Welcome to Writers' Wednesday! Today's featured author is Lynn Reynolds. Enjoy!
Lynn, when did you first begin writing? Was there an event or moment in your life that triggered your desire to write?
I've been writing stories ever since I could pick up a pen, I think. My first big success was a series of stories I wrote in high school that parodied most of the teachers there - that was a huge underground hit with my classmates, which just encouraged me to keep writing!
Tell us about your latest writing project or published title.
My new book is called THIRTYNINE AGAIN. It's the story of Sabrina, a fortyish breast cancer survivor who's trying to get back to her normal, quiet life. She discovers her fiance is leading a double life and the next thing she knows, she's on the run from him, the Mexican Mafia and a very sexy undercover agent investigating the case. Because the heroine's a breast cancer survivor, as are a couple of my friends, I'm donating a portion of my royalties to breast cancer awareness charities for this book.
What advice would you give to new writers just starting out?
Patience! Really. I was in a big hurry to get my first book published, but I am not a really fast writer. Now everyone keeps asking me what I have coming out next, and I don't have anything else lined up for publication at this time. In retrospect, I wish I'd piled up a few manuscripts so that I'd have had something else immediately ready to submit to a publisher as soon as THIRTY-NINE AGAIN came out!
I'd also tell them to read a lot. I think that's the best way to learn to write - by reading what you enjoy, and not worrying too much about rules and theories about what you SHOULD write.
What kinds of books do you like to read? Who is your favorite author?
I read a little of everything. I love Jane Austen because she did such a fantastic job of depicting the details of every day life and making them fun and interesting. And of course, she created Mr. Darcy, the sexiest man in literature as far as I am concerned. I also love a lot of contemporary romance writers like Tori Carrington and Lani Diane Rich. And I really like a well-written mystery - Julia Spencer-Fleming is a favorite of mine. I also enjoy a lot of science fiction and fantasy - you name it, I've probably read it!
How do you balance writing with the rest of your life?
Haha. I don't! Really, this is a skill I'm still working on developing. I tend to get lost in my own little world when I'm writing, and I've realized in the last year that I need to find a way to balance it a little better with spending time with family and pursuing other interests. I could definitely use a course in time management!
What do you like to do when you're not writing?
I like to garden and cook. I also enjoy traveling, mostly on short day and weekend trips right now because we have a son whose interested in local historical sites. I also enjoy running, although not as often as I'd like to (or should)!
When you write, do you use the computer or compose by hand, oral dictation, or some other method?
I always do my first drafts by hand. I just use an old-fashioned copybook and a pencil. Never
have to worry about whether I have a wi-fi connection or whether my batteries will run down!
What is your favorite movie? Did it inspire your writing in any way?
It's not necessarily my favorite movie, but one movie I really enjoyed was Bridget Jones Diary. The movie and earlier book definitely helped inspire the tone of voice I used in THIRTY-NINE AGAIN. I think Bridget is someone that many women, single or married, can relate to. She never feels like she's quite good enough at anything she does. She's a bit klutzy, not the best at her job, not tremendously sexy - but she's honest and good-natured and devoted to her friends. And in the end, that's all she really needs to help her find her own Mr. Darcy!
Lynn, thanks so much for being here today. Readers, make sure to visit Lynn's website to find out more about her current and upcoming books. Take a moment to check out her book trailer too!
Thanks for having me as your guest blogger today, Allie!
1 comment:
Great interview. I was surprised to learn you write out your first drafts in longhand. It must be nice not to feel controlled by an electronic device of some sort. The writer's process never ceases to interest me.
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