E. Lynn Harris is a former IBM computer sales executive and a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. He is the author of eight novels: A Love of My Own, Any Way the Wind Blows, Not a Day Goes By, Abide with Me, If This World Were Mine, And This Too Shall Pass, Just As I Am, and Invisible Life.
In 2004, Not a Day Goes By was made into a nationally touring theatrical production. In 1996, 2002, and 2003, Just As I Am, Any Way the Wind Blows, and A Love of My Own were named Novel of the Year by the Blackboard African American Bestsellers, Inc. If This World Were Mine, Abide with Me, Any Way the Wind Blows, and A Love of My Own were nominated for NAACP Image Awards. If This World Were Mine won the James Baldwin Award for Literary Excellence. Harris was named one of the fifty-five “Most Intriguing African Americans” by Ebony for four consecutive years, including 2003. In 2002, Harris was included in Savoy magazine’s “100 Leaders and Heroes in Black America.” He was inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame in 2000. Harris divides his time between Atlanta, Georgia, and Fayetteville, Arkansas, where he is currently Writer in Residence at the University of Arkansas and has served as advisor and cheer coach for the Razorback cheerleaders.