A Valentine for Harlequin's Anniversary Read Online Free PDF Page A

the Harlequin Community By aspiring authors @www.eharlequin.com
    #21
    It’s so hard to choose a particular Harlequin moment that is worthy above all. I could go on and on about my favorite Harlequin books or authors, but what has meant the most to me is eHarlequin.
    Whether it’s a source for the latest releases I can buy before they hit the shelf, or to hold me back on those crazy days when I’m about to scream if just one more person says, “When are you going to get a real job?”
    Where else can a writer have access to the valuable advice when an editor slips into a thread to offer her words of wisdom?
    eHarlequin is the compass to help us navigate through the rough waters to reach our paradise destination—published author.
    — Chelle Sandell
    #22
    I want to talk about Sub Care on the eHarlequin community boards. Here’s the reason I keep going back: Sub Care is the place I could go to where it’s not about who is published and who isn’t; it’s about supporting your fellow writer while in Submission Mania—emphasis on Submission Mania.
    Let me paint the picture for you. I still remember the first time I submitted a query and synopsis to Harlequin. The Kimani line had just opened up and they wanted a cover letter, synopsis and the FULL manuscript. I know when I read that I thought, “you mean the whole book? All of it?” Cue angst. I triple checked the editors name, the New York address, and, heck, even MY name. I stood in the post office, my hands shaking, heart in my throat, but I couldn’t wait to get back on the boards to tell my friends I DID IT. I had finally submitted my book.
    Milestones like that are huge for a writer, and I couldn’t wait to celebrate it. I shared that experience with Sub Care. I’ve since submitted many more times, and every time is just as nerve wracking, but I still can’t wait to go on the boards and say, “I did it.”
    For me, Harlequin has given me more than a favorite moment, but a collection of them.
    — Melissa Blue
    #23
    I have to say, it’s incredibly hard to come up with one single thing that defines my favorite Harlequin moment, because frankly, I’m hoping that moment is still yet to come! As a prepublished, hopeful author, I’m reserving the “favorite” spot for something else - the day I get The Call.

    I’ve been a Harlequin reader since my late teens (which was a shockingly long time ago!), and the thing I love so much about this community, and Harlequin in general is that, no matter how diverse we all are, no matter our political beliefs or our religious differences or even the lines we choose to read, we all believe in the same thing. We all believe in happily ever after. That’s why I read Harlequins, and that’s why I want to write for Harlequin.
    So, since I haven’t gotten The Call yet, I’ll share my second best moment. A few months ago, I was lucky enough to be chosen as one of the winners of the Big Finish 2 Contest. Finding out about that has been my favorite moment as a hopeful writer. Like everyone else, I’d submitted my story, and then proceeded to start chewing my nails. A group of us hung out on the Big Finish 2 board, and we all waited it out together. When the day we thought we’d hear came and went, I figured I hadn’t won. And then, a few days later, my husband called me at work.
    “Hey babe, it’s me.”
    “Hi honey. Kinda busy. What’s up?”
    He paused. “Are you expecting anything from Harlequin? By courier?”
    My mind went totally blank, and then I let out a small shriek that I’m sure my entire floor heard. “Ohmigod. Ohmigod…open it!”
    “What is it?”
    I swear, I wanted to smack him. “Just open it!”
    So he did. I could hear the papers rattle. “It says you won a contest.”
    If I could’ve shot darts at him through the phone, I would’ve. I know my teeth were clenched. “Could you read me the whole letter? Please?”
    He let out a big sigh. “Do you want me to bring it to you at