I “met” Lynn through Facebook. I noticed these hilarious posts about writing and life, and I can say I ended up laughing out loud more times than not. And I have to report that I stole these same posts and passed them on to my followers and friends.
Intrigued, I asked if I could interview her for my page. I have not read her work, as I rarely read sci-fi, but I know I many of you do. So meet Lynn!
How did you become an author?
I have been writing my entire life, but I did not get serious about it and become an author until after I retired and had the time to pursue it further. I was inspired to write my first book, Ruthie: A Family’s Struggle with ALS, by the long and heart-wrenching journey that my mom went through while suffering with ALS and how it affected our whole family. That was such a powerful and difficult experience on many levels, and I felt compelled to share the story both to honor her memory and to help others dealing with similar issues.
What genre do you write, and why that particular genre?
I have published 25 books in various genres, including sci-fi, thrillers, suspense, paranormal, mysteries, romance, memoirs, self-help guided imagery, and children’s books (sweet, uplifting animal stories about kindness, seeing the best in others, and loving who you are). My goal is to touch people, move them, make them feel something, open up something in them, empower them, and bring a sense of wonder. For me, a combination of sci-fi, thrillers, and paranormal, with a touch of romance, does that the best, and that is what I mostly write now. Those are definitely the most fun and exciting for me.
What authors do you read regularly? Why?
I like finding new authors to read, but my all-time favorite is Dean Koontz. His books grab me from the first sentence and they never let go, the tension always building in powerful and engaging ways. In addition, he shows incredible sensitivity, compassion, and kindness in his books, which always touches me, and they also contain wonderful, warm humor. I also like James Patterson, Sue Grafton, Mitch Albom, Robin Cook, and John Grisham. But Dean Koontz will always be my favorite.
What would be a reason you don’t finish reading a book?
The most common reasons for me to not finish reading a book would be too much description, a plot that is boring and goes nowhere, characters that are too superficial or one-dimensional so that I don’t care what happens to them, and too many errors — typos, wrong words, missing words, inconsistencies, etc. I understand that all books have errors and typos, but if I find many on every page, that’s a deal breaker.
What is your writing routine? When you write, are you a planner/outliner or are you a “pantser”?
My writing routine varies — I do not force myself to write every day. I write when my schedule allows the time and when I feel compelled to do so, so there are some days I write a lot and some days I don’t write at all. I am definitely a pantser. I usually start with an idea of a plot or story, but without too many details. It all unfolds as I write it, and it’s always a surprise to me. All of it — the story and the process — is filled with awe and wonder as it develops and unfolds.
Is there something you set out to do, but somehow, it didn’t work out for you? (in terms of writing, or something else you felt was important to you at the time)
I did not realize how difficult it is to market and promote your books or to get reviews, and I think that is the hardest thing about the book industry. No matter how great your story is or how well written, it can be hard to get your book in front of potential readers. And even when your book sells, it is hard to get reviews. However, I am proud of the books I have written and will continue to write more.
What tips do you give to new or even experienced writers?
My best advice for budding writers is really three parts. First, read and write as much as you can — you can learn so much by reading, and you get better the more you write. Reading helps you learn what you like and don’t like and how to word and phrase things. The more you read and write, the more you improve, and you should always stay open to learning and improving. Second, find your own voice. No one can write exactly like you — so don’t try to be someone else, find and develop your own voice and your own style, and be proud of who you are. And third, always use a professional editor so that your work will be professional quality. You do not want a book filled with errors that could turn readers away or hurt your sales or reputation — professional editing can help your books be the best they can be.
One more issue I would like to address is the concept of success. I think we need to redefine how we think of success. Rather than measuring success in the number of books sold or in royalties received, we should see success in the fulfillment of publishing the ideas and stories within us, in producing well-written and memorable books that we can be proud of, and in touching the lives of others through our words. Even one book that helps to inspire or empower someone, brings a smile to someone, or opens up a whole new world for them, is a success. If you do everything with integrity and do your best, and if you are proud of the work you have done, then you are successful.
Is there a type of writing/genre that you find difficult to write? Why?
I do not write horror or erotica, as I find them uncomfortable to write or read.
What is your new book about, and where can we find it?
New Contact is a science fiction thriller — Human aggression meets the peaceful nature of an advanced race. A crew makes first contact with a tranquil, nonviolent, advanced race of beings. One crew member’s volatility and aggression goes too far, endangering his life and the safety of the crew and the entire mission. The captain desperately tries to save his life and get everyone off the planet safe and alive.
You can catch up with Lynn at these social media sites:
Facebook Author Page – https://www.facebook.com/lynnmiclea.author/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/hunnipuff
Website – https://www.lynnmiclea.com/
Blog – https://lynnpuff.wordpress.com/
Amazon Author Page – https://www.amazon.com/Lynn-Miclea/e/B00SIA8AW4
jrlewis85's Blog 