Hello! 
I’m Carly Byrne, Editor on the Harlequin Presents series, but I also acquire for Harlequin Romance, Historical and Medical. Since writing a university dissertation celebrating category romance, boldly applying for a job at Harlequin’s London office (even if the closing date had passed…) and spending the past seven years getting paid to read romance for a living, I have never looked back! It’s no secret that I love my job and am passionate about romance, authors and publishing but here are some things you might not know about me…
I’m a new and first time mum!
Most days before and after work I am engaging in a battle of wills with my terrible toddler! I even win…occasionally(!) Having my daughter has definitely changed me. Aside from the usual mum complaints – lack of sleep, messy house, food-smudged clothes – I have a new empathy for all things baby related. This makes reading and editing stories about pregnancy, babies and families a whole new experience – I just can’t seem to hold back the tears!
I’m a TV junkie!
The more emotional, outrageous and sensational the show is the better! From high school teen melodramas to political scandals to zombie apocalypses I love nothing more than spending an hour (or two) in an alternate world. They can also provide great sources of topical story inspiration!
I Heart a Beefcake!
This makes me the subject of ridicule among my friends and colleagues, as this couldn’t be further from the actual man in my life, but I do swoon over a bit of muscle! Whether it’s Arnie from the 80s (guilty crush alert!), the man of steel Henry Cavali or the current Poldark I come over all of a flutter! Maybe it’s all the romance I read, but I can’t help but think of what’s going on beneath the strong exterior and what stories lie there…
I’ve travelled to some far flung places!
Pre baby, I have been lucky enough to travel to some interesting places such as Hong Kong, China and the Philippines. I enjoy taking the path less travelled and really enjoy seeing new exotic locations in stories. There are so many glamorous, aspirational and beautiful places waiting to be explored – take me there!
My perfect night of indulgence would include…
…some kind of meal involving pasta and chorizo – yum! Washed down with a lychee based cocktail (don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!) shared with a good book! Eating a hot meal is a challenge these days with a small tyrant to chase after so that definitely has to feature. Every woman needs a touch of glamour in her life and drinking a sparkly drink from a nice glass isn’t a bad start 😉 And I think we can all agree that nothing is more indulgent than immersing yourself in a great read!
Follow @CarlyMByrne on Twitter, and if you're a member of the 'We Heart Arnold Schwarzenegger' fan club too, let her know 🙂
2 replies on “Confessions of a Harlequin Editor: Carly Byrne”
I was lucky enough to meet Arnie in the 90’s, I remember being surprised by how seriously good looking he was in the flesh. He’s a wall of muscle too!! Fresh out of uni I was sent over from head office in Savile Row to lock up a shock in the Burlington Aracde – Arnie happened to be in said shop with two giant bodyguards.
I’m wondering if you can help me out, or point me in the right direction. In particular, I recently came across a large number of Harlequin Romance novels that are in unopened boxes, and between 30 and 40 years old. I’m wondering if these books are worth anything, and if so, where I might be able to sell them? Any thoughts?
Comments ( 7 )
I spent the entire shutdown working. Had no time to wind down. I didn’t see my son much when school shutdown. My one co worker was told to stay home for 3 weeks so I picked up her hours. This year has been really crappy.
Ugh, Janell. Here’s hoping the rest of your summer is better.
Thanks for the info, Carol! Everyone is different in how they deal with the shutdown! I stay at home all the time since I don’t work so I haven’t been too effected but my shopping and errands sure have been effected!
Valri, I’ve been doing most of my shopping online. My local Target is still low on some items – mostly cleaning supplies. Grocery store is pretty much back to normal. Most of the dining in our town is outdoor. I can’t imagine have school-age kids!
Wow–getting your creative process on track must have been daunting–especially with “extra-large dog” glad to have you home. You don’t like coffee–I love coffee and have enjoyed my fortifying 2 cups in the morning even more than usual! How as COVID affected your story lines and characterizations? Best Wishes for all releases!
Interesting question, Virginia. You’ll have to tell me if the tone of my “COVID” books changed any! LOL
Life has changed so much! My dad passed Feb 2. The assisted living facility my folks were at went into hardcore lockdown the beginning of March. Mom couldn’t leave her apartment for 4 months! She was on the third floor, Will be 89 in two months & doesn’t use the phone. My husband and I remodeled the lower level completely and moved her in with us July 1. What a life change and difficult transition for the 3 of us! But we’re working thru it!