Mary C. is sending everyone on senior playdates 🙂
As long as you don’t hog the prunes, we’ll be doing great on our playdates!! 🙂
Congratulations! I love the “we’re not going to take it away” comment. I felt the same way with my editor! And do you love saying, “MY editor”?
Christa, aren’t the words MY EDITOR the BEST?
SO proud of you Sharee! I can’t wait for your cover reveal and can’t wait to read the final version! This has been such an exciting year and there’s more to come, I just know it. Well done, my friend.
Ah Laurie! I love that we get to share the writing journey!
Sharee! A great story and a great accomplishment. I can’t wait to read it. Soooo proud of you
Cindy, you’re the best! Thank you! I’m excited for you to read it too!!
Sharee, I’m dancing with you as I read your call story! Exciting! Snow storms will never be the same for you….what a delightful outcome. Congratulations on your April release. I’ll be watching for it!
Sherida, you’re so right. I’ve got a whole new appreciation for snow now 🙂 Thank you for happy dancing with me!
So happy for you! Be blessed in all your endeavors!!
Charlene, thank you so much! I’m grateful for those blessings!
I am so proud of you!!!! I can’t wait for April so I can finally read your book!! Love you!
Sheila, I can’t wait for you to read it too!!!
This just gave me goosebumps. So happy for you. Hard work pays off!! WOOT!
Tina, you’re the best! Happy dancing with you!
Oh this is exciting! I can’t wait to read your book…..and the many to follow! Congrats to you!
Thank you Debb!! I’m so excited for you to read it too!
Yay for snow!!! What a great call story! I’m so happy for you and can not wait to read your book!
Sherrinda, snow will never be the same 🙂
What a fun story!! I am beyond thrilled for you, Sharee, and cannot wait to read your book in the spring!! Happy hugs!!
It’ll be a great way to defrost from the winter, Patti Jo!! Thank you so much!
Congratulations Sharee! What a great story of seizing the moment. I’ve always liked the saying that good luck is 9/10ths hard work. Good for you for putting yourself in a position to succeed. Well Done!
Kate, what a great saying! 🙂 Thank you for sharing my journey!
You’re welcome. Thanks for being and inspiration.
Sharee! I’m so thrilled for your success! You deserve it and I’m sure there’ll be plenty more where that came from!
Josee, that would be amazing! Thank you!!
What a great story, Sharee! It gave me goosebumps – so happy for you. This part made me laugh out loud: “At that point, she could’ve offered me a chicken and three loaves of bread and I’d have accepted it.” Congratulations, and thanks for sharing your call story. I can’t wait to read your book!
Laura, I love that you get my twisted, albeit dry sense of humor 🙂
Sharee, I loved reading your call story! I’m so happy for you, and I can’t wait to read your book.
Rhonda here’s to many stories for us both, my friend!
That’s so exciting! Congratulations, Sharee! I can’t wait to read your story.
Yvonne, I can’t wait for that awesome day too!
Can’t wait to read it! Love Inspired Suspense is one of my favorites!
Mine too Melanie!!
Sharee! I loved reading this and feeling your contagious excitement! I’m so happy for you and can’t wait to see your book sitting on the top of my TBR in April!
(I really do know how to spell my own name!) LOL
Karen, I’d be honored to be on your TBR pile!!
Great story!! So excited for you!! Can’t wait to read your book!
Susan, thank you! I’m excited for you to read it too!
What a fun story! Super Congratulations on getting the CALL! I will be sure to watch for your first book to release. Thanks for sharing…and I know what you mean about snow and driving in it. Been there and survived. Enough said.
Chrissie, high five for snow survivors! 🙂
That’s awesome, Sharee! Thanks for sharing your Call story. And, yes, I’m totally with you about the snow. Pleasant to look at when you’re sheltered, not so much fun to walk or drive through… Unless there’s the promise of hot cocoa at the end of it. ^_^
Hana, you’re so right. Hot cocoa with lots of marshmellows makes the snow better!
I’m so thrilled for you and I can’t wait to read your debut! A chicken and three loaves of bread nearly had me rolling on the floor. lol
Terri, I love that you get my sense of humor 🙂
What a great story, Sharee. I was asleep when Emily called me, so I love reading how you saw the number and said, “No…it can’t be.”
Looking forward to your debut!
Cate, that’s so funny! If I’d been asleep, I probably would have been worse of a bumbling mess. 🙂
Sharee, love this story!!!!!
I smiled the whole time I was reading. YAY!!!!!
Mary, I’m smiling with you!!
I’m so pleased to know you Sharee, and thankful four our like-minded connections.I look forward to reading your debut release, and many more.
I am so darn proud of you. I get to say I knew you when….love ya still
I can’t wait to get your book in my hands! Then I will be dancing your happy dance! Thank you for sharing your life with us.
Hi Sharee, I am so happy you and your family that you got the call! Excited to read your book!
Sharee!! Thank you Jesus!! I am so super excited for you! Gosh I am grinning like an idiot and just shouting inside! You did it! I knew you would! Now I get to learn from the best! So I have been praying, now God answered what do I pray for next! Gosh I so want to see you and hug you. Couldn’t dance around as I would break a leg. When your book comes out I’m going to be bragging, oh yeah you like that book? Told you that you would. She’s a really good friend of mine, sister actually. Then they ask when the last time I saw you was. Im um. Hey we worked together!luv ya tell the family i said hello and miss them. Tell Jim esp, time for another transfer to come back this way. What date does it come out? I cannot wait to read it. My dear sweet friend, a publishefd author. YEAH!!!!!!!!
❤❤❤Hope you ein’t be too busy to come to the wedding.
Congratulations Sharee!
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!