I’m so pleased to introduce my friend, Jill Lynn, to you! She lives in Colorado, is a mom of two, and recently published her debut novel with Harlequin Love Inspired. I invited her to share the story of the moment when she received what authors refer to as, “The Call”. The call is that joyous, long-awaited, long-hoped for phone call during which an aspiring author is told that she’s finally been offered a contract to publish her novel. It’s been many years since I received “the call”, back in 1998. But I still remember it very, very clearly. PURE JOY!
Jill has graciously offered to mail a copy of her debut novel to one lucky Inspired by Life… and Fiction reader, so stay tuned for details on that at the end of the post. -Becky
Jill
Last spring I sold my first book and signed my first contract with Harlequin Love Inspired. I blogged with Harlequin here and talked a little about receiving THE CALL from my agent. This is such a huge, life changing moment for an author. THE moment, really.
The first part of the story is on the blog, but this is the rest of the story….
I was at Panera writing when my literary agent called. I don’t normally answer my phone at Panera. But, this was my agent calling. Of course I was going to answer the phone! When I did, she asked if I had time to talk. I said yes. She then said something like, “I have some news for you.”
My heart plummeted. (Because that’s the kind of positive thinker I am.) They said no, I’m thinking. I am so not crying in Panera.
“They offered you a contract.”
My agent’s words took a minute to register. I may have squealed, and to add to my annoying-ness in Panera, I think I started pacing. We talked about details for a bit, and after we hung up, I went back to my seat.
The computer screen stared at me. I’d been writing something new (because that’s what writers do while they wait for their fate to be decided). No way could I continue writing! I was too excited. I saved my work, clicked the wrong button and lost the last scene I’d written. Stink. I tried finding it, but after a few minutes I gave up. The words were gone. Oh, well. I could rewrite it. I had more important things to deal with! I packed up and headed out to my car, where I proceeded to call my husband. After sharing the news with him, I realized I had to use the restroom. (Yes, I was too excited to think about mundane details while still inside the restaurant.)
I opened my car door and bam, this huge gust of Colorado wind took my door and slammed it into the side mirror of the car next to me. It sounded horrible, and I was shocked the mirror didn’t go flying off the car. 
I got out and checked for damages. I don’t know if it was because the car was a Subaru or what, but I couldn’t find a scratch or one single thing wrong with that mirror. In case there was damage I didn’t see, I dug through my car for a napkin, wrote down my information, and stuck it under their windshield wiper.
Then I got into my car and drove away without going in to use the bathroom because I was too embarrassed to go back inside.
And that is the back story to ‘The Call’ and the glamorous life of a debut author.
This is the tweet Jill’s editor sent out announcing the offer she made to Jill and two other fortunate authors.
- This is Jill’s newly released debut!
Jill Lynn lives near the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her husband and two children who make her laugh on a daily basis. She writes the kind of stories she likes to read–ones filled with humor, grace, and happily ever after. Jill does far more dancing in the kitchen with her family than she does cooking, and she has a thing for coffee, books, boots, and thrift stores. Connect with her at Jill-Lynn.com or on social media!
Click here to visit Falling for Texas’s Amazon page! (The reviews are STELLAR!)
Can you remember a time in your life when you received outstanding news? Please share!
Each person who leaves a comment below will be entered to win Falling for Texas. I’ll draw the winner out of a hat on Monday and announce her name here as well as notify her via e-mail. Thanks for visiting us, Jill! -Becky
CONGRATS TO ANNA STEVENS! YOU’VE WON THE COPY OF JILL’S NOVEL. ENJOY!!!
Becky Wade
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My favorite example of wonderful news is when I got my acceptance letter to my university of choice.
That’s so great!
How wonderful! Thanks for sharing your “The Call” moments, so fun!
Thanks for commenting!
How exciting. Any book Becky has recommended has been a good read…can’t wait to read it. Happy writing!!!
What a nice thing to say, Brooke! I love supporting my writer friends — especially those who write Christian contemporary romance. I’d love to see our genre grow. 🙂
Becky I won’t read anything else but Christian Fiction or at least a Christian biography. Of all the Christian books I read I’ve only been surprised by one that had a cuss word in it. I’m pleased to see that Christian Fiction is increasing.
Thank you for that! That’s very sweet. Becky is such a great example of supporting other writers. I appreciate her.
Very exciting to get the call. I’d acted the same way. Hope you have a long and successful writing career.
God Bless
Shirley
Thank you, Shirley!
I’ll be looking for your book where ever Love Inspired are sold. I just love them. I guess I can also down load to Kindle Fire too. I wish you all the best and hope this is only the beginning of a very long and exciting writting career.
Shirley
Thank you so much! I may have a few books left in stores, but since I was the month of February, there’s a possibility the March ones have already taken over. It is available on Kindle also. Thank you again!
The only thing that stands out is when I was laid off from a job I was unemployed for 2 years before I got a call offering me a job that was a perfect match for me. Close to home and doing what I love. Computer programming.
It’s so wonderful to hear news that heralds a new, hopeful beginning, isn’t it? I love that the job you were given was one that was a ‘perfect match’ for you. God bless!
That is so great! Love it!
I did not think my daughter was going to have any more children and did not believe her when she called to tell me she was pregnant with my youngest grandchild. That baby is my sweetest grandchild and 8 years old!
Aww!! What a sweet surprise that phone call must have been. Baby news is some of the most exciting news possible.
What an amazing phone call! <3
I remember when I was desperately searching for a teaching job and the new school year was approaching. I got the call while babysitting another family. I can still see where I was standing. I was so excited. I also remember getting the “call” that our son from S. Korea was coming home, our daughter’s visa was ready from China, and about her son from the Marshall Islands. Love those call.
Congrats on your new novel, Jill. Very very exciting.
Becky
Thank you! And what great memories! I love that you even know where you were standing. 🙂 thank you for sharing these stories!
I know it sounds crazy,but getting a diagnosis was the biggest blessing of my life! After 2 years of being told by various doctors that I was absolutely fine after my gall bladder surgery and didn’t know what I was talking about when I knew that there was something wrong, finally having someone agree with me and work with me to find the problem, get the right treatment plan and answers was the best experience ever!
I can imagine what a relief that was, Abby.
It really is, I’m still in the midst of the battle and facing another possible surgery, but things are looking so much better now that we know what we’re dealing with!
We have SO been there with my daughter. What a relief! It’s always easier to fight what we know instead of what we don’t know! Happy for you.
Thanks so much!! I’m still in the midst of the battle and facing another possible surgery, but things are looking a lot better now that we know what we’re dealing with!!
Great story, Jill! I wasn’t home when my “call” came. My kids took the message–and I didn’t believe them. Thanks for joining us here today. Welcome!
Thank you for having me! I would not have believed my children either. Love that!
I received outstanding news when I found out I was expecting twins! Actually, it was more alarming at first as they were very unexpected, but then I came around to feeling it was great news!
How amazing!! I can’t even imagine that news!
As I read this, I am getting ready to begin the day that will end in the celebration of my only grandchild’s first birthday. Isabella was born by C-section on a Thursday morning and the doctor’s assurance that she and my daughter were fine was so wonderful to hear. My daughter was over 42 when she was born so we were aware that there could be problems but God blessed us beyond measure! Now, today, at 64, I am experiencing the joy that all grandparents know.
I enjoyed this interview and I love Jill’s book cover. We farmed for over 30 years and have spent many times on the tailgate of our farm truck.
Connie
Connie, this blessed me today! I love the image that just popped into my mind of the two of you spending time on a truck tailgate. Love, love!! Congratulations on your granddaughter! that’s wonderful!
The best news that I have gotten was 2 1/2 years ago when I learned that my twin baby nephews were able to come out of the NICU after being there for three weeks. It was scary at first when they were born, but I was so relieved they were okay and healthy that day I got the call that they were going home!
Thanks for the giveaway, would love to win!
that’s wonderful! what a great call!
I remember when I got the good news that I had passed my driving test and was able to get my license! What a happy memory…:-)
Looks like an enjoyable read, Jill! Thx for the giveaway!
FREEDOM! 🙂 What a great memory/moment!
Some good news that I received an am looking forward to this weekend is the engagement and announcement of my brother and his sweet and beautiful girlfriend 🙂
“Falling for Texas” looks like a great book, I would love to win!
Love engagements! Sounds so fun!
It was when my son had a bad motorcycle accident 10 years ago… Didn’t know if he would live and if he did would he be ok, PTL he is doing great!
would enjoy reading this book 🙂
Praise the Lord is right! Thank you for sharing!
I have this book on my wish list!
We love Panera . . . . it was pretty good news when we found out that we had a new one coming in our little town (and it has a drive-thru for, shall we say, “pajama outings”?!?!)
I’m VERY familiar with ‘pajama outings’. :))
Yes to everything you just said. 🙂 I heart my pajamas and my Panera.
I love the story of the call and hope that you continue to write and get many more calls!
Thank you!! I hope so too! 🙂
As a resident of Colorado, I can relate all too well with the wind story! I look forward to reading Jill’s debut novel!
Thank you! 🙂
Congratulations, Jill!
Thank you!
That’s a cute story!
When I was a surrogate mother it was such great news each time I got the call that I was, indeed, pregnant for the Intended Parents!!!
How cool! What an amazing moment!
I love learning about new authors!! Thanks for hte giveawy 😀
Sierra
awesome!
Jill, as a fellow street team member, when I heard of your new book I went directly out and bought it! Love the cover too! Haven’t had a chance to read it yet but I’m looking forward to doing so. Don’t enter me in the drawing since I already have it. Spread the love!
By the way, did the person that owned the car ever contact you? Maybe you should offer them an autographed copy!
What are you working on now?
I never heard from them! Hopefully that means all was well. It definitely didn’t show any damage, though I do think about it every so often. Thank you for getting the book and your support! That means so much to me. I am currently writing a non-fiction book called Just Show Up with a friend of mine who has terminal cancer. I also hope to have a second book come out with Love Inspired. It’s already written but I don’t know if it will get a contract yet! So basically just following where God leads… 🙂
Congratulations on your call. I would love to read your book.
Thank you!
What a great story. 🙂 I know there have been many moments when I received great news but none of them pop in my head right now. Maybe when we heard our offer had been accepted on the house we bought last year – though that joy was accompanied with an equal amount of terror! Similar to my emotions 11 years ago when we learned we were having a baby. lol
Ha! Yes, both are exciting and a lot to adjust to at the same time!
Haha that is so cute! I love hearing such a cute story because it sounds exactly like what would happen to me 😀
Always good to find a kindred spirit! 🙂
There have been several times in my life but the one that comes to mind is when the doc told me that I didn’t have MS.
What a relief! That’s definitely a great call.
Congratulations on getting The Call! That must have been so exciting for you. I love hearing about new authors and look forward to reading Falling for Texas!
Thank you so much!
Awesome, love finding out about new authors and books. I’d have to say outstanding news I’ve received is finding out I was pregnant with each of my 5 sons.
Definitely excellent news! I bet your house is bursting with energy. 🙂 Thanks for commenting!
Getting letters of acceptance-to camp, to a traveling concert band, to college, to seminary. All squeal worthy! But Jill wins in getting the “I’m going to be published” call!
Those are all great!
Congratulations on your success and thanks for sharing your fun story 🙂 I love the cover of your book and will add it to my reading list!
Thank you, Heidi!
So excited for this book! I love finding new authors to read. Becky is one of my absolute favorites so I’m always excited to read a recommendation from her 🙂 Blessings!
Becky is one of my absolute favorite authors also! Thank you!
What a great story. It’s always fun to hear how people get started in any career. But it’s expecially fun as an avid reader to hear about the writing and publishing process!
Many times! Most recently,I received the news that my son who has serious mental illness was accepted into a supportive housing program after it had been closed to new clients. I was told it was a one in a million shot. This had come after years and years of trying. Many people who have worked with us through the years were astounded. Whenasked how I did it lots of hard work phone calls and unrelenting prayer and trust. He moved in a few weeks ago. Congratulations on this milestone in your life. I planto read your book
Thank you! And congratulations to you also. There’s nothing quite like the combination of a mother’s determination and God’s provision. Thankful your son gets this new opportunity!
Oh I love when you share new authors, Becky!! I went over to Jill’s FB page and Liked it, now I’m on the lookout for this book. 🙂 As far as receiving outstanding news, the event that comes to mind is when the doctor’s office called me to tell me I was pregnant with our first child! I was in such disbelief (shock?! in a good way!), that I had to leave work! My husband was traveling and I didn’t want anyone to find out before he did, and there was no way I could have kept that secret to myself all day 🙂
Thank you! That is definitely a hard secret to keep. Thanks for sharing your story!
Any time I see as new author receive 29 5 star reviews it gets my attention and I definitely want to read the book. Congratulations on your CALL and success, very happy for you!
Thank you so much!
Lots of calls in my life but not always good news. But then GOD has given our big family many miracles through the years. Our(Lloyd) family have been blessed by GOD many times. About the greatest news I had was when I was told I had a perfect baby girl , when I had gone close to 2 months over with her, with Labor pains so bad my husband, mom, and I never dressed for bed many nights just eventually falling asleep in chairs and me across the bed. I had been given several doses of the med that was supposed to start labor in my doctors office, but in an hour the pains would stop for then. This went on and on with me getting more worried that something would happen to my baby. You see a friend who worked with my husband, he and his wife had just lost their baby while going over. Well I finally had to go to the hosp. and took many hours of the doctor giving me this medicine. Finally after 10 hours of this my baby was born. The doc wouldn’t even let the nurse take the needle out for fear the pains would stop again. so was really great news when she was healthy and finally in my arms. 9 lbs and 4 oz. What great news!!
Enjoyed the post and would be thrilled to win your debut novel. Hoping you publish many more.
God bless you, Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
Thank you. And what an amazing story! I’m so glad your daughter was healthy!
Loved your story! Happy for you and would love to win…thanks for the opportunity! My good news happened at the oncologist’s office when my mom had gone through breast cancer surgery….no chemo just radiation! A huge weight was lifted and prayers were answered!
What a relief!! Celebrating with you!
I can’t think of anything exciting that’s happened to me at the moment (I know I’ve had a few!) I bet you were super excited! I’m hoping to have a book published someday. Congrats!
That’s exciting in itself. Hope your writing is going well! thank you!
Congratulations! Someday I hope to have a book published. Can’t wait to read it!
Sorry my phone froze so I didn’t realize my other comment went through….
Jill, how exciting!!! Congratulations on receiving THE CALL. I’m so thrilled for you and hope you have many more books added to your “published” list in the future. Your first book sounds very interesting and fun. Enjoy each moment of this process. The bubble surrounding your debut release will soon pop and you’ll be a busy writer again, hustling toward your second… third… fifteenth releases. Enjoy every moment. Make many memories. And always, always thank God for His blessings.
Hugs to you,
Andrea
Proofreader/Editor/Writer
andrearenee2004@yahoo.com
writingtoinspire.blogspot.com
Thank you so much!
Cannot wait to read your book. Congratulations!!
My best news would be when I found out I was pregnant again after a couple of miscarriages. My daughter will always be my best news:).
Oh, I love that! Thank you for sharing.
sounds like a great book! love trying new authors!
call about my first adult job offer. Would love to win your book but I’m planning to buy it if not with the first March member;s’ deal that comes along with several other Harlequin books! 🙂
sounds like a really good book–would enjoy reading this!
Great news for you Jill, congrats!! I don’t know how you drove home safely being that excited…haha…I’d be a mess!! I’m sorry to say, but we don’t have a Panera here nor have I ever eaten at one. That is one downfall of living in a small town! But I wouldn’t trade it for the world 🙂
I really can’t pinpoint any particular exciting news….just when I knew I was pregnant with my kids (23yrs & almost 18yrs respectfully). Probably the most exciting was when the day we found out we were going to be grandparents…she’ll be a year tomorrow (March 2nd). Such joy she has brought to our lives!
Thank you for a chance to win a copy of “Falling for Texas”, sounds like a great book. And for sharing about the day you got “THE CALL”……….oh which reminds me….the day God called us to salvation….wow!! I think that tops any exciting news, don’t you?