Harlequin: Tell us about yourself. Our readers want to know!
Lillian Warner: I have a master’s degree in professional writing, and two bachelor’s degrees: one in singing and the other in theater. When I’m not writing, I direct and perform in plays and musicals on Cape Cod, where I live with my husband and a few rescue cats. I’m also an avid reader and knitter.
H: Why did you want to become a romance writer?
LW: My favorite books have always been the classics, which usually include a dramatic love story. I love to get swept up in the emotions and difficulties of the characters, and I wanted to write about my faith in the context of real people and their challenges.
H: What were the big steps in your journey to becoming a published author?
LW: I started participating in Harlequin blitzes, specifically the Love Inspired ones. My first couple of submissions weren’t chosen for publication, but I got incredibly helpful feedback from the editors.
H: What advice would you offer aspiring writers?
LW: Everyone says “read the line” that you want to be published in, and I second that! Also read the Harlequin blog entries about what editors are looking for and be creative about incorporating their ideas into your stories. Finally, pay attention to the editors’ feedback on your submissions! They know what works and what doesn’t, both structure-wise and for the series’ audience.
Most importantly, write the book you want to read, the book of your heart. It’s so important to be so engaged with your characters that you can’t wait to spend time with them!
H: What did you do when you got the call from Harlequin?
LW: I literally ran out of the house whooping! My husband was mowing the lawn and I just about tackled him to tell him the news.
Now let’s hear from the editor, Besarta Sinanovic:
I found Lillian through the Great Love Inspired Author Search and immediately knew her strong hooks and voice would be a great fit for Love Inspired. Her complex characters are flawed and relatable, and second chance romances are my favorite! I’m excited for our readers to dive into this wonderfully written story about a couple reuniting nearly a decade later—with a secret baby in the mix.
