Dana R. Lynn Interview

Q: How did you get your start writing fiction and what genre do you predominantly write in?

A:  I have been writing since I was kid. I was always writing short stories and poems. I finally got my start when I began entering the contests at Harlequin. It is thanks to one of these that I got my first contract with Love Inspired Suspense. The contest was The Search for a Killer Voice. My main genre is suspense, although I have dabbled in contemporary romance and regency romance.

Q: What does your writing space look like?

A:  Here’s my writing area. As you can see I like pink.  This was my daughter’s desk. But when she outgrew pink and was given a new desk, I confiscated this one. There was a window seat in this alcove. I literally ripped it out with my hands to put the desk in it. It’s nice to have a space of my own where I can close the door and focus. Before my space to write was the dining room table.

Q: In this busy world, how do you find time to connect with God and how does this impact your writing?

A:  I try to keep my focus on God. I talk with Him throughout my day, and often my drive to work is prayer time. I also try to pray before I start writing. My faith has a huge impact on my writing. I promised God long ago that I would not anything that I felt would not be pleasing to Him.

Q: What part of a writing career do you find most difficult?

A: Marketing is a challenge for me. I am learning more and more how to be more tech savvy. In all honesty, I would much rather be writing or interacting with readers than marketing.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release PLAIN TARGET?

A:  This is the first book in my new series, Amish Country Justice. This series still involves the characters I began introducing in Presumed Guilty, but each storyline is connected with the local Amish Community. The back blurb says… “Horse trainer Jess McGrath only wants to clear her disgraced brother’s name, but enemies keep coming out of the woodwork and danger only gets closer. Jess soon learns that no place is safe- and no one can be trusted…except for the last white knight she’d ever expect to ride to her rescue.  Paramedic Seth Travis was the boy behind her high school humiliation, but he’s also the man keeping her alive. When they find sanctuary in the Amish community, can they uncover answers in time to stop a killer- and resolve their past in time to build a future together?”

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for this story?

A:  I have known for a long time that I wanted to give Seth his own story. He started out on the wrong foot in Presumed Guilty, but by the time Interrupted Lullaby was over, he had matured. The idea of adding an Amish angle emerged from a conversation I had with my editor. Once the idea took root, I had to write the story.

Q: Tell us a little about your main character and how you developed him/her.

A: Seth Travis had begun as a bit of an unlikeable bad boy in Presumed Guilty. As I wrote Presumed Guilty and Interrupted Lullaby more, I got to know him. He wasn’t a very sympathetic character when we first met him. When we meet him at the beginning of Plain Target, he is estranged from his father and from God. He also has issues from his past that needed to be resolved. I noted where he was at the beginning of the book and where I wanted him to be at the end. Then I plotted how to get him there.

Q: What did you enjoy most about writing this book? Least?

A: I loved writing a story with a strong, deaf heroine, since I work with children who are deaf and hard of hearing every day. I really can’t think of a least. This book was an absolute joy to write.

Q: What is the main theme or spiritual message of this book?

A: The main themes are forgiveness, and that God’s mercy is bigger than any sin. He is just waiting for us to say yes.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?

A:  Right now, I am working on a proposal for the next several books in my Amish Country Justice series. I am having so much fun with it!

Q: If you could have dinner with 2 people, who would they be?

A:  If I could have dinner with two people, I would choose my dad and my youngest brother, both of whom have passed away. They didn’t live to see my dream of becoming an author happen. I know that both of them would be thrilled. They were both a big factor in my writing. I miss them every day.

Q: Do you have a favorite hobby?

A:  I spend a lot of time at my children’s activities. Wrestling, football, soccer, horse competitions. I also love to walk when the weather is nice, or watch movies. And of course, I enjoy reading.

Q: What is the most rewarding thing you have ever done?

A:  I don’t know how to choose! So many things come to mind. But I am going to say that raising my children has been very rewarding experience. Being responsible for them and helping them to learn about God and making good choices has made me more aware of the effect of my own choices. It has also taught me to appreciate the sacrifices that my parents made for me.

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?

A:  I love to interact with readers. My website is www.danarlynn.com. Readers can contact me from there. I can also be found on facebook and on Twitter (@DanaRLynn).

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?

A:  In addition to being a huge fan of suspense and romance, I am also a bit of a science fiction geek. I think I have seen every Star Wars and Star Trek made. I have also read many of the books. At one time, I thought I might write one, but then I realized I didn’t have the science know-how to pull it off. Thank you for having me on your blog!