This week we welcome Reese Ryan to Harlequin Kimani Romance!
When I moved to North Carolina nearly eight years ago, I quickly discovered that the roads are full of bends and twists, hills and valleys. Characteristics I didn’t much appreciate when I first took to those roads on my bicycle.
The road to publication for my Harlequin Kimani Romance debut, Playing with Desire, was a lot like that. Filled with zigzags, deviations and ups and downs.
I’d originally planned for it to be a third novel in an earlier series. However, the heroine (a secondary character in that series) had several constraints that weren’t conducive to that particular story. The series was set in the Midwest—where I’m from. But I really wanted to write a sexy series set in a coastal North Carolina town. As I struggled with those conflicts, my writing stalled. Before I realized it, nearly two years had passed.
“I ditched the constraints that held me back and wrote the story I really wanted to write.”
When I finally revisited the story, I felt deeply connected to this story of a single mother who finds love unexpectedly with a handsome, British ex-pat who is the quintessential bachelor. I ditched the constraints that held me back and wrote the story I really wanted to write. This required some major changes.
The setting changed from the Midwest to the fictional coastal town of Pleasure Cove, North Carolina. My heroine transformed into Maya Alvarez—a divorced single mother with two vivacious little girls. She is strong as steel, smart as a whip and incredibly dedicated to her children and her job. Maya bends over backwards to take care of the needs of everyone but herself. Yet, she is also flawed. Once I made those changes, the story flowed and I quickly finished the manuscript.
“I was torn between submitting to a traditional publisher or indie-publishing the series.”
I was torn between submitting to a traditional publisher or indie-publishing the series. I discussed the dilemma with a friend who’d recently signed with Kimani Romance. She encouraged me to submit to them. Eventually, I did. However, several months went by without a response. So I was determined to publish the story on my own.
Fast forward a few months. I’d announced my plans to indie publish the series. However, I still believed the story was a good fit for Kimani Romance. A little voice in the back of my head kept encouraging me to try one more time. I submitted to Kimani Romance again and when I didn’t hear back, I moved forward with indie-publishing a prequel I’d written to the story. I was a few days away from hitting publish on the prequel when I received an email from Keyla Hernandez at Kimani requesting the full manuscript.
I was pleasantly surprised, but terrified to get too excited about the development. I polished up the manuscript and sent it off, crossing my fingers and toes. When Shannon Criss and Keyla Hernandez called to discuss the manuscript, and make an offer for a four-book series, I was slightly astonished and immensely grateful.
Playing with Desire is a stronger story, thanks to the guidance and direction of Kimani’s editorial team. I developed a different series that includes that prequel, which I am indie-publishing, with Kimani’s blessing. I love being a hybrid author, and I hope that my partnership with Kimani Romance will continue for years to come.
The journey to publication with Harlequin Kimani Romance was filled with bends and twists, peaks and valleys, but a challenging road builds character and makes us stronger. Yes, pedaling up a steep hill can be tough, but sailing down the other side with the wind in your hair makes every minute of the journey worth it.
To read Maya and Liam’s story, pick up a copy of Playing with Desire, available now from Harlequin Kimani Romance!
To learn more about Reese, visit her at ReeseRyan.com and follow her on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.
18 replies on “Getting the Call: Meet Reese Ryan!”
Congrats, Reese! Good for you that you had the perseverance to continue. Nice to meet you and thank you for sharing your story with all of us who dream of becoming Harlequin authors.
I just read the excerpt to your book, Playing With Desire. I love it. I’m buying it from Amazon. Can’t wait to read it all.
Chrissie, Thank you so much for the kind words. I’m thrilled that you found encouragement in my story, and that you enjoyed the excerpt of Playing with Desire. Hoping you enjoy Liam and Maya’s story, and wishing you success on your dream of becoming a Harlequin author.
“The journey to publication with Harlequin Kimani Romance was filled with bends and twists, peaks and valleys, but a challenging road builds character and makes us stronger. Yes, pedaling up a steep hill can be tough, but sailing down the other side with the wind in your hair makes every minute of the journey worth it.”
The above is indeed inspirational! Congratulations Reese!
Thanks, Kimmie! I truly appreciate you for taking the time to read my post and I’m so glad you found some inspiration in it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
That’s awesome!
Thank you, Lakisha!
Congratulations Reese. I can’t wait to read your series.
Thanks so much, Mary Jane! I hope you’ll enjoy the series.
Very encouraging!
Hi, Stephanie! Thank you for your comment. I’m so glad you found my journey to publication inspiring.
Congratulations on your amazing journey! I love your writing, as you well know. Here’s hoping that many, many readers discover your talent.
Thanks so much, Jonetta! As always, I truly appreciate your support and encouragement.
Congratulations, Reese! Love the Call story. Just goes to show how much perseverance and delayed gratification can be worth. ^_^
The setting alone is hooking me to pick this one up. Sounds idyllic!
Thanks so much, Marna! I hope you enjoy Liam and Maya’s story.
I hope I’m not too late to add my congratulations on your publishing success! Your story is truly inspiring. Your summary of your story sounds interesting and I can’t wait to read it. Thanks for sharing your call story and again congratulations.
Thanks for the congratulations and for taking the time to comment, Maurine. I appreciate it!
I am wondering if Reeseryan IS doing a rewrite or a new copyright of her book Playing with Temptation . I had the pleasure of reading it in 2016. What is going on?
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!