by Lynn Raye Harris, author of Spanish Magnate, Red-Hot Revenge (Harlequin Presents, August 2009)
Yes, I know that SPANISH MAGNATE, RED-HOT REVENGE has been available on eHarlequin for the past month. And I know that subscribers had the August books in May. And I also had my author copies in May. I’ve held my book in my hands, cherished it, given away copies, and sighed over that gorgeous cover for the past three months.
And yet August is the OFFICIAL month of my very first release! The first place I saw it on a bookshelf was my local Books-A-Million. The bookseller was happy to let me sign all the copies (and I sold two while doing it) and leave bookmarks. (In fact, when I went back into that store yesterday for a magazine, there was only one book left.)
I’ve since seen it at Wal-Mart, Target, Barnes & Noble, and I’ve had reports it’s been spotted in K-mart. People who knew I sold a book seem even more impressed now that they can actually pick it up in their hands and take it to the checkout.
So what’s it feel like to be a debut author with Harlequin Presents and to see my book on the shelves all around town?
Absolutely fantastic! (Really, I wanted to use an expletive to say how amazing it is, but this is a polite blog and I’m a polite person. Most of the time.) 
It hardly seems as if that much time has passed since the Instant Seduction competition ended, and yet here’s my book, my ink-and-paper baby, wanting so much to be held, savored, and tucked away with a happy sigh.
This first release is such a momentous occasion for any writer; thinking about it lately has inspired me to try and remember exactly how I came up with Alejandro and Rebecca. And you know something? I do remember, but it’s not any different than what I’ve said before. (I had hoped I might remember it more objectively now that time has passed.)
I simply sat down to write an entry for the contest, and this opening scene appeared. Alejandro was fully formed when he spoke those first words to Rebecca over the phone. I could see him so clearly, though I didn’t yet know why he was taking her company away. That first chapter flowed from my mind with an ease I wish I could say happens with every book I start. It was so right to me that I got a little shiver between my shoulder blades as I typed. I simply knew it was right.
Granted, some of that chapter changed when I wrote the book and then revised it — but much of it remained exactly the same. I hope, if you’ve been here from the beginning with me, that you will enjoy the story that follows from that first chapter, that it lives up to the promise of what you read on this blog so many months ago. And if you’re picking up my book without any expectations — if you didn’t read my contest entry — then I hope you will find the story compelling and enjoyable. I loved writing it, and I hope you love reading it.
I’ve already had some reader mail — both snail mail and email — and I can’t tell you how exciting it is to hear from people, to know that I delivered that Presents promise to them. It really is the most wonderful, gratifying feeling ever. It’s also humbling, because though I write about billionaires, I know most readers aren’t fabulously wealthy; they have to choose which books to buy with their hard-earned dollars, and they’ve chosen mine. I’m honored.
Thanks for sharing the excitement with me, and I do hope you’ll let me know how you like the story once you’ve read it. You can visit me at www.LynnRayeHarris.com. Comment on my blog, send me an email, or use the contact form. I love hearing from readers! You can also sign up for my newsletter to be kept up to date on all the latest happenings in my corner of the world.
And now I want to share with you a really bad limerick I wrote for a promo thread on another blog. If you want to go one better, post it in the comments! I’d love to hear it. 
(It can be about your own story, mine, or one you’ve read.)
There once was an ex-bullfighter named Alejandro
Who was feeling bad and on the down low
So he came up with a plan
To put the heroine’s company in the can
But he forgot that in a Presents he’d end up married, kids in tow.
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Congratulations Lynn – it’s a wonderful feeling to actually see your book on sale in the shops, isn’t it? Enjoy every moment of this special time – and the good news is that this special thrill doesn’t fade. OK, so it’s never quite the same as the very first time, but for me it’s always a thrill to see a new title on the shelves.
I really enjoyed Spanish Magnate, Red-Hot Revenge when I read it so I hope it’s a brilliant success for you – but then it already is!
Congratulations again and here’s to many more
Hugs
Kate
Hi, Kate! Thank you for the congrats! Yes, it is a great feeling.
And I’m happy to know that the thrill doesn’t fade! I had suspected it wouldn’t. I’ll never forget standing with Sandra Marton at the Harlequin party while she waited for her cover to come back up on that massive wall so she could take a picture of it.
Thank you for the kind words about my book. I’m so glad you liked it! You made my day when you first told me that, so thank you again.
Lynn
Well…. I haven’t read the book YET, but I’m still going to try a poem for you. I hope it makes sense!
This book is about
An ex-bullfighter: Alejandro.
Despite his shortcomings,
He still is our hero.
Then along comes Rebecca
So he can “even the score”.
Wait till he realizes
He wants that no more!
Have a great day. Thanks for the opportunity to win a giveaway.
Just realized I don’t think there’s a giveaway. I had several web sites open on my computer at once and walked away. Not a good thing to do! I just know I saw your poem and wanted to add mine to it. I did, so all is good. Sorry about my faux pas! Not enough sleep last night….
Hi, Laney4! Thanks for the poem — I liked it! LOL, I do understand about getting those open sites confused. I do a lot of that too.
I just have to say that someone has informed me that my limerick contains some sexual slang for a man who secretly sleeps with other men. I swear, I am such a sheltered person for a romance writer! I had no idea! Must be getting old and uncool or something. LOL!
I just re-read your limerick. I too must be living a sheltered life or something. I’m usually pretty good at hearing and making double entendres, but I too don’t “get it” (the slang! ha ha).
Congratulations, Lynne! Just picked up my copy from Walmart and can’t wait to read it. I can only imagine how exciting it must be seeing your book on the shelves at last.
Chris.
Well that’s two of us who are sheltered then, Laney4!
Hi, Chris! Thanks so much for picking up a copy of my book! I hope you enjoy it. It is exciting to see it, yes.
Hmm, last comment in moderation! It was the use of two smileys at once. So, I shall repeat here, but will only use one smiley!
Well that’s two of us who are sheltered then, Laney4!
Hi, Chris! Thanks so much for picking up a copy of my book! I hope you enjoy it. It is exciting to see it, yes.
Congrats, Lynn! Loved your book. What a great feeling it must to see it sitting on the shelf!
Jackie
Hi, Jackie! Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it!!
Hi Lynn,
Congratulations! It must be a great feeling to hold your very first book in your hands. I can hardly wait to do the same with my first book – January here in Australia seems like a very long time away.
Tina
Hang in there, Tina! It’ll get here before you know it.
Though I really, really understand your anticipation. My next US release is January, so I’ll be doing the happy dance alongside you.
Hi Lynn – congrats! How wonderful and exciting
I’m thrilled to read your post – bet you’ve been doing the happy dance …. A LOT! LOL 
Just ordered my copy so it’s in the mail – am looking forward to reading it soon
Ahh Lynn, your post brought back great memories of when I spotted my first book sitting on the shelves of Borders at the Angel in Islington, North London… There was definitely some screaming involved. I wish I’d thought to sign a few copies, instead of just scaring my kids!
It’s a great moment, savour it, you deserve it.
Now I would post a limerick but it’s way too early in the morning… And I’m obviously a lot more sheltered than I thought too, cos I didn’t get that double entendre either!!
Well, here’s the real kicker. I have a number of gay male friends, and I’d never heard that slang term, either. So, at least you aren’t alone.
Congrats on your book release! I know that’s a thrill!
Hi, Heidi and JV! Well I’m glad I’m not the only sheltered person around here! My poor hero, LOL.
Thanks for the congrats!
Woot! Congratulations!
I’m another sheltered person because I didn’t get the slang either.
Great to know you’re enjoying the well-deserved buzz of finally seeing your book on the shelves.
Congrats, Lynn! What a happy time!
BTW, I just read the first chapter of Spanish Magnate, Red-Hot Revenge and it was AMAZING. Can’t wait to read the rest.
Hi, Lynn – congratulations. I hope Spanish Magnate, Red Hot Revenge is the first of many successes for you. Your intuition was spot on!
Hi, Mulberry, and thanks!
Jennie, you make me blush! Because I love YOUR books. Thanks so much for the compliments!
Hi, Christina! Thank you so much. I’m a big fan of your books too!
Hi Lynne,
I just saw your book at one of my favorite grocery stores and I got really excited and I was pointing and going ‘mom, mom that’s the lady that won the Instant Seduction contest and that’s her book!!!!’
So I share in your happiness.
Congrats!
Maisey