A Harlequin Dream Come True: From Rejections to Contract

For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of writing for Harlequin Mills & Boon. It’s a dream that’s taken me through decades of submissions, rejections, lessons, tears, and prayers, but one that’s finally come true.

If you follow this blog, or we’ve been acquainted, you’d know that I’ve been chasing the Harlequin Mills & Boon dream for a great many years. That is no exaggeration.

I read my first Mills & Boon Presents when I was thirteen. It was one of my mum’s, and I can’t believe she allowed me to read it! But thank you, Mum, because it sparked my love of the romance genre.

After that first read, I decided it might be wiser to switch to Sweet Dreams and Sweet Valley High teen romances. My love of romance grew, and I soon returned to Mills & Boon Presents before expanding my reading tastes to Harlequin Silhouettes, Sidney Sheldon, Danielle Steele, Jilly Cooper (RIP), and pretty much any romance I could get my hands on.

Writing My First Romance at Fifteen

It comes as no surprise that I quickly caught the writing bug and wrote my first full-length story at fifteen. But when I think about it, I’ve been writing stories for as long as I can remember.

I started by making up stories for my two younger siblings, which progressed to writing short stories and selling them to my friends for 10 cents in primary school.

Anyway, back to the many years of targeting Mills & Boon. I submitted my first Presents at eighteen. I don’t have to tell you it got rejected. But thankfully, that didn’t stop me.

I went on to target Romance (True Love), Medical, Blaze, Desire, as well as Presents (Modern). I got close with Presents and Desire but didn’t follow through on the second rounds of the revise-and-resubmit process—which probably got me blacklisted from those lines!

Reconciling Romance Writing and My Faith

As a Christian, I spent many years trying to reconcile writing open-door love scenes with my faith. In the end, after much prayer, I had a revelation.

If all Christian authors shied away from writing about the physical expression of love between a man and a woman who are committed to each other, it would leave the door open for the enemy to flood the market with books that bear little resemblance to the relationship God intended.

Whether or not Christian women admit to enjoying reading love scenes, the majority do. How can I be sure? The shocking number of Christian women from my church who secretly bought and read Fifty Shades (I never did). That’s all I have to say. Because really, procreation doesn’t occur by holding hands and walking along the beach at sunset.

Thirty-Six Years of Rejections and Lessons

But that’s a conversation for another day. Today, I’m sharing my journey from young, eager romance writer to frustrated, woe-is-me, never-gonna-write-again author—with a deep desire to write for Harlequin—and finally having that dream come true.

I tried several lines but never tried Love Inspired or Love Inspired Suspense because I’d heard how difficult it was to break into the Harlequin Christian lines. To my mind, if I couldn’t even crack the lines that I ate, slept, and breathed, how would I ever be able to crack these impossible-to-break-into lines?

After my HMB rejection last year, I decided to call it a day and close the door on that particular dream after thirty-six years. Yes, it’s been that long.

Although, while I consistently submitted during that time, I wasn’t submitting several books per year. That would’ve been very sad, but also clear that I was following the right calling, just targeting the wrong line.

This just goes to show that when something is meant to be, it will work out in Father’s good time.

The Unexpected Opportunity That Changed Everything

I told my critique partner I was done. She’d always say she didn’t understand why HMB hadn’t snapped me up years ago, and I knew she had faith in my talent even when I lost mine.

Then earlier this year, she emailed me to tell me about the new Harlequin Author Calls—I’d unsubscribed from the groups—and suggested I have a go.

My knee-jerk reaction was no way! Besides, there were only a couple of weeks left before the closing date; I’d never be able to come up with anything before then.

But her email kept nagging at me, so I clicked the link and took a look. Harlequin was running their Great Love Inspired Author Search 2025 as well as their Harlequin Romance: Billionaires Wanted! Pitch Day.

Since Harlequin Romance was one of the lines I had been targeting, I decided to give the pitch a go. I also decided to try to write a chapter for the Great Love Inspired Author Search, even though the closing date was so close.

I’d never written a Love Inspired romance, and most definitely not a Love Inspired Suspense, but the first book I ever wrote was a mystery suspense—and my mind naturally leans toward suspense plots. So, hey, maybe I might be able to come up with something.

The Call That Made Me a Harlequin Author

I did. I had an idea for a story and went for it. I submitted the first chapter and got a request for the full manuscript!

To say I was shocked was an understatement. I wrote the full manuscript in a couple of months and submitted it. Within a week, I received an email from my editor asking when would be the best time to call me. Keep an eye out for my Call Story.

Things moved fast, and I’m still reeling from the fact that my very first Love Inspired story sold—with no rewrites—and it was a Love Inspired Suspense!

Faith, Perseverance, and God’s Perfect Timing

I didn’t get past the first chapter stage of the Billionaire pitch, but that was quite okay with me. I’d landed a contract in the line that I was supposed to write for.

I can’t help but wonder whether I would have been a Harlequin author long before now if I had just targeted the right line, instead of feeling I would never be good enough.

I’m not saying that by targeting the other lines I settled for second best; I’m simply saying I should’ve had less unbelief.

I had faith that one day Father would give me the desire of my heart. Sadly, I had far more unbelief.

The story from Mark 9 comes to mind. It’s about a father desperate for Yahawashi (Jesus) to heal his son. When Yahawashi said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” The father immediately said, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

Faith is one thing, but unbelief will always trip us up. I’m working on this.

Holding Onto Hope During Rejection

It was with faith that I would sometimes visit the Harlequin website and go to the list of authors’ page. At the top of the page is a clickable alphabet where you can see all the Harlequin authors whose surname begins with one of the letters.

I’d scroll through those names—each one representing someone who’d achieved what felt like an impossible dream—and I’d click the D and picture where my name would one day appear.

Some people might call this visualization or manifesting. I don’t believe in any of that. I believe in answered prayer.

As Mark 11:24 tells us: Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

This one small act was enough to keep the dream alive on days when writing felt too hard or the rejections never-ending. I’d remind myself that every author on that list once stood exactly where I was, yet they made it because they never gave up.

The Power of Faith and Perseverance

And although I gave up for about four months, Father opened the door for me to achieve my dream in His good time!

I am humbled that He didn’t let me give up permanently, and thankful I listened to the prompting of the Holy Spirit in March this year.

Now I can list myself among my favourite Harlequin authors. Dreams that feel distant are often closer than they appear.

The path is never easy, but it’s always worth taking.

Don’t Give Up on Your Writing Dream

I heard a pastor share an anecdote about him participating in a running event. He was running up a giant hill and wanted to give up because he was tired, aching, and positive he had miles more to run.

He met a man coming from the opposite direction, who told him he was closer than he thought and to keep going because the finish line was just over the hill. That gave him the energy to finish strong because once he crested the hill, the end was in sight.

If I can lend any encouragement, it is this: DON’T GIVE UP!

If you do, you’ll never know whether you would have ever achieved your dreams. And you may be closer than you think.

If I hadn’t entered the Great Love Inspired Author Search, I would have spent the rest of my life thinking I would’ve never become a Harlequin author—and that would have been so sad.

Instead, the outcome is a contract and a Love Inspired Suspense entitled Guarded by the Sheriff, which will be released in July next year and is up for pre-order.

Living Proof That Dreams Come True

If you, like me, are a writer with the Harlequin dream, and your guilty pleasure is to scroll through the Harlequin website author pages, dreaming of your turn, don’t stop. Keep going.

One day, your name will be there too. I am living proof that the dream is not impossible.

Today, when I visit that same Authors page and see my name where I once imagined it, I can’t help but smile and thank my Father in Heaven for His Grace and abundant favour.

Have you ever had a dream that took years to come true? I’d love to know what it taught you. Comment below and share this post with someone who needs a little hope today.

If you’d like more behind-the-scenes updates about my writing journey—or a peek at Guarded by the Sheriff as it heads toward release—join my newsletter HERE. I’d love to stay in touch.

And if you'd like to join my romantic suspense launch team, you are welcome to join HERE.

Until next time,
love & hugs 

Balancing Ledgers by Day and Love Stories by Night – A Thrilling Double Life #RomanceWriter #ADayInTheLifeOf #Author #TheDayJob

It’s an ordinary day in the office, shuffling through invoices, bank reconciliations, and expense reports. Little do my colleagues know that come evening, I’ll be trading my calculator for my laptop, spreadsheets for Microsoft Word. Instead of financial jargon, my evenings are filled with whispers of love, witty dialogue, powerful emotions, and passionate reunions. A stark contrast to my daytime persona, you might say? Welcome to my life – assistant accountant by day, romance author by night.

Every morning, I don my professional armour – neat blouse, trousers, ankle boots – ready to immerse myself in the meticulous world of accounting. The day progresses in a predictable fashion. Budgets, financial forecasts, and tax calculations – these are my daily bread and butter. Conversations at work are filled with numbers, payroll, and the dreaded month-end closing. The hustle and bustle of the corporate world give me a sense of satisfaction, the thrill of having all numbers balanced and equations tied up perfectly.

Yet, beneath the accountant’s demeanour is a heart that flutters at the thought of star-crossed lovers, the passion that ignites between characters, and the intoxicating dance of courtship. As dusk descends and the day job ends, another part of my persona comes to life.

The transition from accountant to author is seamless, a switch from left-brain thinking to right. My home office, a romantic contrast to my shared office at the day job, is my sanctuary. The scent of my aromatic herbal tea, the dim light cascading from my Himalayan lamp, the soft click-clack of laptop keys – this is the backdrop of my moonlit sonata.

As an assistant accountant, I’m trained to think logically and methodically. Surprisingly, this helps my creativity. Plotting a story isn’t that different from solving a complex accounting problem. Both need structure, the ability to link several elements into a cohesive whole. And let's not forget about deadlines – those are as crucial for manuscript submissions as they are for financial reports.

The dichotomy of my life provides me with a unique advantage. The precision and meticulousness I’ve learnt in my day job help shape my writing. On the other hand, the creativity and emotional intelligence required for my novels provide a refreshing counterbalance, making me a better, more empathetic assistant accountant.

Living a double life has its comedic moments too. Picture this – in meetings, while others discussed revenue and expenditures, I’m secretly deciding whether my protagonist should come clean about her secret dalliance or enjoy the thrill of secretly dating her make-a-girl-go-weak-at-the-knees co-worker.

My two worlds, as different as they are, have a strange symbiotic relationship. They provided a sense of balance, grounding me in reality while letting my imagination soar. The characters I create become my escape from the concrete jungle, while the stability of my day job allows me the freedom to write without financial stress.

In this journey of numbers and narratives, ledgers and love stories, I’ve discovered that one could straddle the world of facts and fantasy. It’s a tightrope walk, balancing both lives, but the thrill of it is unparalleled. After all, how many can claim to navigate financial ledgers by day and chart the tumultuous course of love by night?

So, here I am – by day, ensuring the company's finances are in order, and by night, spinning tales of love, passion, and happy-ever-afters. Accountant by day, author by night – two worlds, one incredible journey!

The Psychology of Laughter: Why Humour is Good for You #SundayBlog #Humor #Laughter #Stressrelief #Healthyliving #Healthylifestyle

I love to laugh! I’m a happy person. People are constantly asking me why I’m always so happy. I believe it’s because I laugh so much. Let’s face it, laughter is a universal language. It transcends cultures, age groups, and social boundaries, bringing people together in moments of shared joy. For decades, psychologists and researchers have been interested in laughter, as they attempt to understand the underlying mechanisms and benefits of humour. 

There are several theories in psychology that explain why we laugh. Among the most prominent is the incongruity theory, which suggests that humour arises when expectations and reality differ. 

For example, a joke often leads to a punchline that defies our expectations, creating a sense of surprise and triggering laughter.

Other theories include the superiority theory, which suggests that we laugh when we perceive ourselves as superior to others or when we witness someone else's misfortune, mistakes, or incompetence. According to this theory, laughter serves as a way to assert dominance or to feel better about ourselves in comparison to others. The superiority theory dates back to ancient philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle, who believed that mockery and ridicule were at the core of humour.

The relief theory, proposed by Sigmund Freud and Herbert Spencer, posits that laughter serves as a release of built-up tension, stress, or anxiety. Laughter allows us to release negative emotions and return to a more balanced state of mind. This theory suggests that humour and laughter provide a psychological escape from the pressures and demands of everyday life, allowing us to momentarily forget our worries and concerns.

Another theory is the benign violation theory, developed by psychologists Peter McGraw and Caleb Warren, which combines elements of both the incongruity and superiority theories. According to this theory, humour arises when a situation is perceived as a violation of norms or expectations (similar to incongruity theory) but is simultaneously seen as harmless or benign (similar to superiority theory). In other words, we find something funny when it transgresses social, cultural, or personal boundaries without posing any real threat or harm. Humour, according to this theory, must strike a delicate balance between provocative and safe in order to be effective.

Whatever the theory, there’s no denying that laughter is the best medicine for releasing built-up tension, stress, and anxiety. 

So how is humour good for you?

Physically

Physically, laughter boosts our immune system, lowers blood pressure, and reduces stress hormones. When we laugh, we release endorphins, the body's natural painkillers and feel-good chemicals, which uplift us and even temporarily relieve pain.

Emotionally

The power of humour lies in its ability to manage our emotions. It helps us cope with difficult situations by enabling us to view them from a different, less threatening perspective. Laughter can also serve as a distraction from negative emotions, allowing us to refocus our attention and gain perspective.

Socially

As a social lubricant, humour helps to break the ice and ease tension in social situations. Shared laughter connects and bonds us, making it easier for people to communicate, collaborate, and build trust. Moreover, a good sense of humour is often seen as an attractive quality, making it easier to form and maintain relationships.

Cognitively

Humour can enhance our cognitive abilities by stimulating our creativity and problem-solving skills. Jokes and puns often involve complex cognitive processes, such as recognizing patterns and making connections between seemingly unrelated concepts. By engaging in humour, we can hone our mental agility and promote cognitive flexibility.

Psychologically

Laughter has been linked to increased psychological resilience, helping us to bounce back from stress and adversity. By finding humour in challenging situations, we can reframe negative experiences, making them more manageable and less overwhelming.

The psychology of laughter reveals that humour is more than amusement – it is an essential component of our well-being. Laughter offers numerous benefits, making it an invaluable tool for maintaining a healthy, balanced, and happy life. So, the next time you're feeling down or stressed out, remember that laughter truly is the best medicine!

Understanding Your Partner's Love Language: Discovering the Different #LoveLanguages to Improve Your #Relationship and Your #Romance #Stories

I first heard about love languages a few years ago. In fact, I wrote about them on this blog at the time. I thought they were fascinating then, and I still think they’re awesome. One of the reasons I think my marriage is so amazing and has lasted so long—32 years and counting—is communication.  

In any relationship, communication is key. This is especially true when it comes to expressing love and affection and creating bonds. Everyone has their unique way of giving and receiving love, often referred to as their "love language." Understanding your partner's love language can significantly improve your relationship by giving you a special connection. Let’s take a look at these love languages.

The Five Love Languages 

Dr. Gary Chapman, a relationship expert, identified five primary love languages in his bestselling book, The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts. He has since gone on to pen several more books in this area. 

These love languages are:

1. Words of Affirmation: People with this love language value verbal expressions of love, encouragement, and appreciation. They feel most loved when their partner offers sincere compliments and verbal support.

2. Quality Time: This love language is all about giving your undivided attention to your partner. People who value quality time feel most loved when their partner spends time with them, engages in meaningful conversations, and participates in shared activities.

3. Receiving Gifts: For some people, receiving thoughtful and meaningful gifts is their primary love language. This does not necessarily mean materialism; rather, it's about the thought and effort put into selecting the perfect gift that shows how much you care.

4. Acts of Service: Those with this love language feel most loved when their partner performs actions to lighten their load or make their life easier. This can include tasks like cooking dinner, running errands, or helping with chores.

5. Physical Touch: Physical touch is essential for people with this love language. They feel most connected to their partner through hugs, kisses, hand-holding, and other forms of physical affection.

You can discover your love language by taking the Love Language Quiz Dr. Gary Chapman developed to help you and your partner identify your love languages. Both of you can take the quiz and compare your results for better understanding. I did this with my husband and discovered that my love language is Words of Affirmation. Hub’s love language is Physical Touch. Discovering our love languages made all the difference once we knew how to show love effectively to the other. Up until then, I’d tell him a zillion times a day that I love him and, since his primary love language is touch… 😊. Now he verbalises his love more and I’m the touchy-feely one.

If your partner hasn’t taken the quiz, you might still be able to identify their Love Language:

To understand your partner's love language, consider the following steps:

Observe their behaviour

Pay attention to how your partner expresses love towards you and others. What actions do they take to show their love? Do they frequently offer compliments, spend quality time, give gifts, perform acts of service, or engage in physical touch?

Listen to their complaints

When your partner expresses dissatisfaction, take note of the underlying issue. Their complaints can reveal what they feel is lacking in the relationship and may hint at their love language.

Ask them directly

Have an open and honest conversation with your partner about their love language. Discuss the five love languages and ask which one resonates most with them. Be prepared to share your love language as well.

Improving Your Relationship Through Love Languages

Once you've identified your partner's love language, make a conscious effort to incorporate it into your daily life. Here are some tips for each love language:

Words of Affirmation

Regularly express your love and appreciation for your partner through compliments, praise, and encouragement. Be genuine and specific in your expressions.

Quality Time

Schedule regular date nights or activities that allow you to focus on each other. Engage in deep conversations and listen attentively to your partner's thoughts and feelings.

Receiving Gifts

Surprise your partner with thoughtful gifts that reflect their interests and desires. Remember, it's the thought that counts, so even small tokens of affection can go a long way.

Acts of Service

Look for ways to lighten your partner's load or make their life easier. Offer to help with chores or errands, and make sure to follow through on your commitments.

Physical Touch

Cultivate physical affection and closeness in your relationship to make your partner feel loved and secure.

Here are some tips for each love language:

1. Words of Affirmation:

• Leave heartfelt notes or messages for your partner to find.

• Publicly acknowledge your partner's achievements and express how proud you are of them.

• Send loving texts or messages.

• Reassure your partner of your love during difficult times.

2. Quality Time:

• Create a technology-free zone during quality time to minimize distractions.

• Try new activities together to bond and create lasting memories.

• Share your goals, dreams, and aspirations with each other.

• Learn about your partner's interests and participate in them.

3. Receiving Gifts:

• Keep a list of things your partner mentions they like or need for future gift ideas.

• Celebrate milestones and special occasions with personalized gifts.

• Create handmade gifts to add a personal touch and demonstrate your effort.

• Plan surprises or experiences, such as a romantic weekend getaway or a  surprise date night.

4. Acts of Service:

• Be proactive in noticing your partner's needs and addressing them.

• Learn about your partner's preferences and tailor your acts of service accordingly.

• Team up to tackle larger projects or chores together.

• Be consistent and reliable in your acts of service to build trust and security.

5. Physical Touch:

• Establish regular routines for physical affection, like hugging or cuddling before bed.

• Hold hands or put your arm around your partner when walking or sitting together.

• Give your partner a massage or a comforting touch when they're stressed or tired.

• Learn about your partner's preferences for physical touch and make an effort to meet their needs.

Of course, as an author, I started thinking about how romance writers can use love language to add depth to their novels.

Romance authors can skillfully incorporate the concept of love languages into their novels to create engaging and relatable stories. By understanding and integrating the five love languages, authors can develop rich, dynamic characters and compelling romantic relationships. Here are some ways to incorporate love languages in romance novels:

Character Development

When creating characters, consider giving each one a primary love language. This helps establish their personalities and motivations, making them more relatable to readers. Understanding a character's love language can also guide their actions and reactions throughout the story.

Relationship Dynamics

Use love languages to add depth to the romantic relationships in your novel. Show how characters with different love languages might struggle to understand or appreciate each other's expressions of love, leading to tension or conflict. Alternatively, explore how characters with the same love language might find a unique connection or deeper understanding of one another.

Conflict Resolution

Utilize love languages as a tool for resolving conflicts between characters. As the characters learn to appreciate and adapt to each other's love languages, they can grow individually and as a couple. This growth can serve as a catalyst for resolving misunderstandings or disagreements in the story.

Plot Points

Love languages can be used to create interesting plot points or challenges that the characters must overcome. For instance, a character might struggle to express love in their partner's love language, leading to feelings of inadequacy or frustration. Alternatively, a character might need to learn their partner's love language to save the relationship or win their love.

Symbolism

Use the different love languages as symbols or motifs throughout your novel. For example, a recurring theme of physical touch might symbolize a character's longing for connection, while acts of service could represent a character's desire to prove their love and commitment.

Emotional Depth

Incorporate love languages to create emotional depth in your story. As characters express love in various ways, readers can relate to their feelings, desires, and insecurities. This connection can evoke strong emotions, making the story more engaging.

Teachable Moments

Use love languages as a means to educate readers about the importance of understanding and appreciating different expressions of love. By showcasing characters learning and growing through their relationships, you can offer valuable insights and lessons to your audience.

You know I had to bring this back to writing, right? I hope this has given you some ideas. If so, please let me know in the comments section below. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

10 Unconventional Date Ideas for Couples: Inspiration for Romance Authors #romancewriters #writerscommunity #writersoftwitter #writers #writerslife

As a romance author, I’m always on the lookout for unique and exciting date ideas for my main characters. To me, there is nothing more boring than reading about the heroine and the hero going on a date. I prefer the “date” scenes to be unusual. Let’s face it, the dinner date has been done to death. Yes, I have a few in my romances, which is probably why I’m sick of them. But, on the other hand, I always make sure my dinner date scenes are in some way unusual. At the end of the day, it's the chemistry and connection between the hero and heroine that creates a memorable date scene. 

Anyway, now that I’m back to writing, I’ve been on the hunt for date ideas that would inspire me to write stories that create experiences for my characters. Dates that are not only romantic but also allow the hero and heroine to grow closer and strengthen their bond.

I thought you might enjoy some of the ideas I’ve come up with. 

I’ve searched for inspiration in a variety of places, from personal experiences to travel blogs, and even social media. I love the unconventional and unexpected. These have got to be the most memorable dates, I think. Why go out to dinner, when you can go for a more adventurous date. 

Something like:

1. A hot air balloon ride. It's a unique and romantic way to see the world from a new perspective. Can’t you just picture your hero and heroine taking in the fabulous scenic views and creating memories that will last a lifetime?

2. Volunteer together: I also like the idea of my characters volunteering together, whether it's at a local animal shelter or a community garden. It not only shows their selflessness but also allows them to work together, giving them lots of bonding time.

3. Cooking classes: Watching the MC and love interest learn to cook a new dish together can be both humorous and romantic, especially when they make a mess or get into a friendly argument over the recipe.

4. Dance lesson: There are so many ways we can incorporate this into a romance and it's a great way for the hero and heroine to get out of their comfort zone and experience something new together.

5. Explore hidden gems in their city or wherever they happen to be: I LOVE exploring! Discovering new places is just the most amazing thing and it can create a sense of adventure and spontaneity in the character’s relationship.

6. Scavenger hunt: I love the idea of a scavenger hunt. This would be a fun way for the hero and heroine to work together to solve clues while discovering new places, things about each other, and experiencing unique challenges.

7. Picnics in the park: Enjoying the outdoors and each other's company can make for a romantic and intimate date.

8. Escape Room: Solving puzzles and riddles together in an escape room sounds like a fun and challenging way for the hero and heroine to work together and bond over their shared love for problem-solving.

9. Attend a murder mystery dinner: This sounds like it can be a lot of fun for the hero and heroine as they put their detective skills to the test. Not only will you get to dress them up and write the fancy meal, but the MCs will get to work together to solve a fictional crime.

10. Stargazing: Send the H/h to a secluded spot away from the city lights and let them spend the night stargazing. What a romantic and peaceful way for the hero and heroine to connect with each other and the universe.

And, of course, there’s always the Surprise Date. I think it’d be romantic to have the hero surprise the heroine with a mystery date, where she has no idea where they're going or what they'll be doing. This has got to be a great way to add excitement and spontaneity to their growing relationship.

Since the romance story is all about creating memorable moments that will stay with my readers long after they finish the book, I think sending the characters on exciting dates would serve the purpose, don’t you?

As a writer, how do you come up with ideas for the “date” scenes in your romance?

And, as a reader, what are your favourite date scenes from romance novels that have stayed with you?

Would you like to share this post? Click to Tweet this ready-made tweet:

Click To Tweet: 10 Unconventional Date Ideas for Couples: Inspiration for Romance Authors @MoniqueDeVere https://ctt.ac/dRzWG+