Lynn Raye Harris is a USA Today bestselling author who writes glamorous, sexy romance for Harlequin Presents. She lives in Alabama with her handsome husband and two crazy cats. She holds a B.A. in English and an M.A. in the Humanities with a Literature concentration.
Fast Facts
♥ Lynn was discovered through the 2008 Harlequin Presents Instant Seduction First Chapter and Synopsis competition held by Mills & Boon. Her entry took first place in a field of six-hundred. SPANISH MAGNATE, RED-HOT REVENGE was an August 2009 release.
♥ Lynn’s second book, CAVELLI’S LOST HEIR, landed on the USA Today Top 150 Bestselling Books list.
♥ Lynn’s books have spent time on the Waldenbooks/Borders Bestselling Series Romances List and Bookscan’s Top 100 Bestselling Romances List.
♥ Lynn is a member of Romance Writers of America and is a former finalist for the Golden Heart® award, the organization’s highest honor for unpublished manuscripts.
♥ Lynn is married to a former military man and spent many years traveling the world with him.
Author Photos
 Photo #1 1.31 MB ♥ 300dpi - RGB zipped JPEG |
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Articles
 M & B Romance Magazine Article 718.88 KB ♥ PDF Mills & Boon Book Club Romance Magazine Spring 2009 |
 The Decatur Daily article 1.06 MB ♥ PDF published February 9, 2009 |
FAQ (part 1)
- When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer?
- Why romance novels?
- How do you research your novels?
- Are your novels based on your life?
- What can I expect when I pick up a novel by Lynn Raye Harris?
- Do you get to choose the covers for your books? Or do you make the covers yourself?
- I want to write a novel too. How do I start?
- That seems like a lot of work. Can’t I just tell you my idea and we split the proceeds once you’ve written the story?
- Will you read my manuscript for me?
- How many novels did you write before you sold one?
- Can I contact you?
- What do you think about contests for writers?
- How many contests did you enter before you sold?
- Where can I buy your books?
Q: When did you first know that you wanted to be a writer?
A: I was the kind of kid who’d rather be inside with my nose buried in a book than outside playing, so I think it was a natural progression to want to write my own stories. My very first stories were about horses. I was a typical horse-crazy girl, and rode competitively for some years before trading in my riding boots for college, world travel, and marriage. I attempted my first non-horse full-length novel at the age of 14. Being a fictionalized account of my life thus far, it was boring; I gave up after the first chapter. But I always wrote stories and scenes of novels. It took me a few years to figure out how to put it all together.
Q: Why romance novels?
A: Because love is grand! Seriously, I believe love is the greatest human emotion. Love has occupied writers for centuries, whether it’s the beautiful love of Shakespeare’s sonnets, the tragic love of Romeo and Juliet, or Jane Austen’s romantic dramas in Regency England. Love makes the world go round. And I love a happy ending. No tragic loves in my stories.
Q: How do you research your novels?
A: Romance is all about emotion, so I research by a lot of people watching and a lot of life experience. I research the exotic settings of my novels by reading travelogues and guidebooks, among other things. For my first novel, SPANISH MAGNATE, RED-HOT REVENGE, I actually traveled to Madrid a few years ago. I didn’t know I’d be writing a novel set there at the time, but I picked up all kinds of maps, brochures, and tourist info. When the setting of my story came to me, I was prepared.
Q: Are your novels based on your life?
A: Don’t I wish! But no, I don’t have a yacht or a private jet, my husband isn’t a prince (well, he is, but not that kind of prince), and as much as I might wish it, I don’t have a front row pass to all the best fashion shows or a closet full of designer shoes (though I’m working on the shoe part). I live in a normal house on a normal street, and I’m not rich and famous.
Q: What can I expect when I pick up a novel by Lynn Raye Harris?
A: Passion, emotion, and an intense read that sweeps you into the exotic worlds of rich tycoons and playboy princes! But no matter the setting or the circumstance, I guarantee a sexy hero, a strong heroine, and a happy ending.
Q: Do you get to choose the covers for your books? Or do you make the covers yourself?
A: No, I have nothing to do with the covers. Those are done by the fabulous art department at Harlequin.
Q: I want to write a novel too. How do I start?
A: Know what you like to read first. Whatever you enjoy reading most, that’s probably what you’ll write. When you’re ready, sit down and write. It won’t be perfect, it might not even be very good, and you probably won’t sell your first effort. But you have to start somewhere. Find other writers and join up with them. You can do this online or through organizations like Romance Writers of America. Eventually, if you keep writing and honing your craft, you’ll have a good chance at becoming a published author!
Q: That seems like a lot of work. Can’t I just tell you my idea and we split the proceeds once you’ve written the story?
A: Um, no. It doesn’t work like that. I have plenty of my own ideas, believe me.
Q: Will you read my manuscript for me?
A: Sorry, but I can’t do that. My editor and agent tell me it’s not a good idea. And, unfortunately, my time is limited. When I’m not writing my next book, I’m spending time with my family.
Q: How many novels did you write before you sold one?
A: Five.
Q: Can I contact you?
A: Absolutely! You can email me at contact at lynnrayeharris dot com. I try to answer emails in a timely manner, but everything is dependent on deadlines, mail volume, and spam filters. If you don’t hear from me, you might have gotten caught in the filter.
Q: What do you think about contests for writers?
A: I’m a fan. If not for the Harlequin Presents Instant Seduction contest, I might still be trying to get my novels published. But that’s only one path to publication! Not everyone can win a contest, and not every contest win guarantees success. So keep writing and submitting. Use contests as a way to get in front of a specific editor or agent, or as a way to gain feedback. But don’t expect to sell based on a win — and don’t think your chances of publication are ruined if you don’t win.
Q: How many contests did you enter before you sold?
A: I’m not sure, truthfully. Somewhere between fifteen and twenty maybe? I’m proudest of being a 2008 Golden Heart® Finalist, and of winning the Instant Seduction contest sponsored by Harlequin Mills & Boon.
Q: Where can I buy your books?
A: In any brick and mortar bookstore or online at outlets like Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. They can also be found at Target, Wal-Mart, and grocery stores like Publix.
FAQ (part 2)
- What do you love most about being a writer?
- What do you like least about being a writer?
- Do you have a favorite locale or setting for your novels? What is it and why is it your favorite?
- Which of the books you have written is your favorite?
- What is your favorite recent Mills & Boon or Silhouette or MIRA title by another author?
- What are your five all-time favorite books (with authors)?
- What one specific piece of advice would you give a would-be writer trying to kick-start a career?
- Describe the ultimate romantic meal.
- What is your all-time favorite romantic movie?
- What is your all-time favorite romantic song or composition?
- What is the most romantic gesture or gift you have received?
- How do you keep the romance alive in your relationship?
- What tip would you give your readers to make their lives more romantic?
- Where is the most romantic place you’ve ever traveled?
- Besides writing, what other talent would you most like to have?
- Who is someone you admire and why?
- Do you have a good luck charm or superstition?
- Share one of your favorite indulgences with us.
- What quality do you most admire in a man?
- What is the one thing you`ve always wanted to do, but never had the courage to try?
- If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?
- What quote or personal saying do you live by? Who said it?
On Writing and Reading
Q: What do you love most about being a writer?
A: Wow, this is like being asked to choose between chocolate cake, chocolate ice cream, and chocolate candy! Writing is the best job in the world, and I feel so fortunate to be able to share my stories with readers. But, since I’ve been asked to choose, I think what I love most is the joy of discovery. Every day is a new adventure for me as I find out what my characters are going to do or say. I love the freshness of a new story, and I also love the surprising turns of a story I’ve been working on for a while when something happens that I didn’t expect.
Q: What do you like least about being a writer?
A: I’m a perfectionist. Writing and perfectionism really don’t mesh. In fact, I’d say perfectionism doesn’t mesh with most things. I have to learn to let go and not beat myself up because I feel like I could make something better if I only gave it one more try.
Q: Do you have a favorite locale or setting for your novels? What is it and why is it your favorite?
A: I love a setting that is exotic and larger-than-life. Whether I set a story in Madrid, Paris, or a kingdom I made up, it’s always fun to explore the special world of the setting. As I write more books, perhaps I will have a favorite, but for now I love the glitz and glamour of a Presents/Modern setting.
Q: Which of the books you have written is your favorite?
A: My debut book, Spanish Magnate, Red-Hot Revenge, is out in August 2009, both in the US and UK — and it is my favorite thus far! I have a feeling that every new book will be my favorite.
Q: What is your favorite recent Mills & Boon or Silhouette or MIRA title by another author?
A: Oh my, I can’t pick just one! I love reading the Presents/Modern books when they come out every month. But the most recent novels I read would be Sandra Marton’s sheikh trilogy, with The Sheikh’s Rebellious Mistress being the last of them. Sandra writes fabulous stories!
Q: What are your five all-time favorite books (with authors)?
A: I could go on and on here, and I hate to pick because I don’t want to leave anyone out, but here goes (in no order):
- For My Lady’s Heart by Laura Kinsale
- Mackenzie’s Mountain by Linda Howard
- Simply Irresistible by Rachel Gibson
- Heaven, Texas by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
- French Twist by Roxanne St. Claire
Q: What one specific piece of advice would you give a would-be writer trying to kick-start a career?
A: Never give up. Seriously. It sounds so basic, but it’s the key. If I’d given up after the first rejection, or the tenth, I wouldn’t be here today. Keep writing, learn from your mistakes, grow, and persevere. That’s the only formula I know.
On Romance
Q: Describe the ultimate romantic meal.
A: A bottle of good red wine, a baguette, some meat and cheese and olives, and conversation. It doesn’t matter where you do this — on the couch, the floor, in front of a fire, or watching a sunset.
Q: What is your all-time favorite romantic movie?
A: Pride and Prejudice, the BBC version. Colin Firth says more with his eyes and body language than most other actors can manage with lengthy speeches and romantic props like flowers or jewelry thrown in.
Q: What is your all-time favorite romantic song or composition?
A: I have to pick just one? Hmm. I love the song ‘Shameless’. It’s written by Billy Joel, but probably the most famous version is sung by Garth Brooks. It’s about a man who loves a woman so much he’ll do anything. When he says he could walk away from anyone he ever knew, but he can’t walk away from her — I’m putty. And that’s what I do to my heroes over the course of a novel.
Q: What is the most romantic gesture or gift you have received?
A: When I first said I might like to write books someday, my husband didn’t blink. And he didn’t see why someday wasn’t right that moment either. He went out and bought me a computer and printer. He had no idea whether I could actually do it or not for all he knew, he was throwing money down the drain (and we didn’t have a lot of money to spare at the time). Without him, I might still be thinking, “Some day,” and finding excuses not to begin. That gift was the best ever because of the intangible gift it came with: faith.
Q: How do you keep the romance alive in your relationship?
A: We talk a lot. And we listen to each other. We also have friends and activities outside of the relationship, which keeps the conversation fresh. It’s never good to bore your partner.
Q: What tip would you give your readers to make their lives more romantic?
A: Always listen — really listen — to what your partner has to say. You can’t fake interest, and nothing is more flattering than having someone’s undivided attention. When we feel we are being heard, we are happier than if we feel no one cares. And happiness, in my opinion, breeds happiness.
Q: Where is the most romantic place you’ve ever traveled?
A: Venice, Italy. But the most romantic place I ever lived was Hawaii. I lost count of the gorgeous sunsets in the 3 years I was there.
All About Lynn
Q: Besides writing, what other talent would you most like to have?
A: I wish I could sing so beautifully it made people cry. I always cry when I listen to a beautiful singer. Who doesn’t get chills when a singer goes for the long, high note and holds it for ages? Unfortunately, my singing is more likely to make dogs howl.
Q: Who is someone you admire and why?
A: My mother. She is very accomplished, though she doesn’t seem to think so, and she did it all while working in a male-dominated environment and coming from a background that would have stopped lesser mortals. She always told me I could be anything I wanted to be. She was right, though she is often the first person to think that same idea doesn’t apply to her. It does, of course; I think she’s beginning to believe it.
Q: Do you have a good luck charm or superstition?
A: I’m not usually too superstitious, but I have a lunch buddy. It seems as if both our paths to publication took off after we started having lunch together. We lunch regularly now, especially when we turn in books or proposals.
Q: Share one of your favorite indulgences with us.
A: After many years of getting my hair cut once a year or so, I now go to a stylist who works his magic on a regular basis. It costs more than my yearly cut did, but I feel so great when I leave the salon. I think every woman should pamper herself in at least one great way.
Q: What quality do you most admire in a man?
A: A sense of humor. A man with a sense of humor can laugh at himself and never takes himself too seriously. I find that very sexy.
Q: What is the one thing you`ve always wanted to do, but never had the courage to try?
A: Learn to fly an airplane. I have a thing about little planes. They scare me.
Q: If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?
A: An interior decorator, an antiques dealer, a restaurateur — I think I’m a writer because I get to be all these things anyway. I could never choose just one.
Q: What quote or personal saying do you live by? Who said it?
A: It’s not a quote, but advice from Ann Landers. Someone once wrote to her saying that at the age of 42, he wanted to go to medical school. But he was worried that at the end of it he’d be 46 and just beginning a medical career. Ann wrote, “And how old will you be in four years if you don’t go to medical school?” Life moves on regardless. Live it to the fullest.