Interview with Author Dana R. Lynn

 

I'm excited to welcome my friend, Dana R. Lynn, to the Suspense Sisters blog! Hope you have a good time getting to know Dana and her work.

First, tell us a little about your latest release:

The title is Explosive Reunion. I’m really excited about this book. It’s my first completely original indie release. I’d been wanting to write about Trevor Stone since 2015. 

Here’s the back blurb: Madelyn Blake has worked hard to get where she is professionally and to be present to her twin daughters. An abusive relationship has taught her to be wary. It has also shaken her trust in God. When she becomes the target of a killer who enjoys using fire and explosives, her entire life is put on hold.

 

Trevor Stone appears to be a shy, mild-mannered man, but he has seen the worst of people. Still, he retains his unwavering faith that God is in control of everything. As a technician in a bomb squad unit, he has honed his ability to keep calm and clear thinking in life and death situations. When his former best friend is in danger, Trevor puts all his skills to work to keep her and her adorable little girls safe and stop the killer.

 

As the danger escalates, Maddie and Trevor struggle with their growing feelings for each other while trying to outwit a killer who is always one step ahead of them. Will they survive and get a second chance at love?

 

If you had to describe yourself in one sentence, what would you say?

I would describe myself as an extroverted introvert. I heard that phrase once and felt like it fit. I’m quiet until I know you. But once I do, watch out. I do love to talk!

 

What do you do when you’re not writing? Any interesting hobbies?

Besides reading, I love learning. I taught myself some Spanish by listening to music and translating it. I am currently teaching myself to crochet. I also love music and singing, as well as walking and watching movies.

 

What was your favorite book as a teen or child?

This is a tricky one, as there were several. I read The Outsiders and the Emily of New Moon trilogy multiple times.

 

Tell us three things about yourself that might surprise your readers.

Let’s see. 1. I’m a huge Jane Austen fan. In fact, I have a second penname, D.R. Lynn, specifically so I can publish regency titles. So far, I have two Pride and Prejudice Variation novellas out.  2.  I am a bit of a Trekkie. My husband and I have watched every episode of the Original Series, The Next Generation and Voyager together several times, although we haven’t watched any of the newer series.  3. I am a certified Educational Interpreter for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

 

What genre did you start out writing? Have you changed course? Why or why not? 

I started trying to write regency romance but changed course when Signet Regency Romance stopped publishing new books. I then started trying to write inspirational contemporary romance. I had a book submitted to Love Inspired when Love Inspired Suspense held the Search for the Killer Voice pitch contest. When I was offered a contract, I pulled my LI submission. I still have it and doubt it will ever see the light of day.

 

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?

The toughest criticism was that one of my heroes was unlikeable and that the editor felt they couldn’t root for him. Which was sad because I really loved my grouchy hero. On the other hand, the best compliment I ever got was from a reader who read a book where the heroine had a huge challenge. The reader had the same challenge and she said I was the first writer who she’d felt understood what she went through daily.

 

Any other genres you’d like to try? If yes, what, and why?

Well, as I said, I’m trying to do some regency. It was my first love when I started reading romance. The other genre I am studying currently with an eye towards possibly tackling one day is dual time. I love the complicated ways the two timelines intersect.

 

If you could go back in time and do something differently at the start of your career, what would it be?

Honestly, I think I would read up more on the publishers and genres and figure out what I wanted to write. I wasted time getting distracted by every shiny thing instead of finishing one project and making it the best it could be.

 

What is the most important thing you’d like readers to take away from your books?

There is no problem big enough that God can’t work through it and bring His redemptive grace.

 

What is the most valuable piece of advice you’d like to give to unpublished authors?

Study your genre and the industry. If you are targeting a publisher, get to know the books they publish, read them, and read the guidelines. And persevere. We all get rejected and face criticism. Even when it hurts, learn what you can from it and move on.

Thank you, Dana, for sharing your time and work with us!

Dana R. Lynn is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author who believes in the power of God to touch people through stories. She met her husband at a wedding in Pennsylvania and told her parents she had met her future husband. Nineteen months later, they were married. Today, they live in rural Pennsylvania and are entering the world of empty nesters. She is a teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by day and writes stories of romance and danger at night. Dana is an avid reader, loves cats and thinks chocolate should be a food group. Readers can contact her or sign up to receive her monthly newsletter at  www.danarlynn.com.

For a chance to be entered to win a copy of Explosive Reunion (US only), tell us about your favorite setting for suspense? Is it in the city? The country? A mountain location? Or at the beach? Where’s your favorite place to escape in a good suspense book?

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Until next time. . .happy reading everyone!