Suzanne Merchant’s debut Mills & Boon novel, Their Wildest Safari Dream is out in eBook and paperback now! It’s perfect if you love novels about returning home and second chance love.
Suzanne joins us on our blog to chat about her journey to becoming a published author and her advice for aspiring writers!
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Why did you want to become a romance writer?
I’ve always loved writing, from letters home to family and friends to stories for the children when they were young. I first encountered Mills and Boon romances while working in Kuwait where girls in the office eagerly shared and discussed their favourite titles. I became interested in the genre and wondered if I could write one myself. Several international moves and three children later, I decided to try.
I was attracted by the complexities of the internal conflict in relationships which could only be solved by the growth and development in the characters of the hero and heroine. Every story is different, every character unique, the obstacles to be overcome are many and varied, yet there is always the comfort in knowing that a HEA awaits.
What were the big steps in your journey to becoming a published author?
The biggest step was probably making the decision to try. I then quickly discovered that the blank first page is daunting. Despite being an avid reader across multiple genres, I was woefully ignorant of what it takes to write a novel which might attract the interest of a publisher. The steep learning curve I needed to climb began with the discovery of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and their New Writers’ Scheme. Under this scheme, an aspiring writer can submit one MSS, or partial, per year, which will be read and critiqued by a published author. I submitted for several years and the advice I received was invaluable. Mills and Boon was my target publisher and I discovered what they need in a story to make a successful romance, as well as more general information about how the publishing world works. Then, two years ago, at the virtual RNA Conference, I pitched ‘Their Wildest Safari Dream’ to a Mills and Boon editor on Zoom.
What advice would you offer aspiring writers?
Don’t give up! I almost did, at one point, but was encouraged to keep going by enthusiastic family and friends. I’ve heard it said in the RNA community that the key to success is perseverance, and that is certainly true in my experience. Join the RNA, if possible, enroll on their New Writers’ Scheme and, most importantly, act on the advice you are given in your report. You may feel disappointed or sad when someone doesn’t like your story, but listen to their point of view and try again. Find a writers’ group to join, where you can discuss your work or your writing problems in a supportive atmosphere. The RNA Annual Conference presents a great opportunity to meet other writers, attend informative (and sometimes highly entertaining) seminars, and pitch your story to editors and agents.
What did you do when you got the call from Mills & Boon?
When Megan Haslam, now my wonderful editor at Mills and Boon, emailed one Friday morning to ask if she could call me, I didn’t know it meant good news and so I was unprepared for her incredibly exciting offer of a two book deal. I couldn’t quite believe it. But when I told my husband and daughter the news I discovered it is possible to laugh and cry at the same time. We may have danced around the kitchen. Whatever happened, it made the dogs bark and the parrot whistle with excitement.
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Their Wildest Safari Dream by Suzanne Merchant
Read now in eBook or in paperback which also features Cinderella’s Second Chance in Paris by Michele Renae
