I Write For Harlequin

Those of you looking for Covert Justice in your local Wal-mart may be wondering where to find it.

Look for the big “HARLEQUIN” banner at the top of the book aisle.

Then look for books with the label “Love Inspired Suspense” across the top of the book.

Covert Justice should be there.

Wait…did you get stuck on something?

It’s not a typo.

I write for Harlequin.

Now be honest. What are you thinking?

Are you thinking I’ve crossed over into erotica?

Are you wondering if you really know me?

Are you praying for me to come to my senses and return to the narrow way?

If you automatically equate Harlequin with “bodice-rippers” you’re not alone, but you are way off base.

In order to explain, let me cover a few things that most people outside of the industry don’t know about Christian publishing.

1.    In most cases Christian publishing is a business, not a ministry.

For many Christian authors, writing is absolutely a ministry. A calling. An act of worship. An act of obedience to the will of God for their lives.

Publication, however, is business. Publishers have employees, shareholders, and creditors, all of whom expect to get paid. In the economy in which we live and with the ever-changing face of publishing this leads us to my next point.

2.    Many Christian publishers are owned by secular publishing houses.

Once upon a time, there were quite a few Christian publishing houses, but many of them have been bought by larger secular publishers. That doesn’t mean they’ve suddenly stopped producing Christian books. Because again, publishing is a business, and anyone who knows anything about business knows that the best way to stay in business is to give the customers what they want.

Which brings me to point #3.

3.    Harlequin knows their customers better than just about anyone.

Yes, Harlequin does sell books that might give your grandma a heart attack.

But they also sell some of the sweetest, cleanest, most wholesome romances you can find anywhere.

The Love Inspired guidelines guarantee that the romance you read will be edifying, enriching, and enjoyable. 

You can let your Granny read it (mine really enjoyed Covert Justice!) and you can also let your teenage daughter read it.  There’s no inappropriate behavior. There’s no foul language. The romance leans heavily toward an emotional attachment, rather than a sensual attraction.

(That’s not to say there’s no attraction! Characters will hold hands, hug, even…dare I say it…Kiss! (gasp!) It is a romance novel, folks.)

There are three “Love Inspired” lines.

Love Inspired books are contemporary stories.

Love Inspired Historical books are, obviously, historical romances.

Love Inspired Suspense books are contemporary stories where the hero and heroine are in danger and will spend most of the book trying to stay alive. I’m biased, of course, but these are my favorite!

So don’t let the Harlequin banner scare you off. Use it to help you find some great reads that will encourage you in your faith …. And maybe make for a great conversation starter when you read them on a plane or at the beach or in the doctor’s office.

****

There's another Goodreads Giveaway this week. You could win a free, autographed copy of Covert Justice! Check it out!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Covert Justice

by Lynn Huggins Blackburn

Giveaway ends June 07, 2015.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to Win