An interview with Lynette Mae!
Tell us about yourself:
I grew up in a large family in southwestern Pennsylvania. Something restless inside of me poked at me and I joined the army at 19, having no idea where the adventure would take me. After a couple of close calls with investigations in the pre-DADT military, I realized that I couldn’t keep lying about myself, and I left the service after my enlistment. I had family in Florida, and soon became a law enforcement officer in Tampa. Three years later I met my wife and we’ve recently celebrated our 18th anniversary.
I’ve always written from a young age. My juvenile poems graduated into longer stories, and eventually, I decided to give novel writing a shot. Faithful Service, Silent Hearts was born out of a desire to tell one soldier’s story, in the days before DADT. Tactical Pursuit, the sequel, tells of the character’s move beyond the military into the law enforcement field. Something that is common, and not meant to be autobiographical.
What genres do you normally write in?
I write what I’d call dramatic romance. There’s a romantic element integral to my stories, but the action is key.
What genres do you typically read?
I read a little bit of everything. I love lesfic with a strong storyline, I’m not a straight-up romance fan. Beyond that I love action thrillers, but I’m a history and political geek, so I also read a fair amount of historical non-fiction and current events type of stuff, too.
Is there a genre you haven’t written in that one day you’d like to tackle?
Historical fiction and possibly memoir.
Are there any authors who have influenced your work?
Absolutely. The first that come to mind are Jeannette Winterson and Lee Lynch. Their ability to weave their stories through characterization fascinates me. I love rich, descriptive works with multi layered characters that reveal themselves to you in drips as the storyline flows.
What was the first book you ever published?
Faithful Service, Silent Hearts is my first published novel.
When did you first sign with (your current publisher)?
I joined the Sapphire Books family in 2013.
How did you celebrate your signing?
My wife and I went out to dinner and then had a romantic evening at home.
What was the craziest thing you’ve ever done when it came to a storyline in your book?
Well, I’ve been known to kill off a character.
Do you have any specific things (or rituals) that help you to write or that inspire you?
I like to mull over my storylines when I go for my run. It’s a great opportunity to let my mind wander and maybe the endorphins help spark creativity. I only know that I do some of my best thinking and plotting while pounding the pavement.
Is there a certain time of day you prefer to write?
Mornings. My wife works midnights, so that’s when the house is quiet. Plus, my mind seems fresh and uncluttered before the stressors of the day intrude.
What is your writing day like?
Oh, LOL I don’t know what a writing “day” would be. My work and personal schedules relegate my writing to hopefully an hour here or there. If I ever have several hours—or even half a day to devote to writing, I wouldn’t know how to handle that.
Some quickies (pardon the pun—pick twelve):
Satin or Lace? Satin, I love the sensual glide.
Hot or Cold? Depends upon what I’m doing.
Camera or Canvas? Canvas. The textures of an original work of art are very seductive.
Denim or Leather? Denim for comfort.
Talking or Texting? Talking. I like the human connection.
Irish or Italian? Irish. Love the flow of the language and Irish music stirs me.
Thunder or Lightning? Thunder, particularly when it rolls and rumbles in the distance.
The sound of a heartbeat or a crackling fire? Heartbeat.
Holding hands or Holding her attention? Holding her attention.
Crayons or Paint? Paint, for the texture, and application possibilities.
Mountains or Beach? Mountains.
Rain or Sunshine? Definitely rain. Sexy and sensual.
Tell us about your new release.
My WIP is Rebound. It’s a basketball-themed story, with a HEA
What kind of heroine is Conner? Conner is an everyday heroine. A kid from a close Irish family who has to overcome some obstacles to find out what’s important in life.
Was there someone famous she resembled when you wrote her? Or is she based off someone you personally know? Neither. She developed out of a side character in a previous work.
What are your favorite character traits that you cannot resist?
Strength and loyalty.
What part of the female physique captures your attention?
Eyes.
As an author and essentially the “creator” of your character, do you find yourself attached to her in a personal way? Oh, I’m definitely attached to Conner. She’s the friend everyone would like to have.
If you could actually meet the character of one of your books, the exact woman you’ve conjured up in both looks and personality, which one would it be and why?
Jillian Gray because she is loosely based on my first love, the way I fantasize things might have turned out.
Tell us what kind of heroines you prefer to write about.
I like heroines who are strong, yet sensitive, are loyal, but have issues. They can’t be perfect, because none of us are. I like them to have a flaw to work on or through.
Does your heroine, Conner, take after you? Or is she someone you wish you could be?
All of my heroines are people I wish I could be. They probably have one or two of my deficiencies, but they are far more noble, I fear.
Out of all your books, do you have a favorite?
Right now, I’d have to say my second novel, Tactical Pursuit. I’m proud of the growth in my writing and character development. Although, hopefully, I’ll always improve and be able to say the same about Rebound and future works.
