By Felicia Pride, BlackVoices.com
BlackVoices.com had the pleasure to catch up with bestselling author E. Lynn Harris, who since bursting on the scene more than fifteen years ago, has written page-turner after page-turner. That's right, he has more than four million books in print.
His new book 'Just Too Good to Be True' (Doubleday, July 2008) marks a somewhat new direction for him -- the main protagonist, Brady Bledsoe, is a handsome, straight, and celibate 21-year-old football player who's bright future is threatened. The book is being considered his first "mainstream" novel. But it's all still Harris -- plenty of twists, turns, and secrets mixed with the daily tribulations that all of us go through.
In the end it's a story about family, honesty, and what it takes to be true to you.
Check out what Harris had to say about it all.
More than Words: You self-published your first book 'Invisible Life' in 1991, now after several 'New York Times' bestselling books, how have things changed for you -- in terms of your writing, the publishing industry, and your personal life?
E. Lynn Harris: I would like to think that with each novel I become a much better writer. After 'Just As I Am,' I was going to attend Columbia University in New York to study writing but my editor at the time begged me not too. The publishing industry is much more diverse than when I first became a part of the industry. As for my personal life, well it's never been better. I'm more at peace with myself than ever before. I think a lot of that comes with age and putting demons to rest for good.
MTW: Your writing is primarily known for its exploration of the complex lives and relationships of gay characters.
This new book, 'Just Too Good to Be True,' centers on a straight college football star Brady Bledsoe, who also claims to be celibate. Is this a new direction for you? Do you think that some of your core fans may see this as a departure of the E. Lynn Harris they have grown to love?
ELH: This is a book I had to write based on my experience teaching a lot of student athletes at the University of Arkansas. I always thought the relationship between a mother and a son was one of the most important one in life. It always had been for me and even though it was difficult writing from the point of view of a 21-year-old heterosexual man I felt I was up to the task. If the first week reaction from the fans is any indication I feel I succeed on a lot of levels.
MTW: It took you almost four years to write this book. Did you find writing the story difficult?
ELH: It was only difficult because I wanted it to be perfect. Brady Bledsoe was an important character for me. As important as Raymond Tyler and Basil Henderson.
MTW: Going forward, you're looking to do more mainstream novels. What made you make that decision?
ELH: I don't want to be put in a box so I will continue to write mainstream novels but I will write gay novels as well. I live in a world that is mainstream and I want my novels to reflect this world.
MTW: You've said that you give your characters the issues -- such as dealing with spirituality, relationships and friendships -- that you deal with day in and day out. Do you think that's partly the secret to your success?
ELH: I think I've been a success because I write about things I'm passionate about and have something to say. I think people relate to me because they know I relate to them.
MTW: What books do you have in the works?
ELH: I have finished a gay novel called 'Basketball Jones,' which will be published in January 2009, and right now I'm working on a [Young Adult] novel and a novel about three generations of black women -- headed by Yancey Braxton and her colorful mother Ava and the daughter Yancey gave up at birth.
MTW: Many writers never reach your level of success or longevity. What keeps you writing and do you ever see yourself stopping?
ELH: I will never stop writing. It's my life line and I think it shows in my work. This is one career I never hope to retire from.
2008 BET Awards
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 24: Humanitarian Award Recipient Quincy Jones poses in the press room at the 2008 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on June 24, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 24: Rapper Nelly poses in the press room at the 2008 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on June 24, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 24: Singer Anthony Hamilton poses in the press room at the 2008 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on June 24, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 24: Singer Ashanti poses in the press room at the 2008 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on June 24, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 24: Rapper Nelly (L) and singer Ashanti pose in the press room at the 2008 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on June 24, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 24: Rapper Nelly (L) and singer Ashanti pose in the press room at the 2008 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on June 24, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 24: Rapper Nelly (L) and singer Ashanti poses in the press room at the 2008 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on June 24, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 24: Singer Ashanti poses in the press room at the 2008 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on June 24, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 24: Singer Ashanti poses in the press room at the 2008 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on June 24, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 24: Singer Ashanti poses in the press room at the 2008 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on June 24, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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1. I remember E. Lynn Harris from his days at IBM. True success comes from the Almighty and although his days appear to be brighter, now that he has come out of the closet, he needs to realize that true success comes from the Almighty. We are all God's children but if there is no repentence, there is no forgiveness. Not judging, just anticipating.
I'm wondering, if he's so successful, why there aren't more comments on this article.
ICU2 at 9:59PM on Jul 24th 2008