Podcast Summary: Fated Mates - Rerun: S04.26: Jeannie Lin: Trailblazer
Introduction
In this special rerun episode of Fated Mates - Romance Books for Novel People, hosts bestselling author Sarah MacLean and romance critic Jennifer Prokop revisit an enlightening conversation with trailblazing romance author Jeannie Lynn. Released on March 30, 2025, this episode delves deep into Jeannie Lynn's pioneering contributions to the historical romance genre, her unique writing journey, and her insights on the evolving landscape of romance literature.
Jeannie Lynn’s Entry into Romance Writing
Jeannie Lynn begins by highlighting the dynamic nature of the romance genre. At [00:00], she remarks, “Romance is probably the fastest to change. It's the most reactive, I think, of all the genres,” emphasizing the genre’s adaptability and the rapid pace at which authors respond to market trends.
Inspiration and Early Career
Jennifer Prokop introduces Jeannie Lynn as a transformative figure who ventured beyond the traditional 19th-century European settings common in historical romance. Jeannie's debut novel, Butterfly Swords, set during the Tang Dynasty in China, marked a significant departure from genre norms. At [04:24], Sarah notes, “We were really excited to talk to Jeannie because she opened up the door to historical romance set in Asia but not during the 19th century,” underscoring her role in diversifying the genre.
Jeannie shares her inspiration, mentioning Jade Lee’s series as a pivotal influence. At [05:31], she recounts her discovery of Jade Lee’s work during a road trip, which ignited her passion for writing romance outside the typical Western settings. “I was amazed and just, I don't know, thrilled to kind of see something different,” she states, highlighting the importance of representation and varied cultural backgrounds in romance novels.
Building a Writing Community
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the importance of community in Jeannie's writing journey. After leaving her teaching career, Jeannie sought support and inspiration through writing groups. At [15:03], she explains, “The first thing I did when I moved to St. Louis was I found the local romance writing group,” emphasizing the role of peer support in her development as an author.
Jeannie emphasizes the necessity of a supportive network, stating at [15:50], “I don't think I could write alone. I've always been, you know, I need a group of people.” This camaraderie provided her with emotional support and critical feedback, crucial elements for her growth and success in the competitive romance market.
Publishing Journey and Overcoming Rejections
Jeannie’s path to publication was fraught with challenges, including numerous rejections. At [23:03], she candidly shares her experience: “I set a limit of 100 rejections. And I think I might have pulled that number because an author I liked said something like that.” This perseverance paid off when her novel Butterfly Swords gained attention through the Romance Writers of America (RWA) Golden Heart contest.
Winning the Golden Heart at [26:56] was a turning point for Jeannie. Despite initial rejections from major publishers like Avon, her persistence led to Harlequin Mills & Boon expressing interest. Jeannie reflects, “Harlequin was interested. Mills and Boon, specifically Harlequin Mills and Boon, was interested,” illustrating how strategic contests and networking can open doors in traditional publishing.
Impact of Butterfly Swords
Butterfly Swords stands as a cornerstone in Jeannie's career, marking a significant shift in historical romance by introducing Asian settings and characters. At [33:14], Jeannie describes the essence of her books: “I'd like to think it goes into unexpected ways with the characters.” This narrative depth and cultural richness set her work apart, earning her a dedicated readership and influencing other authors to explore diverse settings.
Jennifer Prokop commends Jeannie’s emotive writing, saying at [35:29], “No one writes kissing like you do. It's so lush and you really feel the way the characters are experiencing it.” This emotional intensity and cultural authenticity resonate deeply with readers, making Jeannie's work both unique and impactful.
Perspective on Romance Genre Evolution
Jeannie provides insightful commentary on the rapid evolution of the romance genre. At [19:11], she explains her choice of the Tang Dynasty due to its relatively progressive status for women: “Women had a measure of independence... their rights gave women a little bit more agency.” This focus not only enriches her narratives but also reflects broader societal shifts towards inclusivity and representation in literature.
She further elaborates on the genre’s responsiveness, stating at [47:24], “Romance is probably the fastest to change. It's the most reactive... it's hard to put your finger on it because it's a giant, nimble ball.” This adaptability allows romance to continually incorporate diverse voices and stories, ensuring its relevance and appeal.
Current Projects and Future Plans
Jeannie is currently expanding her literary horizons with new projects. At [77:29], she reveals her ongoing work: “I'm working on a book set in Vietnam, the story of the Chung sisters who fought for independence against Han China.” This ambitious project showcases her commitment to exploring underrepresented historical narratives, solidifying her role as a trailblazer in the genre.
Additionally, she is continuing the Lotus Palace series, with Hidden Moon recently making the 2020 Best of the Year list from Fated Mates. Her dedication to both historical authenticity and emotional storytelling ensures that her future works will continue to push boundaries and inspire readers and fellow authors alike.
Conclusion
Jeannie Lynn's journey, as recounted in this episode, is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of community in the ever-evolving romance genre. Her pioneering efforts in introducing Asian settings and characters have not only diversified historical romance but also paved the way for future authors to explore new cultural landscapes. As Sarah MacLean aptly summarizes towards the end of the episode, Jeannie embodies the spirit of a true trailblazer, blending hard work with a bit of luck to leave a lasting impact on romance literature.
Notable Quotes:
- Jeannie Lynn [00:00]: “Romance is probably the fastest to change. It's the most reactive, I think, of all the genres.”
- Jeannie Lynn [05:31]: “I was amazed and just, I don't know, thrilled to kind of see something different.”
- Jeannie Lynn [15:50]: “I don't think I could write alone. I've always been, you know, I need a group of people.”
- Jeannie Lynn [23:03]: “I set a limit of 100 rejections.”
- Jeannie Lynn [26:56]: “Harlequin was interested. Mills and Boon, specifically Harlequin Mills and Boon, was interested.”
- Jeannie Lynn [35:29]: “I'd like to think it goes into unexpected ways with the characters.”
- Jeannie Lynn [47:24]: “Romance is probably the fastest to change. It's the most reactive... it's hard to put your finger on it because it's a giant, nimble ball.”
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of Jeannie Lynn's interview, highlighting her significant contributions, challenges faced, and the broader implications for the romance genre.