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Friday, July 29, 2011

Lynn Raye Harris: Between Books

Ah, bliss. It's that happy time in between books where I've just sent off the last book, the revisions haven't arrived yet, and I'm contemplating the next book but haven't begun it. I love this time, where I feel like my life is my own again and the next book is so full of possibilities that it will surely write itself (that sound is me snorting, because it's never true).

This week, I've straightened up my office (somewhat), gone grocery shopping (oh it was bad in the pantry), been to routine appointments (my vision is still 20/15, which is pretty cool!), had lunch with a writer friend, and gone to dinner with non-writer friends and family (and will go again tonight).

Ideally, if I could take a vacation between books, I'd go here:


Or maybe here:


In any case, I'd want to drink this:

And eat this:


Generally, I'd just want to relax and take in the scenery. For me, the time between books is important. Even if it's only a couple of days, I need that time to recharge - to read, talk with my hubby, go shopping, relax, watch TV, etc. Writing for Harlequin Presents is very rewarding -- and emotionally draining, at least for me! After every book, I'm wrung out by all the emotions. I don't know how anyone finishes a book today and starts a new one tomorrow. I've done it, but it wasn't easy. I function better with a little bit of time off in between.

How about you? Do you like a bit of down time as a reward for a job done?

(All photos are my own. Waikiki, Venice, strawberry daiquiri at the Hale Koa hotel in Waikiki, and dinner in Rome).

~~~
If you're ready for some relaxation, how about a nice trip to Russia? My June book, BEHIND THE PALACE WALLS, reached #1 on the Borders list and has been described as fast-paced, passionate, and hot! Here's the back cover copy:

‘Kiss me,’ he growled… ‘And make it believable.’
Alone and scared on the dark streets of Moscow, staid, bespectacled Paige Barnes has no choice but to comply with the handsome stranger’s command…
Little does Paige know she’s been rescued by Alexei Voronov—a Russian prince and her boss’s deadliest rival. Now he has Paige unexpectedly in his sights, Alexei is prepared to play emotional Russian roulette to keep her close and discover her true motives. But in his splendid gilded palace his game of chance spins out of control and passion takes over…
It’s only when she’s back home that Paige realizes she’s pregnant with the Prince’s baby…


(PS: Right now, Amazon is selling my April release, THE DEVIL'S HEART, for only $2.36 on Kindle! And if you're in the UK, you can buy my passionate sheikh story, STRANGERS IN THE DESERT, for only 99p on Kindle!)

Lynn Raye Harris is a USA Today bestselling author who writes glamorous, sexy romance for Harlequin Presents. You can learn more about Lynn and her books at http://www.lynnrayeharris.com/. You can also follow Lynn on Twitter @LynnRayeHarris or visit her author page on Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/AuthorLynnRayeHarris

6 comments:

Mary Preston said...

I do enjoy my down time, but I like to get the jobs done first. That way my mind does not wander off & I don't feel guilty.

Lynn Raye Harris said...

I agree, Marybelle! I concentrate like crazy on the job, so once it's done, I feel justified in taking a little bit of time off. :)

Jo's Daughter said...

I guess it's a bit like when I finish a blog post. Your happy with the result and the next one is days away.

So plenty of time to do something you love. In my case read another romance or bake a cake or sit on the sofa and stare at the clouds...

Yes I do enjoy this down time, until the usual chores need doing and I realize once again that life aint all play and no more work.

Lynn Raye Harris said...

Hi, Jo's Daughter! No kidding about the chores. They never go away. :/

Nas said...

Hi Lynn,

I thought you had plans to visit me?

Congrats on the new release!
All the best!

Lynn Raye Harris said...

Oh Nas, if only! Definitely on my list of places to go!!! :)