E. Lynn Harris / NBCC

National Book Club Conference, Inc. Newsletter	Newsletter Subtitle Month Year

in this issue

:: Remembering E. Lynn Harris

Dear Book Lovers:

By now, I'm sure you have learned the heartbreaking news of the death of one of our most accomplished and congenial authors, the great E. Lynn Harris (left). It is a tragedy that reverberated around the country, as the combination of E. Lynn's courage, literary talent and personable nature endeared him to peers and readers alike.

When E. Lynn walked into the ballroom at the 2006 NBCC, where he would receive the Terrie Williams Inspiration Award, readers stood and applauded and authors Walter Mosley, Terry McMillan, Kimberla Lawson Roby, Nathan McCall and all assembled made their way over to his table to greet him with warm embraces. That was the power of his presence.

At next week's NBCC, on Friday at 9 a.m. in the Atrium Ballroom, we will make time in our heavily packed agenda to honor his legacy with many of his author-friends recounting their relationship with the pioneering author. Victor McGlothin, Donna Hill, Terrie Williams and others will share brief stories in our way of paying tribute to an irreplaceable, iconic figure.

Everyone Is Impacted
10 Times A New York Times Bestseller

E. Lynn & T-Mac

E. Lynn Harris, 54, was stricken in his hotel room in Beverly Hills while on tour Thursday night. In his 15-year career, E. Lynn (above with Terry McMillan at the '06 NBCC) authored 11 engaging, edge-of-your-seat books, 10 of which were New York Times bestsellers. More than four million of his books are in print.
Terry McMillan was quoted in the Associated Press as saying: "I loved his spirit and generosity. I loved that he found his own niche in the world of fiction, and I'm grateful to have known him. This just breaks my heart."

His First Book Started It All
He sold them out of his trunk & at salons

In 1994, E. Lynn tapped into a taboo and little-known lifestyle: gay contemporary life. "Invisible Life," first self-published and sold by him in salons around Atlanta, blew up as a national hit for its bold subject matter and descriptive writing. He was the leading voice that resonated in all communities.

He Made His Own Way
From self-published to publishing giant

E Lynn & TW

Multple best-selling author Donna Hill on E. Lynn Harris (right with Terrie Williams): "I remember the first time I saw E. Lynn in person. I was at a book signing in New Orleans during the Essence festival at African American Bookstop. My signing was going fairly well and in came E. Lynn Harris! Wow. It was like a blast of light and energy. And every soul in the waiting area moved toward him as if he'd waved an invisible wand. LOL. I shortly followed suit to have my book signed! And every time I have ever seen him in any situation he was always so gracious, and warm and open. And that smile! He was the pioneer for the self-published author. He made it possible."

More Than An Author
He loved sports, reading, life

E. Lynn

E. Lynn was born in Flint, Michigan and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. He graduated from Arkansas, where he was the school's first black male cheerleader, among other distinctions. And for years he coached its cheerleading team. Last October, E. Lynn provided quick answers to three questions for the NBCC website: