Welcome to New Faces, where we are pleased to introduce some of the newest authors in the romance field. This Week we're pleased to welcome Karen Drogin, who writes under that name as well as under the name Carly Phillips. Her first two books are now out: BRAZEN, from Harlequin Temptation, and PERFECT PARTNERS, from Zebra bouquet. Welcome, Karen!

Tell us about yourself.

I'm New York born and raised. I only left for a few years while I was in college and law school in Massachusetts where I met my husband. We moved back to New York about ten years ago. We got married about that time too. I'm a licensed attorney but I don't practice. The profession just wasn't for me. I was one of those sick people who liked law school better than real life. My parents figured I'd be a perpetual student! I stayed home to raise my kids, and after a few moves, all within New York state, we've settled down in Purchase, New York. I have two daughters, ages seven and two, and a new puppy who requires as much attention as the kids!

Are you coming to romance writing from another job?

I'm a full time mom and a full time writer, in that order. I gave up law eight years ago and never looked back.

What led you to write romance?

I've been a reader forever. I just didn't realize I preferred romance although I should have. I always liked a happy ending and never picked up an author again if the heroine ended up with who I thought was the wrong man. I remember spending Sundays in bed as a kid, reading all day. I couldn't put books down. I discovered Romance per se about six years ago. I was reading LaVyrle Spencer's Separate Beds and decided to give writing a try. Believe me, it wasn't because I thought I could do better. I idolize LaVyrle Spencer!

Tell us about your road to publication.

Ooh, I'm one of those who took the long road. I wasn't an overnight success. I had ten completed manuscripts behind me not including umpteenth revisions on each before I sold my first manuscript to Harlequin Temptation. I joined the Hudson Valley RWA Chapter and discovered that this profession has the best bunch of women and the most solid system of support found anywhere. I've had the same one critique partner for the last ... oh, five or more years. Kathryn Attalla aka Kathryn Taylor. I couldn't get through a day without her support. About three years ago, Brenda Chin at Harlequin Temptation called me based upon a proposal I'd sent in. And though she didn't buy that book, she worked with me ever since. She's the best!

What kind of research was involved for your first book?

I went with the old saying, write what you know. I wrote a lawyer book, submitted it everywhere and had it rejected everywhere. That particular story will never see the light of day again. I suppose we all have one of those!

Who are your influences as a writer?

Anyone who can write, complete a book and have it published has my admiration. Specifically though, LaVyrle Spencer, Catherine Coulter and Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I'll always pickup those books the day they're out.

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

In the beginning, I think they weren't sure what to make of it ... whether it was a stage, something that would pass if I didn't succeed right away. Now they're thrilled. My whole family is super supportive. That's not to say they understand the ups and downs, trials and tribulations of the profession. I think only another writer can completely relate to that. But they do tell everyone they meet.

Tell us about plans for future books.

Besides BRAZEN, my Temptation Blaze, and PERFECT PARTNERS, my Zebra Bouquet out in July, I am contracted for two more books for both Harlequin Temptation and Zebra for a total of four. I'm in shock to be honest because a year ago I'd sold nothing. A month ago, I was climbing the walls, afraid I'd never sell again. I now have six sales under my belt. I know better than to ever take anything for granted though! The dates for my next Bouquets by Karen Drogin are 6/2000 (The Right Choice) and 12/2000 (Solitary Man) - titles are subject to change. For the Temptations by Carly Phillips, the dates as well as titles are tentative, approximately 11/2000(Get Lucky) and 12/2000 (Logan's Luck).

How can readers get in touch with you?

Email me at: Carlyphil@aol.com, visit my website at:
http://www.eclectics.com/carlyphillips
or write at: PO Box 483, Purchase, NY 10577

Thanks for visiting with us, Carly, and good luck with all those future books! Readers, we have reviews of BRAZEN and PERFECT PARTNERS on our Category page.

June 1, 1999