Laurie Johnson works on Medical Romances, but her degree in Imaginative Writing (I’m guessing that’s “Creative Writing” in England!) certainly helps out! Laurie was interviewed on the Harlequin Community Forums a few weeks ago, and here’s what we learned….
Laurie Johnson, AE/EA Harlequin Medical Romance
What most distinguishes your series from the other lines (especially lines that may be similar to yours)?
Intense romance and pulse-racing medical drama!
What is your biggest submission pet peeve?
When the hero and heroine don’t meet until 2/3 chapters in – series romance is 50,000 words so an author really needs to make every word/scene count. Throw the hero and heroine into the mix from the start, this will help with pacing too so we’re itching to keep turning the pages.
If your line was a TV series, which one would it be?
Grey’s Anatomy, House, Nip/Tuck etc
What’s your favorite part of being an editor?
Reading amazing stories every day! Although looking through images of hot men for research purposes has its moments I also love finding fresh new voices and it’s a genuinely lovely feeling to help a new author reach their full potential.
What does your typical day look like?
Busy! Reading, revision letters, author calls, reading, cover briefs and copy writing, reading, line-edits, admin, contracts, meetings, reading, reading and more reading…and if we have time, Twitter!
What’s the most recent book you’ve read for pleasure?
Scent of Magic by Maria V Snyder, Finale by Becca Fitzpatrick and (yet again) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J K Rowling
Why did you become an editor?
Because I love to read! And I’m really pernickety about spelling and grammar etc
Do you have any hobbies?
I love salsa dancing, reading, puzzles, cross stitch and traveling (city breaks, skiing, beaches).
What type of character/plot are you DYING to see?
Something different – a medical with a twist! Show me a powerhouse heroine, a geek-chic hero or a far off land with a touch of glamour
To find out more about those heroes, check out the Medical Writing Guidelines, the latest Medical lineup, or the Spotlight on Medical Romance on the Harlequin Community!
