Monday, July 20, 2009

Tote Bag of Books Presents Special - Lynn Raye Harris

Today's Tote Bag author is a brand-new signing to the line. Last year Lynn Raye Harris won the Harlequin Presents Instant Seduction contest and this year her very first book Spanish Magnate Red Hot Revenge is out in the shops in August.

Welcome to Presents - and to the blog, Lynn.


I am so thrilled to be a new Harlequin Presents author. I just can’t describe to you the feelings when I knew my book would be published. Not only because an editor wanted to buy my book, but also because Harlequin Presents were THE books to read when I was a teen. I loved them so much, and I never imagined that my life would turn out like this. That I, a kid from the southern United States, would grow up to write the most elegant, gorgeous, glamorous books imaginable. I still have to pinch myself!

When I sat down to write this blog post for the awesome Kate Walker (and I’m still hyperventilating over the fact she invited me to do so!), I was thinking hard about my next book and wondering what the characters really wanted. See, I have a situation, but I have no idea WHY this thing has happened.

I often begin books this way. In fact, Spanish Magnate, Red-Hot Revenge began in my head with a simple picture of a woman in a hotel room, receiving very bad news about her company over the telephone. Then I had to think why this happened, why the hero was the one taking her company away, and what they each wanted from the situation. Sometimes, I know right away. Other times, I have to dig really hard before the characters tell me their reasons.

But that’s all part of the fun. Discovering who these people are and what they want is a journey that never gets tiring (though it can be frustrating when the answers don’t come easily). I am so lucky to be a part of this wonderful line that features the most dynamic, complex, and sexy men on the planet. Add in a courageous heroine who refuses to accept the hero’s way of thinking or his plans for her, and you’ve got a fabulous adventure that gallops across the (too short) pages. As a reader, each time I close a Presents, I’m sorry it’s over – but I know there will be more fabulous stories to read very soon.

I hope you will enjoy my debut novel, and I hope it gives you that same feeling of satisfaction that I get every time I read a Harlequin Presents. While the story is my own, I was very aware of the hefty weight of tradition and the standards of excellence that I had to live up to if I wanted to see my book published. I hope I succeeded.
Lynn's Question:

For a little bit of fun, and the chance to win a signed book from me, what does Rebecca Layton do that shocks Alejandro de Ramirez once he’s told her he’ll demolish her favorite hotel before ever selling it back to her? You can find the answer on my website.

13 comments:

Lynn Raye Harris said...

Morning, all! I am back from RWA in DC, feeling a bit bleary eyed and starstruck, and ready to answer any questions that pop up!

penney said...

Hi Lynn
I love the new cover for your book for India, has the one for the US been out yet?
penney

Kate Walker said...

Hi Lynn!

I'm still in DC - just - about to head for ther shuttle and the airport now. It was wondefrful to see you at RWA and be able to congratulate you in person on that wionderful first sale. I really enjoyed SM, RHR

Thanks for keeping my blog 'warm' as I fly back home.

Hope I'll see you again soon

Hugs

Kate

Lynn Raye Harris said...

Hi, Penney! You can order the US version right now from eHarlequin or from Amazon.com. It's available! I'm so excited about it too. :)

I love the India cover, as well. Glad you like it too! :)

Kate, my dahlink! Have a safe trip home. Can't wait to see you again. And I'm still giving out your bookmarks. The job does not end because conference does. :)

Thanks so much for the kind words about SM,RHR. It means a lot coming from you!

EllenToo said...

Lynn I read the book and loved it. I smiled at the answer to your question which I won't reveal. It really says something about how your strong heroine will be throughout the book. Looking forward to more wonderful books from you.

Lynn Raye Harris said...

Hi, EllenToo! I'm glad you found Rebecca to be strong. I love a strong heroine! Those intense alphas need to be challenged. :)

Kathy said...

Hi Lynn, It was so nice to meet you and Kate at the RWA Convention this year. I am crossing my fingers Harlequin Presents loves the story I sent them!!

Kate Walker said...

Joye I have remoived your post because the contest i8s not to be answered in comments but with all the answers collected up at the end of the month - see my contest page for details.

Lynn - sending you extra hugs on the handing out of bookmarks! You are my promo queen. I owe you a drink next time we meet.

Hi Kathy - good luck with that Presents submission. Let me know if you get any good news!

Katherine Bone said...

Hi Lynn! I never tire of hearing your excitement about your book. As you know, I can't wait to read it!! ;)

Wishing you safe travels, Kate!

Lynn Raye Harris said...

Kathy, it was so wonderful meeting you too! Good luck with your submission. And do enter the contest with another story if you have one. :) Never give up, never surrender! ;-)

Kate, you don't owe me a thing! I promo your book because it is fabulous. (As are your Presents as well!) :)

Hi, Kathy! Thanks for dropping by. I was just in the BAM in Madison -- and they have my book. I did hand sell two of them while there. :)

Katherine Bone said...

It's out? I'm going to the book store after work tomorrow!!! Woot! ;)

Lynn Raye Harris said...

It's not supposed to be; they put them out early in my BAM. :)

Cyn Bagley said...

Sorry Lynn,
Once again I am a day late ;-)...
I am so happy for you.
Yours, Cyn
Go get 'em girl.

 

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