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I went back and forth on what I wanted to blog about. For one, I could blog about Trish Wylie, who I am such a fan girl of. If I could be her shadow for a day I would. As a writer I admired this woman's ability to put out good books consistently. As a reader, well, refer to the shadow comment.
I could have also talked about how I read Harlequins and Silhouttes to get through a bad break up six years ago. Not that I needed to believe in HEAs, but I just needed the happy back in my life.
No, I've chosen to talk about Sub Care on the eHarlequin community boards. It's the place on the boards for writers who have submissions out with either editors or agents. We cry, hold silver buckets, and celebrate our writing achievements. Many people call writing a solitary process. I disagree to a certain extent, mainly because this particular forum exists.
There is nothing like someone virtually holding your hand before you stand in the post office line, sweat tricking down your temples and you're CONVINCED you've spelled the editor's name wrong. There is nothing like asking the same question twenty times *and no one biting your head off* because you have Submission Mania and can't remember what goes into a query. On this forum you get that and more.
I've made online friends there. I've had people I could tell my good news to. I've had people who gave me true fat-free chocolate, and all I could ask for when a rejection cut too deep * the great thing about cyber chocolate is you don't gain weight from eating a pound of it *
It's kind of like Cheers.
You have Michelle Styles, who is always the source of wisdom. *I secretly think she's a guru for writers* Michelle Willingham, who I swear doesn't get enough sleep to even find time to write or support fellow authors in the trenches. And people like BettyNeelswantabe whose "Sold" party is going to be of massive proportions. Can't forget the hostest with the motest, Dee.
But 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.
If I haven't already, 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."
Overall, Sub Care is a place where others know what it is like to put your heart and soul into something and send it off to an editor or agent. For me, Harlequin has given me more than a favorite moment, but a collection of them.
Thank you.
About The Community Member:
Melissa Blue starting writing in 2004 on an old typewriter. She's since upgraded to a computer. She spends time on Subcare, blog hopping, Simply Series...Okay, let's just say since becoming a member in 2005 she has spent large amounts of time on the eHarlequin boards. Sooner or later she'll become a Blaze author. She just has to write the novel first.
subcare
Melissa --
Yes, I feel the same way about subcare. It was there for me before I sold.
Michelle S who should be revising but always has to check eharlequin!
The Viking's Captive Princess (December 09 Harlequin Historical)
Sold and Seduced (February 2010 HH)
Compromising Miss Milton (May 2010 Mills & Boon Historical)
website: http://www.michellestyles.co.uk * blog http://www.michellestyles.blogspot.com
Great post
I am not an aspiring writer so have never visited any of these sites unless pass the plot is one. I am glad there is this kind of support for you and other soon to be writers. I have a lot of admiration for anyone who can write a story.
February 2009 Member of the Month
When I get a little money I buy books, and then if any is left I buy food and clothes..-- Erasmus
Cats can work out mathematically the exact place to sit that will cause the most inconvenience.--Pam Brown
Hooray for subcare!
I agree with you one hundred percent. And just to show how in sync we are, Melissa....
My first Romance was dedicated to two people you mentioned in your post - Michelle, and Trish...and finally, to subcare.
It kept me sane in the years before I sold.
Donna
A BRIDE FOR ROCKING H RANCH, in Montana, Mistletoe, Marriage - November 09
Cowboys and Confetti Duet:
ONE DANCE WITH THE COWBOY, Romance, January 2010
HER LONE COWBOY, Romance, March 2010
http://www.donnaalward.com
I do get
I do get sleep...sometimes! ;) But seriously, SubCare is what got me through my long journey toward publication. From the time I submitted the proposal of Her Irish Warrior until the day I got the call, you guys were there for me.
And Melissa, we will be having a serious party thread for a Harlequin sale for you, one day!!
-Michelle Willingham
http://www.michellewillingham.com
VOYAGE OF AN IRISH WARRIOR (Free Daily Online Read!)
TAMING HER IRISH WARRIOR (on sale now!)
Michelle
I figured I wouldn't be the only one who felt this way about Sub Care. And for the ones who doesn't know this place exist then TADA!
Thanks for stopping by, but really *cracks whip* get to revising. ;)
Melissa Blue, Romance with Snark
http://www.melissablue.net
Kaelee
I envy you a little. I remember when I didn't write or a better choice of words before I realized I was a writer. Life was so normal and It is hard being a writer. The stories are always there nagging you to death. Then you've got the publishing side of the business that can make you certifiable.
But I truly believe no writer gets where they are without fellow writer support. Nora Roberts has Ruth. I have Sub Care. Out of Sub Care I've met other writers and those people have become my close friends.
Really have I gushed about Sub Care enough? Lol.
Thanks again for commenting.
Melissa Blue, Romance with Snark
http://www.melissablue.net
Donna
Don't you just love Trish?
It kept me sane in the years before I sold.
I know, but I just think my sanity is debatable most days anyway. But I love that Sub Care is both a fountain of resources and support. Plus, I think I've asked about a million times "what is a cover letter?" and every time I've gotten an answer.
And here's a little fun fact: I was talking to Jayne at the PJ party at RWA. She told me ~50 people from the eharlequin boards had sold. I'd like to count a nice 8-10 of those had roots in Sub Care.
So lets see: Who is a Sub Care Alumni and who sold to Harlequin/Silhouette?
Melissa Blue, Romance with Snark
http://www.melissablue.net
Michelle W
Sleeping once a year doesn't count, Michelle. ;)
But seriously, SubCare is what got me through my long journey toward publication. From the time I submitted the proposal of Her Irish Warrior until the day I got the call, you guys were there for me.
It does just give you that warm feeling to say "I sold" and have all your friends congratulate you, because they KNOW. I think that's the main reason I keep going back. Yes, there might be new faces, but the purpose is the same. And really I'm just waiting for Betty to sell.
*it's going to take me a while to write that Blaze...*
Melissa Blue, Romance with Snark
http://www.melissablue.net
GREAT post
Great post, Melissa! You captured subcare perfectly!!!!
Mary Beth
New Author Profiles....
Hi Melissa, GREAT blog! I enjoyed chatting with you at the PJ Party, and hope you had fun. In answer to your question about who the Community members are that have sold...TADA! We have a dandy spot on our Learn To Write pages that showcases our new authors in special profiles.
I'm sure you'll recognize a LOT of the ladies featured HERE
Jayne
Community Manager
eHarlequin.com
A trip down memory lane
Jayne --
Goodenss me! It is lovely to see all those faces. I do remember when most of them sold.
Obviously there are few others from before you started the feature. Olivia Gates was a denizen as was Kate Hardy. Sam Hunter was there. Julie Cohen.
There are just so many. It is a positive, wonderful thing and many thanks should be given to whomever thought of the thread in the first place!
Michelle S
The Viking's Captive Princess (December 09 Harlequin Historical)
Sold and Seduced (February 2010 HH)
Compromising Miss Milton (May 2010 Mills & Boon Historical)
website: http://www.michellestyles.co.uk * blog http://www.michellestyles.blogspot.com
Thanks, Jayne
Oh, my I do remember some of those ladies from Sub Care. Sub Care has very impressive numbers.
And I did have fun at the party. My only complaint is that they aren't long enough.
Melissa Blue, Romance with Snark
http://www.melissablue.net
Wonderful description of sub care.
Thank you Melissa for sharing your moment. I think you picked a great topic. I don't personally go to the sub care portion of the Learn to Write/ The Write Stuff boards but I may just journey over there to say hang in there once in a while.
I have spent lots of time in the Writing Challenge thread where I have watched several members find their courage to start writing and letting other read it. With each challenge, I watched their skill and confidence grow. Sadly, I haven't had much of a chance to get there lately but now that my dd is back in school, I may just be able to get there again. But my point of bringing it up, is that I love how Harlequin really supports and cares for the craft of writing, right from the very beginning. They help aspiring authors find themselves.
I remember when you joined the community and I will be very happy for you on the day you get the call.
Harlequin Historicals My Space ,
Facebook,, Good Reads, and Shelfari
Hey familiar face
But my point of bringing it up, is that I love how Harlequin really supports and cares for the craft of writing, right from the very beginning. They help aspiring authors find themselves.
I know what you mean. This is the first place I joined when I decided to write romance. My first year of writing I lived on the Write Stuff forum. Along with the Learn to Write section *and of course the community boards* I think eharlequin is a good source for newbie authors. You kind of get it all in one place.
Melissa Blue, Romance with Snark
http://www.melissablue.net
Melissa --
Great post! I've bopped in and out of subcare (since my subs have been few and far between) but I've always been welcomed warmly.
Kim, same goes for me and Writing Challenges. That's where I hang out the most.
This is one terrific place to play and work!!
Prepublished and workin' to change that!
Winner of the BIG FINISH 2 2008
Participant in PASS THE PLOT Aug 2008
Participant in DATE WITH DESTINY 2009
Participant in PASS THE PLOT Aug 2009
Well...I STILL go to
Well...I STILL go to subcare, even though I'm not technically "subbing" anymore. It's just such a good place I'm not saying goodbye...plus I get to know people and then celebrate with them when THEY sell. That party thread is a BIG deal!
Donna
A BRIDE FOR ROCKING H RANCH, in Montana, Mistletoe, Marriage - November 09
Cowboys and Confetti Duet:
ONE DANCE WITH THE COWBOY, Romance, January 2010
HER LONE COWBOY, Romance, March 2010
http://www.donnaalward.com
Jodie
Writing Challenge is definitely another good place to hang.
Glad you liked the post.
Melissa Blue, Romance with Snark
http://www.melissablue.net
Donna
Well...I STILL go to subcare, even though I'm not technically "subbing" anymore.
Pfft. If you are waiting to hear word from an agent or editor you are technically subbing. Yes, I know you are pubbed, but you still have to wait to hear back so...Plus, come on, one more friendly face is never turned away at Sub Care.
Well since it's the end of the day, I'll see you all on the boards.
Melissa Blue, Romance with Snark
http://www.melissablue.net
Melissa - Great Job!
You summed up my feelings about SubCare! It is a great place to learn a lot about the ins and outs of the publishing world, gain some insight on your own writing habits and how to improve them, understand what and why you write, receive some wonderful words of wisdom from authors, such as Michelle S, Donna and Michelle W, who are so gracious about what they're learned along the way to publication. And, most of all, we've met many friends, such as you said, that you know they know what you're talking when you say something about your wriing. It has been a pleasure to be part of SubCare these last couple of years. I agree with Michelle W, you're going to have your own "Sale Thread" in the not too distant future. I've read some of your stuff you've posted on your blog. Very good stuff there! Good luck to you!
Jamie