Harlequin Author Interview
Manga by Lynne Graham
The Italian's Inexperienced Mistress
An Insatiable Passion
The Greek Tycoon's Blackmailed Mistress
The Greek's Chosen Wife
Greek Tycoon, Inexperienced Mistress
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Could you please introduce yourself?
Hi, I'm Lynne Graham. I am a mother, a wife and a writer. As well as owner of a multitude of pets!
How did you become an author for Harlequin?
I was a lifelong reader from my early teens, and I fell in love with the Harlequin Presents line. I was bought on my fifth attempt.
What made you want to become a writer? Have you always wanted to be one?
As a teenager I was always writing stories. My imagination is a little like a coffee machine, always percolating with ideas and images of a new hero or heroine.
Who are your favorite authors?
I read anything and everything. I love Nora Roberts writing as JD Robb. Of course, Jane Austin goes without saying, but Tolkien is also one of my favorite authors. I have a particular interest in Tudor history, and I'm also always turning the pages of interior decorating books, gardening and recipe books, which often fuels my love of cooking.
What's your favorite book?
"Arabella" by Georgette Heyer. Given that, it's perhaps not so surprising that I love writing Harlequin Presents stories. I also enjoyed reading early Barbara Cartland novels.
Which of your books do you like most and why?
"The Varenchetti Marriage", which has a hero who would drive any heroine to the edge of reason, until you find out what's driving him! But it's also about how marriage takes work and growth, forgiveness and acceptance and-above all-love.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Real life. Everything gives substance to writers' ideas. Troubles, heartache, life and love... It's all there just waiting to be told.
How do you choose your characters' names?
I have to like a name to choose one. Sometimes the name of the heroine will change depending on how they develop, but no matter what, I have to like it.
Have you ever read one of your stories as a manga? If so, what did you think of it?
I have! Manga is fascinating and the pictures are beautiful.
How long does it take you to write a book?
From two to three months.
Do you have any advice to give aspiring authors?
Try, try again. I had to. The more you write, the more you perfect your craft. So just keep going.
How do you spend an average day?
Drinking lots of coffee, looking after my dogs, and being very disciplined. I work every day and have found that I work best in the morning and afternoon. When my children were younger I had to work in the evenings, but they're growing up now!
Do you have any interests other than reading?
I like knitting (which I'm working hard to improve!) and gardening. I like cooking, and now that there are fewer of my family in the house, I'm able to cook more and more of what I love. I also collect frog princes.
Do you have a favorite place to write?
In my library. With the dogs under the table and the coffee cups on it.