FAQ’s for the aspiring writer or anyone remotely interested!
How did you get started?
I always loved reading Mills and Boons and used to share a house with a girl who read them too. She was the one who put the idea in my head about submitting to M&B. She had a tape called ‘And then he kissed her…’ which was a guide to writing for Mills and Boon and which I have to tell people is NOT available anymore!
I was working in the film industry here in Ireland and I was thinking of doing something else…and so I thought of trying to write a Mills and Boon and just got started, writing bits and pieces when I could.
Had you written before?
Not in such a specific way, no. I had written some short stories and a couple of articles but nothing too serious. English was my best subject at school and I enjoyed writing essays. And I always loved reading. I would say that it’s not so important to write what you know, but it is incredibly important to read, and as much as possible. That’s what really opens up your mind and imagination to what’s out there.
How long did it take to get published?
From when I sent in my first partial of three chapters to M&B, it took a year until I got the ‘Call’. But I’d been tinkering around with the book and talking about writing for a few years before that.
What is rejection like?
It’s like a hot skewer penetrating your belly. Well, not quite, but it’s pretty horrible. There are two kinds of rejection though. The first is the form rejection which is just a very impersonal note to say thanks, but no thanks. Or, you can get the detailed rejection which you have to realize is really just a step away from a request for your work. A detailed rejection is no reason to lose heart, it’s positive encouragement. It means that the editor thinks your work shows promise and wants you to work on it, and re-submit.
When submitting should you concentrate on the 3 chapters or finish the manuscript?
I think it’s a good idea to have a full rough draft done, and obviously polish up your three chapters. If you’re asked for the full manuscript, the quicker you can get it into Mills and Boon and take advantage of the editor’s interest, the better.
What was it like to get the call?
It was amazing. Like an out of body experience. If you’re anything like me you’ll have visualized about it, dreamt about it…and then to have someone actually call you and tell you that they’d like to buy your book and offer you a two book contract…it’s surreal and wonderful. A great day.
What’s it like on the other side of being published?
It’s hard work! When I was submitting my first manuscripts (my first full one got rejected and then the second one I attempted got accepted), I had no idea what I was doing really. It was all completely instinctive. So when you get accepted and have to write the next book I suddenly went, ‘Ok…so how did I do that?!’
For the first few books you’re on a high but it definitely becomes more of a challenge to come up with new ideas, twists on old themes, relevant story-lines. It’s a wonderful challenge though. I love this job and wouldn’t swop it in a heartbeat but if you’re in it for the long haul you really need to pace yourself. Mills and Boon want to build you as an author and that takes time and dedication. The readers of M&B’s are incredibly loyal and discerning. I should know, I am one!
How can one get started?
You absolutely need to do your research. You need to know which line you’re interested in: is it Modern – which is contemporary high octane passionate romance with alpha male heroes and feisty independent heroines? Or are you more attracted to writing for RIVA – sass quotient is sizzling, the heroines are strong confident women and the heroes are irresistible?
Or perhaps you’re interested in writing historical or medical romances? Whatever it is you’re into, you need to read all the current books. Really study the themes and what’s selling. A good tip is to find out who the new authors are and read their first books, and try and see why they sold. What was it about them that ensured they achieved publication?
I think it’s important to love the books, or at least have a very healthy respect for them. A reader will sniff out a cynical author a mile away, and I for one, couldn’t sit down and write these emotionally charged stories day after day if I didn’t feel for the characters!
Any tips for writing for Harlequin Presents/Mills and Boon Modern Romance?
Read the books, know them inside and out and then see how you can be different or original.
What’s your daily routine?
Daily routine on a good day is to get up and start writing almost immediately. I’m definitely a get-more-done-first-thing writer. If it goes into the afternoon and I haven’t started I’m in trouble.
I work until about 5pm. Office hours.
Do you plan or wing it?
I’ll have an idea of the outline of the story but won’t really write it down, and then as I write, it takes shape. I’m definitely a pantser, not a plotter.
What is the easiest thing?
Avoiding working!
What is the hardest thing?
Sitting down and focusing on the job in hand.
How involved should you be with social media etc?
I think that it’s unavoidable now for an author not to have at least a basic website with information on their books and release dates. And then if you want to go as far as doing a blog etc, that’s up to you. Personally I don’t like the idea of blogging so I have a happy medium of a news page that I update as often as I can. I’m also on Twitter and Facebook which reaches out to a lot of people.
I think it’s important too, to interact with people on the internet rather than just use these forums as cheap advertising for your books.
Any books you would recommend for writing tips?
Kate Walker has written the only how-to guide aimed specifically at Mills and Boon romances, and it’s called The 12 Point Guide to Writing Romance. You should find it easily on Amazon or check out Kate’s website for details: www.kate-walker.com. If you ever get a chance, go to one of her workshops, she’s a fantastic teacher - as well as a great writer.
The Mills and Boon website has all the guidelines you’ll need for whichever line you want to submit to and also details on how to submit. www.millsandboon.co.uk.
When I was submitting you had to post your ms via snail mail but now it’s all via email which is so much easier. Even less excuse not to submit!
For general writing tips I’d recommend Robert McKee’s ‘Story’, it’s aimed primarily at scriptwriting but I think it’s invaluable for all kinds of writing.
Also Stephen King’s book, ‘On Writing’ is very inspirational.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I get inspiration from anywhere and everywhere: items on the news; magazines; books; films; advertisements…a big source of inspiration comes from the Mills and Boons I used to read years ago. Some of my favourite classic romances are:
- Ishbel’s Party by Stacy Absalom
- Sweet Captivity by Kate Proctor
- The Price of a Bride by Michelle Reid
- The Kissing Game by Sally Wentworth
But the most important thing is – if you’re thinking of embarking down this road get started! By the time you submit to M&B you could be waiting for some time to hear back, so the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll get feedback and know if this is the path for you. And if it’s not, there are plenty of other publishers out there.
Most important – don’t be disheartened by a rejection, that will only test your will to be published!
Best of luck!
