There must be something magic in the air this February – this is the second Call Story of the month! And this time it’s from So You Think You Can Write finalist – and new Harlequin Blaze author!! – Taryn Leigh Taylor…
Let me tell you a story about the call that changed my destiny…
January 15, 2015. 11:55pm MST.
I was at work when my cellphone rang.
As a dedicated call screener, I checked the display. Ontario? Who would be calling me from Ontario? I put the phone back on my desk. Stupid telemarketers.
But as I turned back to my computer, some optimistic, hey-wait-a-minute-I-entered-SYTYCW14-and-haven’t-heard-anything-back-yet-and-where-are-the-Blaze-headquarters-located-again? part of my brain kicked in.
Turns out when you type the 416 number that was on my screen into Google, you get a listing for Harlequin Enterprises Limited.
Oh. My. Gawd.
Obviously my phone had stopped ringing by this point, and my stomach was full of combat-boot-wearing butterflies. Then the new message icon appeared at the top of the screen.
“Hi Taryn. This is Adrienne Macintosh calling from Harlequin Blaze. You’re probably at lunch right now, but I’d like to talk to you about your So You Think You Can Write submission, Faking It. I’ll give you a call back in an hour or so.”
Ohmygawd, ohmygawd, ohmygawd!
For about fifteen seconds I convinced myself I could play it cool. Adrienne would never need to know that I screened the call I’d been dreaming about since I decided I wanted to have my name on a book back in the second grade. Then I grabbed my phone and called her back.
It’s a bit of a blur after that, although I do remember Adrienne was lovely despite my stammering and by the time I hung up the phone, I was on my way to becoming a published author. A literal dream come true. Since that day it’s been nothing but hard work and late nights, but I can honestly say it’s been the best experience of my life.
I’m thrilled to announce that my debut with Harlequin Blaze, now entitled KISS AND MAKEUP, will hit shelves in October 2015.
Leave any questions for Taryn below, or follow @tarynltaylor to celebrate with her in person!
15 replies on “I Sold My Book! Meet Taryn Leigh Taylor”
Congrats again Taryn! So happy for you! And I can’t believe you didn’t pick up! I love it!
I am so happy for you, Taryn! I know this is a dream that’s been carried in your heart as long as I’ve known you and I couldn’t be happier that it happened to you! I can’t wait to read Ben and Chloe’s “new” story!
AHA! Fab call story! I’d probably question the call too. GREAT job and I can’t wait to read Kiss and Make Up!
Congrats, Taryn!
Also—I think combat-boot-wearing butterflies might be the awesomest phrase I’ve heard in a while. 🙂
Wishing you a long and happy writing career!
I’m so thrilled for you. Can’t wait to see your name in print!
Awesome story! Congratulations!
Loved your call story, Taryn! Congrats again. I totally loved your chapter and I can’t wait to buy the book! May you have a long and prolific career with Blaze.
Congratulations. So happy for you!
Can’t wait to read your debut novel! You are proof that hard work and perseverance pay off! Congratulations!
I don’t think you can write. I KNOW you can write and I’m glad that other people will now be able to find out as well! So excited for you and so happy that you are now a part of the Harlequin family too. You’ll do great!
Taryn, I’m so happy for you! I’m looking forward to buying your debut book plus many more. Congratulations!
Hugs,
Tambra Nicole
So excited for you! And for me since yours was my absolute most favorite of all the entries!! Can’t wait to read it!
Thanks everyone for the well-wishes! I’m so psyched and I can’t wait to share Ben and Chloe’s story with you! Can’t thank you enough for the support. You all rock.
Welcome to Blaze, Taryn! We’re thrilled to have you.
Aww!! Little lump in my throat here… LOVE!! Congrats, My Friend! Dreams do come true! XOXOXO
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!