Ask the Author: J. Lynn Else
Answered Questions (15)
J. Lynn Else
While my TBR list is sometimes so daunting long that it paralyzes me from actually making a choice for days, there are a couple must reads for this summer that I've made it a goal to pick up.
1) Dream Eater by K. Bird Lincoln
An urban Fantasy book based on Japanese Folklore with a bi-racial main character who reads scraps of people’s dreams through touch. Intrigued yet?
2) The Valiant by Lesley Livingston
Princess. Captive. Gladiator. Now that's a girl-power combination! I read the first chapter before purchasing, and I'm very excited to pick it up again.
3) Soldier by Julie Kagawa
Book three of the Talon series. I'm getting behind and need to catch up.
...and if i still have time...
4) Black Moon by Romina Russell
Another book three of a series I need to keep up on. I loved the first book. The second was too heavy on the love triangle. Hoping this book is back onto the cosmic trials and tribulations!
I'd love to commit to more, but I also review for the Historical Novel Society, and historical fiction is definitely my favorite genre, so I tend to request a lot to review!
What's on your TBR? Any similarities?
1) Dream Eater by K. Bird Lincoln
An urban Fantasy book based on Japanese Folklore with a bi-racial main character who reads scraps of people’s dreams through touch. Intrigued yet?
2) The Valiant by Lesley Livingston
Princess. Captive. Gladiator. Now that's a girl-power combination! I read the first chapter before purchasing, and I'm very excited to pick it up again.
3) Soldier by Julie Kagawa
Book three of the Talon series. I'm getting behind and need to catch up.
...and if i still have time...
4) Black Moon by Romina Russell
Another book three of a series I need to keep up on. I loved the first book. The second was too heavy on the love triangle. Hoping this book is back onto the cosmic trials and tribulations!
I'd love to commit to more, but I also review for the Historical Novel Society, and historical fiction is definitely my favorite genre, so I tend to request a lot to review!
What's on your TBR? Any similarities?
J. Lynn Else
Hi Linda!
The next set of reviews will go online on November 1st, and the magazine will arrive in the mail a week or two after that (if you're a member).
I wish I could share more, but we'll have to be patient to exchange our thoughts for just a bit longer!!
Best!
- J
The next set of reviews will go online on November 1st, and the magazine will arrive in the mail a week or two after that (if you're a member).
I wish I could share more, but we'll have to be patient to exchange our thoughts for just a bit longer!!
Best!
- J
J. Lynn Else
Hi, Eldon! Thanks for the question.
I recently read an alternate history novel that was very good, but I've also read a couple very bad ones. What makes a great novel for me is how strong the historical setting is. It needs to be its own character. I can’t say too much about the good example I read as my review has yet to be posted by the Historical Novel Society, but keeping a strong sense of the limits of a particular time period is important to me. Characters should have time-appropriate mindsets and manners of speech. At this point, I would not say I'm a huge fan of it, but I'm open to reading an alternate history novel.
As for writing one, it’s doubtful I would. I am fascinated by the capacity for human ingenuity in ancient times, ancient Egypt in particular. And I absolutely do NOT believe in ancient aliens. Just because we cannot figure out how they did it does not mean aliens were involved - that's just arrogant. Anyway... off my soapbox. I love reading about historical women and historical times.
Now, if you want to get technical, in my book, I may have provided an ending for King Tut's wife that was not known (she disappeared from the record shortly after Tut's death) and thus gave her a possible "alternate" way her life turned out. So I guess, technically, I may have written a small Quantum Leap-type alternative history novel. But overall, in my writing, I stuck very close to the recorded history when able.
I recently read an alternate history novel that was very good, but I've also read a couple very bad ones. What makes a great novel for me is how strong the historical setting is. It needs to be its own character. I can’t say too much about the good example I read as my review has yet to be posted by the Historical Novel Society, but keeping a strong sense of the limits of a particular time period is important to me. Characters should have time-appropriate mindsets and manners of speech. At this point, I would not say I'm a huge fan of it, but I'm open to reading an alternate history novel.
As for writing one, it’s doubtful I would. I am fascinated by the capacity for human ingenuity in ancient times, ancient Egypt in particular. And I absolutely do NOT believe in ancient aliens. Just because we cannot figure out how they did it does not mean aliens were involved - that's just arrogant. Anyway... off my soapbox. I love reading about historical women and historical times.
Now, if you want to get technical, in my book, I may have provided an ending for King Tut's wife that was not known (she disappeared from the record shortly after Tut's death) and thus gave her a possible "alternate" way her life turned out. So I guess, technically, I may have written a small Quantum Leap-type alternative history novel. But overall, in my writing, I stuck very close to the recorded history when able.
J. Lynn Else
I got the idea for book 2 from book 1, actually. I wanted to explore the life of one of Ankhesenamun's sisters. At first I was leaning towards Meketaten, who was the middle child of the sister trio (of An-Meket-Mayati) central to the first half of my book. But then I decided I wanted to explore more of Akhenaten & the establishing of his religious reform. Mayati would have seen a lot more of the turmoil and struggles, so I began to research her story. I'm really excited about the end result, which is now completed and in the editing stages. I hope to release this year. So keep your eye open for "The Forgotten II: Heir of the Heretic" in the fall of 2016!
J. Lynn Else
Hi and thank you! I just changed my settings to "anyone" can send me a message. It should work this time. I'm also having a problem sending you a message! It should work. If not, I'll send you a tweet!
J. Lynn Else
I've loved history for a long time. First it was maritime history when the discovery of the Titanic happened. Eventually, I found ancient history extremely interesting. It's astounding all the innovations from the ancient world. How they built the pyramids is still debated today!
It was Tut's father that introduced monotheism to ancient Egypt the first time. His motivations remain unclear, which is why I tied in some Biblical aspects. Some people actually proposed that Akhenaten was Moses, which is a theory I do not believe in the slightest. However, Tut's father, recently confirmed to be Akhenaten through DNA testing of their mummies, did introduce monotheism (worship of one god). The building of the new capital, prosecution of Amun priests, Aten worship are all documented in the historical record. I just filled in the personal details when creating my characters. Tut's job was to restore polytheistic worship when he became king. Just imagine! Restoring the name to hundreds of gods! It was a lot to fall on a 9-year-old's shoulders.
It was Tut's father that introduced monotheism to ancient Egypt the first time. His motivations remain unclear, which is why I tied in some Biblical aspects. Some people actually proposed that Akhenaten was Moses, which is a theory I do not believe in the slightest. However, Tut's father, recently confirmed to be Akhenaten through DNA testing of their mummies, did introduce monotheism (worship of one god). The building of the new capital, prosecution of Amun priests, Aten worship are all documented in the historical record. I just filled in the personal details when creating my characters. Tut's job was to restore polytheistic worship when he became king. Just imagine! Restoring the name to hundreds of gods! It was a lot to fall on a 9-year-old's shoulders.
J. Lynn Else
First off: THANK YOU! I appreciate your words very much.
Second: I apologize for the delay in my response. I've had varying degrees of the flu for the past week.
Writing is something I've been doing since Elementary school. I always loved putting my imagination into writing. In terms of subject matter, it was not always history. I really wanted to write a science fiction story, and while I've watched a lot of Star Trek and read a lot of Star Wars, I have found my knowledge base is still limited with regard to the technicalities of science fiction. While I have some starts to stories, I'd probably need to find a technical adviser on some ideas!
I went to an exhibit about ancient Egypt, with a focus on King Tut and his family. I remember seeing so little about his wife, Ankhesenamun. I was also fascinated by his father who after a thousand years of polytheism, would suddenly introduce a religion that focused on one god. I wanted to explore that. So I researched a little and found still very little on Ankhesenamun. That's when my imagination took over and wondered what she must have went through...
My advice for new writers would be to explore self-publishing options. The drawback is the marketing aspect. I have to keep my fingers crossed that readers like you will come across my book. Definitely research companies and compare! Specifically check how much money is being taken from your profits before signing up. The book sellers take a big chunk (B&N takes about half my e-book sales!), so make sure your publisher is also not taking any piece of your royalties. Its an exciting process. There are many groups on goodreads here that offer advice for new and aspiring writers as well.
I wish you all the best of luck in your adventures!
Second: I apologize for the delay in my response. I've had varying degrees of the flu for the past week.
Writing is something I've been doing since Elementary school. I always loved putting my imagination into writing. In terms of subject matter, it was not always history. I really wanted to write a science fiction story, and while I've watched a lot of Star Trek and read a lot of Star Wars, I have found my knowledge base is still limited with regard to the technicalities of science fiction. While I have some starts to stories, I'd probably need to find a technical adviser on some ideas!
I went to an exhibit about ancient Egypt, with a focus on King Tut and his family. I remember seeing so little about his wife, Ankhesenamun. I was also fascinated by his father who after a thousand years of polytheism, would suddenly introduce a religion that focused on one god. I wanted to explore that. So I researched a little and found still very little on Ankhesenamun. That's when my imagination took over and wondered what she must have went through...
My advice for new writers would be to explore self-publishing options. The drawback is the marketing aspect. I have to keep my fingers crossed that readers like you will come across my book. Definitely research companies and compare! Specifically check how much money is being taken from your profits before signing up. The book sellers take a big chunk (B&N takes about half my e-book sales!), so make sure your publisher is also not taking any piece of your royalties. Its an exciting process. There are many groups on goodreads here that offer advice for new and aspiring writers as well.
I wish you all the best of luck in your adventures!
J. Lynn Else
This goes along with the last question I answered: I find listening to be very important.
I'm currently reading a book where the main character never listens to anyone and keeps trying to do things her own way (despite the fact she's been thrown into an ancient world via an accident). After the fact, she thinks the person giving her advice may have been right, "but I'm right too!" she counters in her head, justifying herself. Its really frustrating because this situation keeps happening over and over!
I like plot lines that move along through character actions but also through their growth via the relationships they have with others around them. Yeah, they can go their own way, but they also need to digest the information around them and be adaptable. Solely self-reliant characters are not interesting reads for me.
I'm currently reading a book where the main character never listens to anyone and keeps trying to do things her own way (despite the fact she's been thrown into an ancient world via an accident). After the fact, she thinks the person giving her advice may have been right, "but I'm right too!" she counters in her head, justifying herself. Its really frustrating because this situation keeps happening over and over!
I like plot lines that move along through character actions but also through their growth via the relationships they have with others around them. Yeah, they can go their own way, but they also need to digest the information around them and be adaptable. Solely self-reliant characters are not interesting reads for me.
J. Lynn Else
I like to create characters who live and learn. Someone who listens and grows, I think, is essential to carry a plot line. Its hard to relate to a character who is so strong willed that they do not listen to anyone around them. You do not want to read about a character who frustrates you.
In my book, it was important for me to show Akhesenamun learning. She paved her own way, but she also observed and listened to everyone around her. A strong character is one who is also vulnerable and who harnesses their highest potential through their own strength but also through the help of others.
As I read, I want to discover things with the main character. Someone who needs to learn and grow is important for me. So I like to create good listeners to carry my stories.
In my book, it was important for me to show Akhesenamun learning. She paved her own way, but she also observed and listened to everyone around her. A strong character is one who is also vulnerable and who harnesses their highest potential through their own strength but also through the help of others.
As I read, I want to discover things with the main character. Someone who needs to learn and grow is important for me. So I like to create good listeners to carry my stories.
J. Lynn Else
Tough question! So broad yet so limiting at the same time.
1. Imaginative
2. Optimistic
3. Historical
4. Feminist
5. Descriptive
I think the last one comes from lots of reviews I've read about my book recently. Some people like it and some do not. As a reader myself, I like being able to get clear pictures of people and places, especially in settings I'm unfamiliar with. I also like to describe the beauty and marvel of the ancient historical world. I hope others enjoy it too!
1. Imaginative
2. Optimistic
3. Historical
4. Feminist
5. Descriptive
I think the last one comes from lots of reviews I've read about my book recently. Some people like it and some do not. As a reader myself, I like being able to get clear pictures of people and places, especially in settings I'm unfamiliar with. I also like to describe the beauty and marvel of the ancient historical world. I hope others enjoy it too!
J. Lynn Else
With my novels, I write what I dream about. For children’s books (which was the genre of my first author pursuits), I write on what I know and have experienced - like working as a day care teacher, growing up as a dancer, etc. And, in fact, my son has given me some fresh children’s fantasy ideas! He also likes to write and illustrate his own stories and has come up with a few good story foundations.
I am currently trying to develop an idea for a murder mystery for geeks like me. The difficult part is creating the motivation for murder that can provide enough depth to write a quality "whodunnit" story around.
While I love sci fi, I think the science fact would be the most difficult for me. I love to read it and watch it, and I understand the basis when I twatch, but coming up with my own solid factual-based scientific stories has proven a little elusive for me.
I am currently trying to develop an idea for a murder mystery for geeks like me. The difficult part is creating the motivation for murder that can provide enough depth to write a quality "whodunnit" story around.
While I love sci fi, I think the science fact would be the most difficult for me. I love to read it and watch it, and I understand the basis when I twatch, but coming up with my own solid factual-based scientific stories has proven a little elusive for me.
J. Lynn Else
I would love to be able to work as a writer full-time. I love to read, and to have time all day to explore and research topics of interest would be a dream!
My husband would love for me to be his sugar momma and get a movie deal with my writing! I'm a little protective of my work and am not sure I'd like a film writer to re-doing my craft. But hey, its only dreaming, right? When I did playwrighting in college, I had a hard time not adding too much stage direction to my work as I pictured how I wanted things to look and move, and that's really the director's job. As my daughter would sing, "Let it go!"
Thanks for the question! - J. Lynn
My husband would love for me to be his sugar momma and get a movie deal with my writing! I'm a little protective of my work and am not sure I'd like a film writer to re-doing my craft. But hey, its only dreaming, right? When I did playwrighting in college, I had a hard time not adding too much stage direction to my work as I pictured how I wanted things to look and move, and that's really the director's job. As my daughter would sing, "Let it go!"
Thanks for the question! - J. Lynn
J. Lynn Else
I'm very excited to start it. Thanks for the opportunity! I LOVE getting new books!
J. Lynn Else
Hi! I am very happy to post a review to amazon. I'm actually surprised I had NOT posted it there yet as I was recently updating my reviews. However, I will get it up on amazon either today or tomorrow! Happy to share my thoughts on your fun and creative work of fiction for a fellow author!
Blessings! - Jessi
Blessings! - Jessi
J. Lynn Else
I had started a story on Ankhesenamun's sister, Mayati, shortly after my ebook release but have recently dived into more ancient realms. An idea came into my head not too long ago, and I have started writing about one of the pre-historical tribes who settled the lands around the Nile.
The book focuses on two sisters, one a strong hunter and leader for her tribe who looks ahead to the day she will become the tribe chieftess and the other a gentler soul who wants to become a storyteller for her tribe and hungers to discover the land outside her tribe. The latter sister finds herself called in her dreams to a new land next to a beautiful river. Little does she know that what calls her is something that should be kept hidden from humankind. For in these lands, there are others who have settled and who are guarding an old evil that will change the face of the world if set loose.
As there is little known about the times before Narmer united the two lands of ancient Egypt, I thought I would look at the origin stories of the Egyptian gods and perhaps flesh them out a bit. I look forward to discovering my new characters, human and god-like, as I go forward with this blend of history and fantasy.
The book focuses on two sisters, one a strong hunter and leader for her tribe who looks ahead to the day she will become the tribe chieftess and the other a gentler soul who wants to become a storyteller for her tribe and hungers to discover the land outside her tribe. The latter sister finds herself called in her dreams to a new land next to a beautiful river. Little does she know that what calls her is something that should be kept hidden from humankind. For in these lands, there are others who have settled and who are guarding an old evil that will change the face of the world if set loose.
As there is little known about the times before Narmer united the two lands of ancient Egypt, I thought I would look at the origin stories of the Egyptian gods and perhaps flesh them out a bit. I look forward to discovering my new characters, human and god-like, as I go forward with this blend of history and fantasy.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more