This week, a new project I’m working on got a little bit of press. I’m very excited about it…I’m currently working on a “reality-based” romance for the company HCI Vows.
I’ll be talking more about my story over the course of the writing, but since today is our Saturday Craft Day when we talk about writing (usually with a guest blogger, but…well, things happen :-) ) I thought I’d tell you a little bit about how I got involved.
One word: Networking.
Many years ago, I read Temptations written by a fabulous writer named Mallory Rush. She set a new standard for sexy, contemporary CATEGORY romances…and really, was the reason why Blaze was created as a miniseries within Temptation. Years after that, I had the opportunity to meet her in person. I will confess–I gushed over her work. This was sincere gushing…I really was a fan…and I was dying to know why she wasn’t writing anymore. We met through a writer’s organization (Novelists, Inc) and she told me that she was still writing, but that she was concentrating on nonfiction.
Now, I’m sure this was fabulous for the nonfiction world, but I thought the fiction world was less for her career change and I told her so. We struck up an email friendship, keeping in touch from time to time. Then, last year, I got a rather cryptic email from her, asking if I’d be interested in “a secret project.”
She couldn’t give me any background, but because it was her, I confess I was willing to listen. She said she’d be in touch. Months later, she was finally able to tell me about this new venture through HCI books (who does the Chicken Soup books.) They were starting a line of trade paperback romances that were based on real, true-life love stories. They needed writers and she wanted to know if I was interested.
Long story short–I was!
Here’s a blurb of the book I’m currently writing:
Hard To Hold by Julie Leto
Bestselling author Julie Leto conjures a delicious romance that’s as real and compelling as the couple whose remarkable story she tells.
New York lobbyist Michael Davoli feels like he’s been sucker punched when he meets Anne Miller at a concert. When fate leads him to move into same Albany apartment building where Anne lives, Michael falls hard. After all, Anne’s hot, his dog likes her, and she’s catnip to the senses after she picks a lock faster than Sydney Bristow can disarm a nuke.
Always fiercely independent, Anne’s crackerjack reporting skills and keen intellect are no match for the chemical reaction she has to this man with electric blue eyes. But while Mike effortlessly holds her with his gaze, he withholds the embrace she longs for. Why is he so distant? Has Anne misread his signals? When he finally confesses that he suffers from a neurological disorder that he’s learned to disguise from others but could keep him from ever holding her through the night—she makes a choice that changes the rest of her life.
Anne isn’t about to let anything like Tourette’s Syndrome keep her from the man of her dreams. But Mike has a second secret. Will this secret be the one that even a grand passion cannot survive?
With her trademark wit and sensual artistry, Julie Leto knocks this unforgettable romance out of the park and straight to the heart. Based on the true love story between Mike Davoli and Anne Miller, Hard to Hold is a modern day fairy tale that proves that the best things in life—and in romance—are real.
Over the course of the project’s inception, I was able to recommend that HCI contact Alison Kent to see if she wanted to write one of the books as well. She was! Mallory did not know Alison at the time…but because of networking, she does now! The third author, Judith Arnold, is another author Mallory knew through networking and I also know her because she is very good friends with my former critique partner, Susan Kearney. Judith and I have known each other for years, so it’s awesome that the other two writers I’m working with on this project are people I know and whose work I’ve read and loved.
What is the point?
First, if you’re an aspiring author, read widely. When you like someone’s work, let them know, either by email or when you meet them in person. Don’t be fake–and DON’T strike up friendships just to network. Trust me when I say those friendships will not last.
Treasure the friendships you make in this business…not only because surrounding yourself with like-minded people will get you through the toughest times of your career (hello, Plotmonkeys!) but because you never know where those friendships might lead. In my case, I’m working on a really innovative, exciting project with three authors (Mallory, Alison and Judith) whose work I admire and whose guidance I trust.
So, has networking ever worked for you? (If you’re not a writer…you can still comment! Tell us about a networking connection in your personal or professional life!) Do you find networking easy or hard?
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold over forty books to four publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her daughter, a spoiled dachshund, a haughty lynx-point Siamese and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
Destiny
Dirty Little Secrets
Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
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I’ve never had much of a chance to network, but heather is learning all about it in Hollywood! Most of my networking is done here, on the computer, stalking authors I love and finding new ones!
I can’t wait to read the book especially since it is set here in Albany.
What or who did you use to base the story on since these are “real life love stories” or is this the actual story with the actual people?
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Does that mean you can help me with the research??? Have you been to the Egg? Can you tell me about what you see when you walk in? What the theaters look like? What the campus looks like if you’re walking from a performance to a nearby bar? In November? Weather?
Aha! Bet you’re sorry now, LOL!
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http://www.theegg.org/facilities this is a link for the Egg. I am not very good with words or descriptions but there are some decent pics of it. In fact the only time I usually end up at the Egg is for the Home Show or Auto Show and everything is different. On the other hand I spend a lot of time at the Arena. UAlbany is actually no where near The Egg. It’s not an area many people walk to far in once a show is over at the Egg unless you go out by Pearl Street and the Arena. And then it’s a long walk back as the building to cut through is closed.
Which Campus? UAlbany? Walking to a bar is amusing since the campus is huge and there are great expanses of open area just to get to the road and then you have to find a bar. My fave? Sutter’s Mill and Mining Co. Usually voted best Burger in the area. The Campus area also includes many state buildings including the NY State Police Academy.
This is Upstate NY (but not as upstate as Syracuse!). November weather can be everything from freezing your butt off to well above freezing. I have worn everything from winter jackets to a denim jacket in Nov. Down town it’s usually windy because of the buildings. The sidewalks can get icy. It’s also kind of isolated at night unless there is something going on and a crowd around. The arena and popular bars and clubs are right on the edge of an area you don’t want to venture into if you don’t have to, especially at night.
My suggestions? check out the TimesUnion.com and see what it has that may help you along with Google Maps. Or find a warm coat and come up and visit!!
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My husband is a CPA and that’s how he gets accounts. Me (as a SAHM in a little community), it is all about who you know. You just can’t irritate anyone otherwise you burn a lot of bridges!
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Networking is really important in business…heck, in life!
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Julie, I’ve been hearing about this project – how exciting! And lovely to read real life stories…
As for networking, I want to say I find it difficult because it’s never “helped” me – but I guess if I reached I could have a pretty big network. And actually, it’s worked once (though not recently) – and I got my first job/clerkship in law school through a [very faint] connection. Heh. It’s true – it’s all about who you know.
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It’s true that who you know certainly doesn’t hurt. The trick is to know the right people!
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That sounds like such a cool project and I can’t wait to read the stories. I can already tell I’ll need the tissues handy. We always expect a HEA when we’re reading romance, but when you know it’s real people that you’re reading about, who overcame obstacles and fears to find their HEA’s, it makes so emotional!
The really cool thing I’ve learned about networking, both in my previous life in advertising and now as a writer, is that it often gets to a point where you’re no longer “networking.” Friendships develop and then those “connections” become true relationships that don’t really have anything to do with the “job” anymore.
It’s been 10 years since I quit working at the advertising agency and there are still some of my sales reps that I’m friends with and meet for lunch every now and then.
You’re right about finding like-minded people and making those friendships last. Especially in this business. It’s a solitary one, but it’s so emotionally…abusive
… for lack of a better term, it helps to have friends who understand what you’re going through and can prop you up when you need it. And then, you can reciprocate when they need a lift.
When will this project be released? I’m really excited about it!!
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Alannah, amen and hallelujah! You said it all! Friendships and likeminded people.
The book will be released this October…guess I better get cracking on writing it, LOL! HCI owns their own printer, which makes deadlines a little more fluid.
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Congratulations, Julie! What a fabulous project to be asked to work on! I can’t wait to read your story.
Networking is always easier on-line that it is in person. On-line they can hit the delete key and I don’t have to see their face when they do it. I rarely e-mail someone I don’t know. Once in a while if I have a specific question or if I’m working on a contest committee and need someone to judge then I send out an e-mail or two to a stranger. I did send one a few months ago to Tori Carrington who are actually a husband and wife writing team. She wrote me back the loveliest e-mail and even has kept in touch. I was totally shocked.
In person I don’t want to bother people and I always feel like I am. Who wants to talk to me? I remember in San Francisco a NYT historical author that I know was standing waiting for an elevator and I said hello. She held up one finger then turned away and hopped on an elevator. She didn’t even say hi. And I don’t e-mail her or stalk her in the hallways at national or anything like that. I don’t know why she acted that way. I felt like something stuck to the bottom of her shoe. After that experience I just try not to make eye contact with people and try to be an unobtrusive as possible. I figure there really isn’t any point in me going to national unless I have an editor or agent appointment.
I remember sitting at the counter rather than a table where breakfast was being served and an agent who I didn’t know sat beside me. I smiled. She gave me a quick, fake smile then turned her back. I didn’t say anything to her. I just kept eating my breakfast then gradually she faced the front and surrepticiously looked at my name tag. I guess she was afraid I might try to pitch to her or something.
The Literacy signing is a nightmare except for seeing the Plotmonkeys who always seem glad to see me which is very nice. I deliver my gifties then slither out the door.
Of course, if I see Brenda, she is always her usual warm, friendly and funny self.
Cher
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Cher-
If you are on Facebook, friend/fan Tori. She’s a riot (and it’s usually her that’s on there). We have a lot of fun conversations. Usually during TV shows and the comments fly! She’s awesome!
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I am a fan of hers on Facebook. She is a doll. Funny and so nice to me. I haven’t been on Facebook in a while. Guess I should head over and see what she has to say.
Cher
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Ev, Lori is a riot. I love chatting with her on FB as well. I haven’t even met her yet, but she gives me great advice when I ask her questions too.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Lori is AWESOME and Tony is a living doll. Just really, genuinely good people, every bit as genuine in person as they are online.
And I have to ditto Julie–it kind of shocks me to hear people get a little intimidated by meeting us. I, at least, am the most boring person on the planet and have absolutely no illusions about being anything resembling “famous.”
And Janelle, Julie & Carly are just my goofy buds who bitch about their kids and worry about the bills and yo-yo diet and stress over their jobs, just like everyone else. Funny!
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Cher, I’m sorry you’ve had bad experiences, but everyone has those. Those people probably aren’t worth knowing…but I’d give the agent a break because chances are, they were afraid they were going to be pitched when they just wanted some down time. Networking isn’t easy and sometimes, it’s not fun…especially for writers, who are naturally introverts. But it can pay off.
And I know everyone thinks I’m an extrovert, but I’m really not. I just play one on TV (or in my case, at conferences.) It’s actually pretty exhausting, which is why I’d rather just hang out with a few people I know well than in big crowds.
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You’re right, Julie, I know that networking is something I have to do but I HATE it. I have always thought of you as an extrovert and I’m surprised to hear you say that you aren’t! When I had the plotting session with you guys back in Dallas you were very outgoing and you didn’t know me from Adam’s house cat. You seem perfectly at ease during the Literacy signing…
Cher
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I find it really funny how dismissive some people can be–and it’s not just uber-agents. I have been to events and conferences, and when you’re *not* wearing the name-badge, you get this “well, she’s obviously not anybody” look from first-timers, an eye-roll, then the person you’re in the elevator with turns away and watches for somebody “important” to step inside.
I have seen this happen to Brenda–it cracks her up.
A good lesson in, “You never know who’s sitting beside you at that luncheon, so always just treat people like you’d like to be treated!”
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Very good point…if you guys only knew how often WE’VE been snubbed, then you’d know we understand! And like Leslie said, it’s not always getting snubbed by people “bigger” than us…happens all the time with people we don’t know and who don’t know us. But I think those instances seem more prevalent than they actually are. Most of the time, people are genuinely nice and friendly.
Cher, I’m an introvert…but I don’t think introvert and unsociable are the same thing. I’m most comfortable in small groups or large groups of people I know (like my family!) But just a few weeks ago, my SIL threw a surprise party for my brother at my mother’s house. It was a joint party with another friend. There were at least 150 people at my mom’s house and outside and I didn’t know 1/4 of them…and frankly, I couldn’t get out of the house fast enough. I felt very boxed in…very uncomfortable with so many strangers in my mother’s house–the house I grew up in. I talked to the people I know and left after two hours.
I guess I’m half of each…I can do the extrovert thing, but only in small doses. It’s very exhausting, even if I enjoy it! I’m not being fake or anything…I do like people and I’ve very sociable. It’s just that if I were given my druthers, I’d spend my time in small groups or at home with my characters (and daughter, who is a HUGE introvert!)
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They turn away from Brenda??? Geesh!
Cher
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I love the summary of your story and can’t wait to read it. I think basing romances on real couples and events is a great idea!
With regard to networking: I love meeting new people, and I’ve found romance writers/authors to be very approachable. (And a lot of fun!)
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Thanks, Wendy! I do think romance readers and authors are the friendliest people on earth. I’ve been to conferences with other authors and it’s simply not the same.
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Hey Jules, this is quite a venture you have taken on. I must confess that I didn’t read the little write up. I will wait for the book. I haven’t really jumped on the networking band wagon as yet. I think that I am starting to see some sparks of connections with other writer friends, but I have never consciously tried to use someone I met to help me with anything before. Did that make any sense at all? I am big on making friends, true friends, so I never think of how they can help me outside of the friendship itself. Now that I am writing, writing, I do see the benefits of connecting with like minded individuals, and when they offer help, I take it. But, I really stress over taking the help because I don’t want people to think I am their friend because I wanted something from them. Networking is a word that is banded about here. I have a lot of connections in both my personal and professional life, but in order to keep them strong, I try not to ask for too much. I take what they offer to give, and use it wisely, nothing more than that. Do you know what I mean?
Even when I met you guys, I totally freak out on the inside, but I tough it out. You see how flustered I get around you guys (the Plotmonkeys), and that is because I really like you all as people. I am a total fangirl around you, but I try not to bother you. I have just recently become real life friends with one of my online author faves, and I go a little nuts sometimes, when she and I go out to dinner. I am just bowled over by the fact that she wants to hang out with me. She offers so much advice and she genuinely cares about what I am thinking. I would never even consider asking her for anything, for the sheer (wrong word?) fact that I might be askign for too much. I told her the other day that Authors are my idols, and I mean that sincerely. I get all flustered and tongue tied when I meet you all. It is like I am a kid in a candy store.
At the lit signing, I feel like I can go a little more crazy then. I remember at the Lit signing in San Fran, I actually rode the elevator with Janelle and Carly. I tried to melt into the sides of the elevator. You see, I didn’t want them to think I was stalking them or anything because I seemed to be in their space all the time. I might have said hello, but I was in awe of the fact that I was actually riding in an elevator with them, and no one else. I was thinking, “they probably think I am such a rube.” I think I wrote about it in my report for the plotmonkeys that year. We should totally do those again Jules. That was one of the things that made my day that year. It was one of the best moments for me. OMG, and when I saw you guys at the little store in DC, I almost passed out. My heart was racing like you wouldn’t believe. I laugh now, in retrospect, but I was so happy to see you all together. Maybe next time I will have my camera, so I can get that shot I have been waiting years to get, of all of you together. Thank you for sharing your lives with us. You do amazing work, and we love you for it. You see, me gushing on line, right? Cher and I are on the same page here. I can let go of my inner fangirl here, but in person, I try to remain calm. Crazy, I know. Maybe next time, I will let my inner fangirl out, so be ready. I hope you guys will be at RWATN this summer.
Oh, you guys didn’t go to your retreat this year, did you? Did I miss it? You usually go in January right? I hope you all have a great day. I will check back later. And, I always share my love of my faves wherever I am. I shout it out loud on proud.
I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Paula, we love you, too! You never have to melt into the mirror around us!
I think the four of us are perplexed by the way people react to us sometimes…most authors are. We really are just regular people with really cool jobs.
Are you going to Nashville this year?
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Most definitely going to Nashville. It is one of my favorite cities in the world…and I love Country Music. I used to go there every winter. I already booked my room and registered for the conference. It is a little scary because I am going to be official this year.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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I think I’m the only monkey who will be in Nashville, and that’s probably only if I am a Rita finalist.
Sad!
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Oh no Les, that is sad…you will be all alone. Um, you could hang out with me. I really hope you get nommed so that you will come. It would be really great to see you again. I hope that Jules, Carly, and Janelle can make it too. It is great to see you swinging on the vines in the jungle today. You must be feeling closer to 100%. I will check back later.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Julie, I do hope you keep us posted on this book as I want to read it. The project sounds wonderful. I’m so glad you got to work on it.
I don’t know if it is networking but I have made some good friends at eHarlequin and love being in touch with some of my favorite authors thanks to the Internet. At RWA in San Francisco I had the pleasure of meeting both Cher & Paula. Unlike them I will reach out to people to start a conversation. I met an author in the lobby while waiting for Cher, she spoke first I had no idea who she was even after she told me her name it took a minute to register. Lucky me I had just read one of her books which I could comment on!! We had a nice chat, it was a pleasant extra to my whole experience there meeting all four Plotmonkeys, Cher, Paula, Lori Borrill, Jill Shalvis to name just a couple! I am the kind of person that is very outgoing and talk to people in line at the grocery store, book store, airport, on the plane etc., etc. Meeting people from all over just adds to the experience of traveling or just doing normal everyday things.
If someone rejects my contact I leave them alone, you just never know what kind of interesting person you might meet along the way. 
Have a wonderful rest of the day. :valpres:
:Valday:
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Donna M, I totally remember meeting you. You were chatting with Jules when I came up. Can you believe that was the first time I met her too? I saw Janelle first, and it took me two years to get a pic of her. I think she texted them to let me know that I was on my way. It was great to meet them for the first time, and I also met a couple of the people you did.
I am willing to talk to people, usually new hires at my job; it is sort of like a mentorship, but when faced with people that I really admire, I get a lot nervous…LOL!!!
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Donna, you are very outgoing! You’re very easy to talk to and fun to be around. I’m so glad we got to meet you!
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Personally…I think everyone networks in life….friends who give tips to friends about jobs….friends or family who introduce people to try and set them up….life is all about networking, schmoozing…ect….just some do it more than others…or better than others…. it’s been done for years…and people are still doing it…so it must work….it worked for both my girls with their jobs….Amber got her job because I was a customer there for 20 years….Autumn got her job because her aunt used to work there and her friend does…neither one had to go in for an interview or fill out an application…both were hired on the spot….
for networking….lol
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oh…side note I forgot….it must work for you authors otherwise you’d never get to where you are today…..isn’t networking with your fans what you do with this site basically???
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Good point! That’s exactly what the site is about…networking and building a community. We wanted to create a place where people could come and get to know not only us, but each other, talk about life, talk about books…in a safe and fun environment where no one is going to be mean to each other and if you’re having a bad day, you’ll find an escape here in the jungle, where everything is a swinging good time! And if you’re having a good day…then you can share your joy!
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150 people! Oh, my God! That would be a bit overwhelming. Just a bit.
We had a Christmas party at our house last year and we invited our neighbors but some I didn’t know that well. We probably had 30 people in the house. The last ones left at 11:30 and the party started at 6:30. I was mentally and physically exhausted by the end of it. Entertaining is hard work
You do the extrovert quite well.
Cher
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The literacy signing won’t be the same without all the Plotmonkeys. Leslie, you’ll be all alone…I’m sorry.
I’m not planning to attend either. It will be interesting to see the list of publishers who will be attending this year.
Cher
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Julie, I guess you read the comment I left yesterday about the article I read about Vows in another blog. Networking can make or break a business. I used to do network marketing a long time ago and I found it difficult at the time. Now it comes easier to me but I wouldn’t want to do it full time as a business.
Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day. :Valday: