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.
