I Won!!!!

Mar 21, 2008 | Contests, Writing | 34 comments

Y'all, I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! I found out yesterday that I won the Harlequin Presents Instant Seduction contest!!! I have won an editor for a year. I'm still in shock. And I've already talked to her on the phone, and she's fabulous. I'm looking forward to working with her on making THE SPANISH MAGNATE'S REVENGE into the best book I can.

I know it's not my usual military romantic suspense, but Presents novels have always been special to me. They were the first romances I ever read, and I've always wanted to write for them. I got up the courage to try when the contest was announced. I never thought I'd win, and certainly not over 599 other entries. I'm so happy and humbled by the experience.

What next? Get to work on the book, of course. 🙂 Now I feel like I have a real deadline and people not to disappoint. It's no longer about me writing for me. I have an editor and a goal. I have a great critique partner, an awesome RWA chapter, and a supportive family. Somebody pinch me. 🙂

34 Comments

  1. Smarty Pants
    Smarty Pants on March 21, 2008 at 1:33 pm

    That is AWESOME Lynn! Congrats!

  2. Lynn Raye Harris
    Lynn Raye Harris on March 21, 2008 at 1:42 pm

    Thanks, SP!!!! I’m in shock, really.

  3. Playground Monitor
    Playground Monitor on March 21, 2008 at 1:44 pm

    Absolutely fabulous! Congratulations!

  4. Kathy Carmichael
    Kathy Carmichael on March 21, 2008 at 1:48 pm

    OMG, Lynn!!!!!!!!

    I’m so thrilled for you!!!!!! — KC

  5. Instigator
    Instigator on March 21, 2008 at 1:49 pm

    I’m so excited for you, Lynn!
    Kira

  6. Lynn Raye Harris
    Lynn Raye Harris on March 21, 2008 at 1:54 pm

    Thank you, everyone! This is so unreal. I feel like I sold, but without the check or the contract. Or should I say cheque? 😉

  7. Problem Child
    Problem Child on March 21, 2008 at 2:15 pm

    That’s fabulous!! I can’t believe you didn’t call! Congrats and SQUEEE!!!

  8. Lynn Raye Harris
    Lynn Raye Harris on March 21, 2008 at 2:20 pm

    It was hard, believe me! I found out at around 1 yesterday, then I had the landscaper at 2, so I was busy until around 3. From 3 – 5, when hubby got home, was excruciating. But they told me not to tell! So there I was, bursting to tell and unable to do so.

  9. BKB
    BKB on March 21, 2008 at 2:33 pm

    Lynn,

    I just wanted to say “congrats” on your Instant Seduction win and I look forward to reading your first HQ Presents!

    Barbara Burnham

  10. Lynn Raye Harris
    Lynn Raye Harris on March 21, 2008 at 3:07 pm

    Thank you so much, Barbara! Your comment gave me a little shiver. 🙂 It was like a reality check for me in that I may really sell a Presents. Wow.

    Thanks for stopping by and for sharing with me!!

  11. Kate Walker
    Kate Walker on March 21, 2008 at 3:24 pm

    Congratulations Lynn – what an achievement, coming first in over 600 entries.

    Enjoy working with your editor and I hope this is just the start of a really successful year for you

    Kate

  12. Sue aka MsCreativity
    Sue aka MsCreativity on March 21, 2008 at 3:29 pm

    MEGA congrats Lynn. Enjoy every second of your success! You will sell, and I can’t wait to read your winning entry.

    Enjoy your Easter break!

    Sue xx

  13. Lynn Raye Harris
    Lynn Raye Harris on March 21, 2008 at 4:09 pm

    Thank you so much, Kate. It’s still a bit unreal, but I’m looking forward to the work!

  14. Lynn Raye Harris
    Lynn Raye Harris on March 21, 2008 at 4:11 pm

    Wow, Sue, thanks so much! I hope I sell the book too. 🙂

  15. Wendy
    Wendy on March 21, 2008 at 4:16 pm

    Congratulations!!

  16. Vicky
    Vicky on March 21, 2008 at 5:27 pm

    WOO-HOO!!!!!!!!!!

    Lynn, that’s me screaming all the way from Houston!!! This is so fantastic! OMG, you must email me all about it. I am so excited for you. Major, major congratulations!

  17. Terry
    Terry on March 21, 2008 at 5:35 pm

    Congrats, Lynn!!! I’m so excited for you! I know you’ll make the very best of this opportunity.

  18. Anonymous
    Anonymous on March 21, 2008 at 6:35 pm

    I was late on reading the blogs today but when I saw your news on the Playground I just had to pop over and say ‘Congratulations’! I am so happy for you!
    Happy Easter,
    Sherry W.

  19. Lynn Raye Harris
    Lynn Raye Harris on March 21, 2008 at 6:52 pm

    Thank you, Wendy!

    Vicky, you bring a tear to my eye. I’m so glad we hooked up. 🙂

    Thanks, Terry! I’m gonna do my downright best, you can count on it. 🙂 I’m not afraid to work hard. 🙂

    Sherry, thank you for coming to congratulate me! This has been a great day. 🙂

  20. Kathy
    Kathy on March 21, 2008 at 10:52 pm

    SQUEEEEEE!! Lynn, I just found out about your fabulous news! Congratulations!!!! I go away for nearly a week and look what happens. Maybe I need to go away more often… 🙂

    You’ll have to e-mail all about it.

    Woo-hoo!!!

  21. Cynthia E. Bagley
    Cynthia E. Bagley on March 21, 2008 at 11:22 pm

    Wow !!! Contragulations,

    Can’t wait to read it when its published. CYN

  22. Lynn Raye Harris
    Lynn Raye Harris on March 22, 2008 at 12:31 am

    Thanks, Kathy and Cynthia!!

  23. Amie Stuart
    Amie Stuart on March 22, 2008 at 12:50 am

    Congrats Lynn!!!! that’s wonderful!

  24. Jenna Bayley-Burke
    Jenna Bayley-Burke on March 22, 2008 at 3:27 am

    Congrats! I gope you did something to celebrate!

  25. ReadingIsSoMuchFun
    ReadingIsSoMuchFun on March 22, 2008 at 7:35 am

    I am up late I know *g* I was over at Playground and saw the wonderful news WooHoo! Lynn Congratulations 🙂

    Hugssss
    LindaH

  26. Rhonda Nelson
    Rhonda Nelson on March 22, 2008 at 1:52 pm

    Lynn! I miss ONE day at the Playground and find out this happens! (I talked to Maven Beverly last night and she gave me your good news. 🙂 CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!! I’m *so* thrilled for you!

  27. Lynn Raye Harris
    Lynn Raye Harris on March 23, 2008 at 2:43 pm

    Thanks, everyone! I’m still happy! And I made hubby take me to dinner TWO nights in a row. Then there was champagne. 🙂

    (Rhonda, you can’t miss a day at the Playground…*ggg*)

  28. Angel
    Angel on March 23, 2008 at 11:54 pm

    I’m late chiming in too, because I was out of town. SQUEEEE!!!!! I’m so excited for you, Lynn. I hope this is only the first of many exciting things to come!

    Danniele

  29. Carol Burnside
    Carol Burnside on March 24, 2008 at 3:07 am

    Wow, Wow, Wow, Lynn! I’ve been buried in my own little cave and just saw your news. Damn, girl, this is wonderful.

    Best of luck with that editor. I suspect we’ll be hearing about The Call from you very soon.

  30. Lynn Raye Harris
    Lynn Raye Harris on March 24, 2008 at 1:04 pm

    Thank you, Danniele and Carol!

    Carol, I know you’ve been working on something special! I’ve got my fingers crossed for you!

  31. Carol Burnside
    Carol Burnside on March 25, 2008 at 3:26 pm

    Thanks for the crossed fingers, Lynn, and right back atcha.

    Sent the revisions back in. SL e-mailed to say it was on her desk. Ack!!!

  32. Jean
    Jean on March 25, 2008 at 8:31 pm

    Congratulations! I take a few days off from reading, and look what happens. I guess I better not read a little more.

  33. Rachael Blair
    Rachael Blair on March 27, 2008 at 12:03 pm

    Just wanted to pop in and say congrats – I was one of the 599 entrants that didn’t win but I’m excited about watching your progress!!

  34. Lynn Raye Harris
    Lynn Raye Harris on March 28, 2008 at 2:28 am

    Hi, Rachel! Thanks for the congrats. 🙂