In March 1981 (I don’t know the exact date), I sat down with a yellow legal pad and began writing my first novel. I wrote longhand in evenings and on weekends, and I used the office typewriter during coffee breaks and lunch hours to type the manuscript. I didn’t know much after writing a novel, but I had a great time doing it all the same.
I finished the manuscript in November 1981 and, soon after, mailed out query letters and sample chapters to publishers I found in The Writer’s Market. Most ignored me, the partials drowned in slush piles, no doubt. But I did get two requests for full manuscripts, and one of those publishers offered me a contract with an advance of a thousand dollars. Yippee! I signed the contract in May 1982 and waited to hear back from the publisher with their signature on the contract. Neither contract nor advance came, and in August 1982, I learned the publisher had gone bankrupt. By that time, I had finished writing the sequel.
Time passed while I tried to figure out what to do. I was unsure if my half of the contract still bound me. It didn’t. And, wonder of wonders, I sold both my first and second books to Leisure Books (a mass market romance publisher) in February 1983.
My first book released on January 14, 1984 — making this month my 40th anniversary! The Idaho Statesman (largest newspaper in Idaho) ran a half page article about me, and the bookstore advertised my launch autograph party in the paper. That part was an amazing three hours. Even my first grade teacher showed up for it. I hadn’t seen Miss Moncure since I was six! I sold several hundred copies at the signing that day—which gave me a skewed idea of what future autograph parties would be like. Ha! I’ve had signings in the years since where the only person who approached me wanted to know where the restroom was.
Fifteen years and thirty general market romances later, my first novel for the Christian market, The Forgiving Hour, released (January 1999). Thus, that makes this month also the 25th anniversary of my introduction to Christian fiction readers.
Since then I’ve written another 60 novels and novellas, all of them informed by my faith. My 91st book, To Marry an English Lord, will release in February (available for preorder now).
My publishing career has had both high hills and low valleys, but the Lord has been with me through all the ups and downs. I’m so grateful. But the greatest blessings have been the wonderful writers and readers He has brought into my life.
Thank you, each and every one, for being a part of the journey.
Do you have a favorite Robin Lee Hatcher book from the past 40 years?
~robin
I am just getting started on your list and have loved the books. So far I have read. loving Libby, wagered hearts and Keeper of the Stars. Congratulations on 40 years. You have blessed us!
I’ll Be Seeing You is my favorite so far. Congratulations on a wonderful writing career!
It’s hard to choose. Maybe King Meadows series, Ribbon of Years, Hart’s Crossing, The Shepherds Voice. I’m looking forward to reading To Enchant a Lady’s Heart.
My favorite RLH book was Catching Katie and that series. The series led me to learn more about women voting rights and leaders. The series also helped me understand work aspirations and ambition as a Christian woman. And, of course, Catching Katie is a great book title!
First Born and it was the first of your books I’d ever read. Opened me up to you as an author.
I recently read I’ll Be Seeing You and throughly enjoyed it! It made me remember why I enjoyed reading your books in the past. It had been a couple of years since I read one of your books. Now I’m back and look forward to reading more. I am a librarian and recommend your books whenever I can.
CONGRATS Robin.
So proud of you?
Thankful to have you in my life.
May there be many more Robin Lee Hatcher books in my library.
Abundant Blessings,
Anne
Oops
So proud of you!!
No ?
Good grief.
Anne
Hello, Robin. I am new to your books but I had heard your name at a Christian Writer’s conference and soon after saw The Forgiving Hour at a book sale so I bought it. It grabbed me from the first scene and I did little else the next few days. I believe that is one thing a writer hopes will happen with their stories.
Thank you for providing readers with enjoyable stories and for providing authors with hope and encouragement and advice.
Congratulations on 40 and 25 year anniversaries and may God bless you with many more years of sharing what He puts in your heart.
Congratulations on your many years as a published author! I have read every book you have written. My favorite series is Coming to America. I have both the mainstream and Christian books for 1 – 3 in that series. I think that the 4th book, Promised to Me, was only published as Christian fiction and that book is my favorite. It is on my nightstand because I have read it a number of times. A close second for me is Patterns of Love in that same series.
Thank you for all the great stories you have provided to me through years! May God continue bless you with many more uplifting stories to tell.
It is too hard for me to pick a favorite because I love all of your books but the first book I ever read was The Forgiving Hour.
I have read your books for decades and own most of them. I love them all, but I think the Legacy series may be my favorite. You are one of my favorite authors, and I look forward to reading many more of your books in the future. Thank you for writing them.
I am reading How Sweet It Is right now. I appreciate all of your books and it is wonderful to read Christian fiction. Thank you