Welcome to New Faces, where you'll meet brand-new authors in the romance arena! We're pleased to introduce Lynn Hanna, whose fantasy romance THE STARRY CHILD will be released in early September. Lynn talks about her background and getting that first book published.

Tell us about Lynn Hanna.

I'm a native of Seattle, Washington, but these days, the fog-covered hills of the San Francisco Bay Area are my home. I attended Washington State University, where a double major in English and drama taught me skills that serve me well in my writing. My husband, Jack, owns his own driveway and patio business, and my children, Noah and Sierrah, are very supportive. Luckily for us all, my kids are now old enough to feed themselves and wash their own clothes, since mom doesn't seem to have much time for such things anymore. In addition, we have a menagerie of animals who find their way into my stories.

Are you coming to romance writing from another job?

I have had a variety of jobs over the years, including partnerships in my husband's businesses. But my main focus for the past seven years has been retail sales and advertising. Until last year, I was working full-time selling fine jewelry, and you'll probably notice that gems and important pieces of ornamentation always work their way into my stories. I will never get over my fascination with shiny objects! But these days, I am blessed to be able to devote all my time to writing.

What led you to write romance?

Like so many other aspiring writers, I began writing for my own enjoyment. I found much of what was on the shelves lacking in ingenuity (oftentimes not because of the author's shortcomings, but because of industry restrictions). I wrote as an escape and as an outlet for creative energies that had nowhere to go in a 9-5 world.

In time, of course, I mentioned to a friend that I was writing. Naturally, she wanted to see what I had done. Then came the inevitable "This is better than anything on the shelves! You have to get this published!" My ego jumped off the dial, and the struggle for publication began.

Tell us about your road to publication.

I'm told that for some, publication comes easily. Perhaps if you work in Hollywood or the White House, it does. But on a personal basis, I can't think of a single fellow author for whom it happened without blood, sweat, and tears.

I have a drawer specifically marked, "GLOWING REJECTIONS." These were the letters from agents and editors where I was addressed by name and I had some inclination that the person on the other end had actually read at least the first page of my manuscript. There were some letters where prominent people explained they had taken my work home and read it voraciously from cover to cover over the weekend, only to conclude sadly that it would not fit into their particular editing agenda.

It can be heartbreaking to know you're so close to success, yet still being held at arm's length. But through the patience and the brainstorming of my loyal and dedicated critique group and the war-weary advice of authors who were also terrific friends, I kept sending the submissions out there. As luck would have it, one day my flyer ended up on the desk of a very accomplished agent at a very prestigious agency. The timing was finally right.

What led you to time travel/fantasy as opposed to historical?

It still surprises me to hear my work referred to as time travel. I never envisioned what I write as part of that genre, although I suppose it does have some of the characteristics. I was hearing within the industry that conventional time travel was on the way out. These kinds of rumors often circulate. So, because I was ready for a fresh project, I decided to try and come up with a different way to achieve the effect of coming under the influences of another time and place. I think with THE STARRY CHILD I've come upon a new twist for an old theme. It was great fun to write, and the sequels are proving to be just as challenging and satisfying.

Who are your influences as a writer?

I'm a real sucker for every DARK AND TROUBLED HERO who comes down the pike. And if they actually have a touch of wit about them, all the better! In the days of yesteryear, I hid my bodice-busters under felt book cozies with the best of them. But in more recent years, I've found myself gravitating toward stories of the heart by people like Barbara Freethy and Laura Kinsale. And, of course, the time travel bibles of Diana Gabaldon must be included. There are so many innovative authors working today, I only wish I had more time to read some of the treasures that are out there.

What does your family think of having a romance author in their midst?

My husband is one of my best and wisest critics. Nine times out of ten, in the middle of my speech about how wrong his opinion is about a scene or character, I find myself telling him he's right! Very aggravating...and invaluable. My children are so busy with their own lives these days that Mom's joys and traumas are usually experienced in the past tense. But the bottom line is they are very supportive and glad for my new success. (It's better than listening to the woman complain about the miseries of the industry day and night!)

Tell us about plans for future books.

THE STARRY CHILD has gotten a terrific reception. As a result, a sequel featuring the same characters has already been scheduled, and a third book is currently in the works. It's very gratifying to know that people are willing to invest their hearts in these characters. I promise you, Matt and Rainey still have a lot of wonderful adventures ahead of them!

Good luck, Lynn!

Don't miss TRR's review of The Starry Child.

August 14, 1998