Thursday, January 31, 2008
Interview with author Lynette Eason!
Tell us a little about your family and your call to write.
My family is awesome. My husband is a professional musician/professional fundraiser for Christian radio stations. We have two children who keep me busy and constantly on the go with all of our activities and homeschooling.
As for the call to write, I have always loved the printed word. I aced High School and College English but never felt the need to actually write a book until my daughter was almost 6 months old. That’s when I started. I’ve always WANTED to write one, but never felt the NEED to write one until that point in my life. So, I got on the computer and just started writing. Eight years later, God is allowing my dream to become reality. It’s a very surreal and awesome thing.
How do you balance family life with writing?
Well, I don’t know that I’m always successful at it. I home school so needless to say, I get plenty of time with my children, so when they are busy after lunch, I don’t feel the least bit guilty getting on the computer and writing at that point. Of course, everyday doesn’t always go smooth, but I do the best I can. I also write a lot at night when everyone is in the bed.
Would you briefly take us through your process of writing a novel—from conception to revision?
Oh boy. This is kind of a hard question for me. I’ll get a little smidge of an idea from something and then I’ll have to place my character in the midst of that idea and see what happens. But before I can really develop the story, I HAVE to do a character sketch. I use Randy Ingermanson’s layout. It’s the only one I’ve found that works for me and lets me get to know my characters. Once I’ve got the characters down, I move on to the synopsis.
At this point, it’s not really a synopsis, it’s a brainstorm page…or 10. Once I have all that down, I can start writing Chapter 1. Usually the synopsis/story changes as I write it, but at least the synopsis helps keep me on track, and I know I have to get to the next scene. Before I was published, I would edit the synopsis as I wrote because I knew when I submitted the manuscript, I’d have to submit a synopsis, too. So, using this method, when the manuscript was finished I had a “matching” synopsis to go along with it to submit.
As far as revision, I find that I really write a pretty clean first draft. And that’s simply because I catch a lot of mistakes as I go. I’m not one to waste time on constant editing. I write, editing as I go to some extent. When I finish the manuscript, I print it off and read it out loud to myself…and anyone who is unfortunate enough to be within earshot. At this point, I generally send a copy to my critique partner. As I read it aloud, I find mistakes, holes in the plot, things I need to address, etc. I make note of those on the printed version, then change them on the computer, print it out again, read through it again, see if I missed anything, fix it if I did, then send the thing off to my editor.
Would you discuss Lethal Deception? Where did you get the idea for the story?
LETHAL DECEPTION. That was a fun story to write, edit, revise, etc. Honestly, though, by the time the AA’s arrived, I was sick of it. I understand now why some authors actually shudder when you ask if they’ve read the story in final book form. Maybe one day. Anyway, I was sitting in the DMV (Dept. of Motor Vehicles) thinking what a jungle the place was when all of a sudden I just had characters popping into my brain, a story gelling, and voila…by the time they called my number, I had written the first chapter. I did a lot of research on the Amazon Jungle, read some fictional accounts with characters in the jungle, read nonfiction, etc. and just came up with the story. It’s just really hard to explain where my ideas come from. I guess I have to give God credit for that.
Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
I try not to put a whole lot of myself into my characters because I’m afraid it might make them come across lacking in individual personalities. Occasionally, I’ll put something in there that is me, but for the most part, my characters come totally from my imagination. In fact I have a series I’m working on that if it gets published, a lot of people who know me are going to wonder how much of it is autobiographical and I’m here to say…none!
Tell us a little about your journey to publication.
I told you a little about writing that first book. After many rejections on what I thought was the best book ever written, I ended up writing four complete novels, joined writers groups such as RWA, ACFW, and FHL, and attended several writing conferences. I kept sending out stuff and kept getting rejected. Fed up, I self-published a book in January of 2005 called Gift of Grace. That was fun, but it wasn’t my goal. Then I realized that in order to get published, I needed to write something geared for a specific line, follow the guidelines, and pray a lot. My prayer was for my writing to be a ministry where when someone reads my book, they see Jesus in the pages. In order for that to happen, I needed a Christian publishing house. Steeple Hill fit exactly what I wanted. I got rejected a couple of times for various reasons, then finally got the right story at the right time with the right editor.
What advice would you give to others who are trying to get their first book published?
First of all, if it’s the first book you’ve ever written, it’s probably not the one that’s going to sell for you. I mistakenly thought I was a great writer after I finished my first attempt at Christian fiction. Turns out I had a lot to learn. Still do. Pray a lot. :-)
Seriously, don’t give up. Learn from the rejections and keep sending your stuff out there. While one project is in the mail, work on the next. Keep writing, and polishing. Join different groups that have writers that write the kind of material you write and ask questions. I can’t think of a single Christian author out there that wouldn’t love to tell you about their work. Read blogs on writing. Terry Whalin’s blog is great. Brandilyn Collins has wonderful archives devoted to the craft of writing fiction. Those are just two examples because my response is getting really long, but there are some WONDERFUL authors who post writing helps and advice all the time. Search for them and learn from them. And go to writer’s conferences. Yes, they’re expensive, but you have a year to save, or even two years. And while I know it sounds like a long time, it’s also during that time that you’re preparing for that big meeting with an editor or agent. And it goes FAST, I promise. Just don’t go unprepared. That’s just NOT pretty. And it can hurt your career, too, no matter how great a writer you are.
What do you write and why this genre?
I write Inspirational Romantic Suspense for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense Line. I write it because I love to read it. I’ve always gone for the mystery, the edge of your seat stories. So, I decided to try my hand at writing one and it’s finally paying off.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Thank you so much for allowing me to be here! I love to share about writing, and encouraging others in their journey. I also love the opportunity to give the credit to God. He’s such an awesome Heavenly Father and I just pray we can keep our eyes on Him and realize that without Him, we would have no reason to write. Again, thank you!
Lynette's next tour blog will be tomorrow! Check it out to learn even more about this wonderful and talented new author!
Feb 2nd–Cecelia Dowdy-http://ceceliadowdy.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Coming Feb. 1st - Blog Tour
Check back on February 1st for Lynette Eason's blog tour! I will be posting an interview with Lynette on that day. Follow the tour of blogs to find out more about this new Love Inspired author!
Lynette Eason grew up in Greenville, SC. Her home church, Northgate Baptist, had a tremendous influence on her during her early years. She credits dedicated Sunday School teachers and Christian parents for her acceptance of Christ at the tender age of eight. Even as a young girl, she knew she wanted her life to reflect the love of Jesus Christ.
Lynette is a well-traveled woman. When she was sixteen, she lived in Paris, France for one month, then after graduation from college, returned to Europe for another month long visit to Germany (we were the last tour bus to go through Check Point Charlie before it was completely torn down!), England, Amsterdam, Paris, Belgium, Prague, Czechoslovakia, and other exciting countries.
Later, she moved to Spartanburg, SC to attend Converse College where she obtained her Masters degree in Education. During this time, she met the man she would marry—the boy next door! She is married to Jack Eason, Executive Director of The Sound of Light Ministries. In December of 2007, they celebrated their eleven year anniversary. Lynette and Jack have two precious children, Lauryn, nine years and Will, who is seven. In March of 2006, Jack took her to Honolulu, Hawaii! She and Jack are members of New Life Baptist Fellowship Church in Boiling Springs, SC. Jack is currently serving as the worship leader on Sunday mornings.
Lynette has taught in many areas of education over the past ten years, but is currently staying home to write full time and homeschool her two children.
Some of Lynette’s favorite authors who influenced her writing include, Brandilyn Collins, Dee Henderson, Shirlee McCoy, Karen Kingsbury, Robert Liparulo, Terri Blackstock and Deborah Raney.
In January of 2005, Lynette self-published a book called GIFT OF GRACE. It is still available online. She is a member of RWA (Romance Writers of America), FHL (Faith, Hope, and Love) and ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). LETHAL DECEPTION is her first published work. RIVER OF SECRETS is book two and HOLIDAY ILLUSION is the final book in the series. Look for it in November of 2008! She is currently working on two more series. The first in the next series is titled, A SILENT TERROR, and is about a hostage situation in a deaf residential school. (She likes to write what she knows.) It will release March 2009.
Lynette loves to ice skate, go bowling, walk on the beach, visit the mountains of Asheville, NC, watch American Idol, Law and Order, A & E channel, and surf the web. She is often found online and loves to talk writing with anyone who will listen. She gives God the glory for her giving her the talent and desire to spin stories that bring readers to the edge of their seat, but most importantly, to the throne of Christ.
Lynette is a well-traveled woman. When she was sixteen, she lived in Paris, France for one month, then after graduation from college, returned to Europe for another month long visit to Germany (we were the last tour bus to go through Check Point Charlie before it was completely torn down!), England, Amsterdam, Paris, Belgium, Prague, Czechoslovakia, and other exciting countries.
Later, she moved to Spartanburg, SC to attend Converse College where she obtained her Masters degree in Education. During this time, she met the man she would marry—the boy next door! She is married to Jack Eason, Executive Director of The Sound of Light Ministries. In December of 2007, they celebrated their eleven year anniversary. Lynette and Jack have two precious children, Lauryn, nine years and Will, who is seven. In March of 2006, Jack took her to Honolulu, Hawaii! She and Jack are members of New Life Baptist Fellowship Church in Boiling Springs, SC. Jack is currently serving as the worship leader on Sunday mornings.
Lynette has taught in many areas of education over the past ten years, but is currently staying home to write full time and homeschool her two children.
Some of Lynette’s favorite authors who influenced her writing include, Brandilyn Collins, Dee Henderson, Shirlee McCoy, Karen Kingsbury, Robert Liparulo, Terri Blackstock and Deborah Raney.
In January of 2005, Lynette self-published a book called GIFT OF GRACE. It is still available online. She is a member of RWA (Romance Writers of America), FHL (Faith, Hope, and Love) and ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). LETHAL DECEPTION is her first published work. RIVER OF SECRETS is book two and HOLIDAY ILLUSION is the final book in the series. Look for it in November of 2008! She is currently working on two more series. The first in the next series is titled, A SILENT TERROR, and is about a hostage situation in a deaf residential school. (She likes to write what she knows.) It will release March 2009.
Lynette loves to ice skate, go bowling, walk on the beach, visit the mountains of Asheville, NC, watch American Idol, Law and Order, A & E channel, and surf the web. She is often found online and loves to talk writing with anyone who will listen. She gives God the glory for her giving her the talent and desire to spin stories that bring readers to the edge of their seat, but most importantly, to the throne of Christ.
ISBN # 13-978-0-373044280-5
WHO WANTED HER DEAD?Having rescued Cassidy McKnight from kidnappers in South America, Gabe Sinclair thought his job was done. Not that the former NAVY SEAL could ever forget the brave, beautiful single mother. But when the danger followed her home, Gabe promised to protect her. Why anyone would want to kill Cassidy was a mystery. Was the motive related to the orphaned toddler Cassidy was raising, a sweet little girl who brought out the father figure in maverick Gabe? Or did a newly revealed family secret have killer consequences?
Tour Blogs & Dates:
Feb 4th-Jennifer AlLee-http://www.jenniferallee.com/
Feb 19th-Lynette Sowell-http://myslicesoflife.blogspot.com/
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Great Review for Shades of Blue!
YOU DESERVE A STAND-UP OVATION!
You did it again! Yet another heart rocking story.
I wept for Susan. I wept for her accepting Tom's abuse because she was dependent upon him for her basic living. I wept for her because she was initially blinded by the strong love she carried for him. I wept for her for not making any of the household's financial decisions/being unaware of what was going on. I wept for her for covering up for him. I wept for her for choosing not to confide in her busy traveling parents. And, sadly of all, I wept for Susan because she lost herself in him. In a matter of years, she transformed from a strong, independent, goal-oriented young woman into a reduced form of what he was more comfortable with -- someone he could control, manipulate and dangle like a Muppet and always be there at his every beck and call.
I feel like God gives us whispers. But, it is up to us to adhere to them. The beginning chapters provided hints to Tom's "true colors." By the seventh chapter, it was apparent that he would have "hidden secrets." Susan heard the whispers - she saw the signs. But, she loved him. She refused to believe he was capable of the things he was doing. Initially, she wanted so desperately a perfect marriage at whatever the cost. And that cost could have cost her, her life.
The statistics are overwhelming with women in this exact situation. Many do not have a friend like Susan had in Laura. Many have absolutely no place to go with their children. Domestic abuse is never acceptable whether the man hit the woman once or hundreds of times. It’s never to be tolerated.
Any woman that picks up Shades of Blue to read, will perhaps find something in it she can relate to, whether she’s in an abusive relationship/marriage or not. For the woman who IS being verbally, physically or emotionally abused, create a "mental slideshow" viewing your marriage in its entirety, survey the pros and cons, and use this book as a guide to inspire you to make what’s best for you and your children. Susan did it.
This was not your typical, PREDICTABLE kind of story. I can't wait for the last in the trilogy, Crystal Clear. Bravo, Bravo!! (You deserve a stand-up ovation.) This could very well convince that woman who has been thinking about leaving, to leave.
Alice Grant - Author of "Dear Mr. President, Please Send My Daddy Home"
***Shades of Blue was released on October 22, 2007. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The timing of the book's release couldn't have been better!***
You did it again! Yet another heart rocking story. I wept for Susan. I wept for her accepting Tom's abuse because she was dependent upon him for her basic living. I wept for her because she was initially blinded by the strong love she carried for him. I wept for her for not making any of the household's financial decisions/being unaware of what was going on. I wept for her for covering up for him. I wept for her for choosing not to confide in her busy traveling parents. And, sadly of all, I wept for Susan because she lost herself in him. In a matter of years, she transformed from a strong, independent, goal-oriented young woman into a reduced form of what he was more comfortable with -- someone he could control, manipulate and dangle like a Muppet and always be there at his every beck and call.
I feel like God gives us whispers. But, it is up to us to adhere to them. The beginning chapters provided hints to Tom's "true colors." By the seventh chapter, it was apparent that he would have "hidden secrets." Susan heard the whispers - she saw the signs. But, she loved him. She refused to believe he was capable of the things he was doing. Initially, she wanted so desperately a perfect marriage at whatever the cost. And that cost could have cost her, her life.
The statistics are overwhelming with women in this exact situation. Many do not have a friend like Susan had in Laura. Many have absolutely no place to go with their children. Domestic abuse is never acceptable whether the man hit the woman once or hundreds of times. It’s never to be tolerated.
Any woman that picks up Shades of Blue to read, will perhaps find something in it she can relate to, whether she’s in an abusive relationship/marriage or not. For the woman who IS being verbally, physically or emotionally abused, create a "mental slideshow" viewing your marriage in its entirety, survey the pros and cons, and use this book as a guide to inspire you to make what’s best for you and your children. Susan did it.
This was not your typical, PREDICTABLE kind of story. I can't wait for the last in the trilogy, Crystal Clear. Bravo, Bravo!! (You deserve a stand-up ovation.) This could very well convince that woman who has been thinking about leaving, to leave.
Alice Grant - Author of "Dear Mr. President, Please Send My Daddy Home"
***Shades of Blue was released on October 22, 2007. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The timing of the book's release couldn't have been better!***
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Enter my 2008 Book-Give-A-Way contest today!
Another year, another contest. Last year's contest went over so big that my readers wanted me to do another one.
This one is not as elaborate as before. Very simple actually. Just visit my website at www.cindybauerbooks.com and sign my guestbook. Somewhere in the text of the guestbook entry, write in "enter me into your contest".
Then either put your email addy in the guestbook entry text, accept the invitation to join my site, or email me with your email addy so that I may contact you should you win.
I'm giving away 4 books this year, one every 3 months. Good luck!
God bless,
Cindy
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