Site Meter Vamps and Scamps: Author Interview.... Lynn Viehl

Monday, April 23, 2007

Author Interview.... Lynn Viehl


Just so you all know, Lynn Viehl/PBW is going to try to stop by the blog today, so if you have questions, shout them out. I do believe the word contest was even mentioned. So if you all stay quiet, maybe I can get the prize... *G* Okay, okay. Ask away, I'll make the sacrafice and not try to steal the prize.
Going to be hard though.


For those who don't know, I'm a total PBW junkie, whether it's her blog, the Stardoc books that she writes under her pen name SL Viehl or the Darkyn vampires she writes as Lynn Viehl or the romantic suspenses of Jessica Hall or Gena Hale. So not be able to win one of the prizes she's giving away is going to be so hard on me. Sniff.



Onto the interview.... ;o) As always, readers from the Scamps and Vamps yahoo list sent in the questions and I picked out the most interesting. If you have other questions, feel free to ask! Contest winners are selected from those participating in the discussions...



V&S: Is there any story that you wish you hadn’t written? Is there any story that someone else wrote that you wish you’d thought of first?



Lynn Viehl: I’ve learned something from every story I’ve written, even the ones that are so lame they need crutches, so I’m pretty happy with my inventory. I wish I’d written the Bible; just imagine the royalties.



V&S: In your stardoc series which shiloh turned me on to btw what is your most unusual alien? Describe it to everyone just in case they've not read this fabulous series.



Lynn Viehl: I think the most unusual aliens from the StarDoc novels are the Jxin. They were humanoid shape-shifters who evolved into energy-based lifeforms. At this point in StarDoc’s timeline, the Jxin no longer exist in corporeal form or occupy reality. The Jxin can still communicate through the cerebral subliminal implants they left behind in Cherijo and certain other individuals from species they helped found. Maggie, Cherijo’s surrogate mother, was a Jxin.



V&S: What first made you blog? Why have you continued to do it for so many years?



Lynn Viehl: I’ve been keeping handwritten daily journals since 1974, and blogging immediately appealed to me as a way to cope with the growing handicaps brought on by my arthritis (I have to use voice recognition software to write now.) I’ve also been teaching writing to children in public schools for many years, and I thought I might be able to do something similar for writers of all ages via the Internet. I’m able to give something back to the writing community by blogging, which is the main reason I think I keep doing it – to pay it forward.



V&S: What is one thing that your readers would be surprised to hear about you?



Lynn Viehl: Actor Johnny Depp and I grew up about four blocks away from each other in south Florida, and we went to the same high school. I eventually married his next door neighbor’s brother. You should have seen my face the first time I watched 21 Jump Street.



V&S: Who are your fave Sci - fi Authors and have you met any of them?



Lynn Viehl: A.M. Lightner, who wrote YA science fiction back in the sixties and seventies. She passed away quite a few years ago, so I never had the privilege to meet her.



V&S: If you where given the chance would you travel into SPACE?


Lynn Viehl: Only if NASA didn’t build, launch or guide the vehicle involved.



V&S: Where do you get your ideas from?



Lynn Viehl: There’s a great little writing idea shop in town . . . I’m kidding. All sorts of things inspire me: music, art, life, history, dreams, nature and general curiosity about all of it.



V&S: How difficult is it for you to write Sci- fi books?



Lynn Viehl: SF is probably the easiest genre for me to write in because my stories take place in a universe of my own creation. I’m able to build almost everything in the novels from scratch. That gives me a huge amount of creative freedom, which is wonderful.

Thanks so much for doing the interview, Lynn. If anybody has any questions or comments... now's the time!

68 comments:

Pamk said...

Just wanted to say I am thoroughly enjoying the stardoc series. Have the Darkyn series to start as soon as I find the time

Maria Shaink said...

I absolutely love the Darkyn series, Lynn...and thanks for none of the pun-y titles, huh?? i hate those too! When is the release date for Evermore?? i read a comment referencing an excerpt, but didn't find one on the blog-- ?? I think the cover design for Evermore is gorgeous, and can't wait to read Night Lost...

Anonymous said...

I'm almost ashamed to admit it, but I have not read your books. I've got Dark Need on my TBR case, but since it isn't the first in the series, I don't want to start it.

Which of your books would your recommend reading first?

I know every author has an individual style, but if you had to compare your books to another authors, which author would that be?

Thanks for taking to time to answer our questions and thanks to Shi for bring you here!

the author said...

Hi all, I'm here. :)

Pamk wrote: Just wanted to say I am thoroughly enjoying the stardoc series. Have the Darkyn series to start as soon as I find the time

I'm glad Cherijo's adventures are keeping you entertained, and thanks for investing in the books. I think you'll enjoy the Darkyn novels, too, although they're a bit different from StarDoc.

tetewa said...

I'm also a fan of the Darkyn series and I'm looking forward to Night Lost. I have to admit that I haven't read the stardoc series, haven't found the time. Lynn seems you must be busy writing all the time what do you like to do on your free time?

the author said...

Maria wrote: I absolutely love the Darkyn series, Lynn...and thanks for none of the pun-y titles, huh??

I have definitely been blessed. You know, now that I've made fun of pun-y titles my editor is probably going to stick me with one -- just to teach me a lesson, lol.

When is the release date for Evermore??

The tentative release date is January 2008, but my books tend to get shuffled around on the schedule, so don't chisel that date in marble.

i read a comment referencing an excerpt, but didn't find one on the blog-- ??

That's because I hid it away on my fiction blog -- you can find it here.

I think the cover design for Evermore is gorgeous, and can't wait to read Night Lost...

The art department did a wonderful job with Evermore. I hope you enjoy Night Lost, too.

the author said...

Lisa F. wrote: I'm almost ashamed to admit it, but I have not read your books.

Don't kick yourself. I don't know how any dark fantasy and paranormal reader can even keep up with all the titles, authors and series on the market without a spread sheet. Multi-genre writers with multiple pseudonyms like me are hard to track, too. Even my mom goes crazy trying to follow my production schedule.

I've got Dark Need on my TBR case, but since it isn't the first in the series, I don't want to start it.

I'm the same way -- I hate picking up books in the middle of a series. I have Sara Donati's gorgeous hardcover Queen of Swords sitting on my desk, but I have the four preceding books in the series to read first.

Which of your books would your recommend reading first?

I always recommend Blade Dancer for any reader who hasn't read my work, or if you can't get that at the library, try one of the free e-books on my blog (links to all of them are over on the right sidebar.) Blade Dancer is one of the few standalones I've written, so although it's SF I think it's a good test read.

I know every author has an individual style, but if you had to compare your books to another authors, which author would that be?

It seems so presumptuous to compare myself to another author, and I'm not sure any of them would appreciate the comparison. Maybe if e.e.cummings and Christina Rosetti had had a lovechild. . . yes, I'm stalling. Okay. Pick someone. I think Monica Jackson and I are pretty close in writing style; the first time I read one of her books I felt a sense of immediate familiarity, as if I were reading myself (Monica, don't hit me.)

Thanks for taking to time to answer our questions and thanks to Shi for bring you here!

If I'm good she might even let me out of these manacles. :)

Anonymous said...

Manacles? Did I accidentally bring out the manacles in my sleep?

it was an accident. promise. and if you let me read Drednoc, I'll go find the key right away....

Anonymous said...

I'm running behind. Had to take kidlets to school, sitter, etc and went to the Y and the grocery store (never buy groceries hungry...I dunno why fried chicken sounds so good right now)

But now I need a shower. I'm icky. You all behave.

charleneteglia said...

I think she should stay in manacles until somebody besides Shi gets a shot at Drednoc. *g* I am so dying to find out what happens next in Stardoc!

Speaking of which...any hints?

the author said...

Tetewa wrote: I'm also a fan of the Darkyn series and I'm looking forward to Night Lost. I have to admit that I haven't read the stardoc series, haven't found the time.

Hey, I'm not going to complain. :)

Lynn seems you must be busy writing all the time what do you like to do on your free time?

Reading will probably always be my #1 spare time preoccupation. Quilting is runner-up. I'm very dull and boring.

Anonymous said...

Charlene... ttthhhpppptttt..... I have the key. As long as I get it, I'm happy.

the author said...

Shiloh wrote: Manacles? Did I accidentally bring out the manacles in my sleep?

Sleep bondage. There's a novel idea for you. Hee hee.

it was an accident. promise. and if you let me read Drednoc, I'll go find the key right away....

But if I let you read Drednoc, then you'll want Crystal Healer, and then you'll want As of Yet Untitled Book Ten. Next thing you know James Caan will be playing me in the movie version.

I'm running behind. Had to take kidlets to school, sitter, etc and went to the Y and the grocery store (never buy groceries hungry...I dunno why fried chicken sounds so good right now)

I always say stuff like that when I have wild monkey sex with my guy in the morning. Like anyone is going to check, right?

But now I need a shower.

Aha! Dead giveaway.

the author said...

Charlene wrote: I think she should stay in manacles until somebody besides Shi gets a shot at Drednoc. *g* I am so dying to find out what happens next in Stardoc!

And I thought you were my friend, Charlene. Sniff.

Speaking of which...any hints?

I never hint. I only smile mysteriously. (engage Mona Lisa mode.)

Anonymous said...

Nope, if I was having wild monkey sex, I'd be curled up in bed next to him, instead of sitting here at the PC. ;p

Honestly was at the gym-my screaming thighs are proof of that. I hate treadmills.

I've got a question for you. Is it hard to shift gears going from one genre to the next?

I just finished a paranormal for Berkley and now I'm working on a couple of things for e publishers. Usually, I juggle things, but I was running close to deadline and had to just work on the one paranormal for Berkley. Now I'm switching over to a contemp for epub and a fantasy for the other and it's like culture shock. I don't like it.

J said...

Hi Lynn, fab interview! That's a pretty kewl tidbit about you and Johnny.

Everyone has at least one guilty pleasure. What's yours?

J said...

Did you say fantasy, Shi? Dare I hope it's the one I'm waiting for?

CrystalGB said...

Great interview. I love the cover for Evermore. Of all the genres that you write, which is your favorite? Which is the hardest to write?

Cherie J said...

Hi Lynn! I am curious as to which of the books you have written is your favorite? Thanks for being here.

Anonymous said...

Jenny, I have absolutely no idea what you're thinking of. 0:-)

diane said...

Interesting interview. Your books look fascinating and I have to start reading them. Have you travelled and do you enjoy having the chance to travel.

Minna said...

Darkyn series looks interesting. I think I need to add those books to my TBR list.

Jodie said...

Hi Lynn,
I am new to this group, and had never heard of you before. What is different about your books compared to other authors of the genre, and why would I enjoy your books? I am very loyal to the authors that I read and am always enthusiastic about someone that I have never read before. Shiloh has peaked my interest in you with her obsession(yes, I said obsession!!! LOL!!!). Thanks for your time.
Jodie

Lis said...

Hi Lynn,

Enjoyed the interview. What's the most gratifying thing about writing for you?

Do you have any rituals you go through before writing?

marcy said...

It's so good to meet you! I have the first three stardoc books reserved from the library because Shi said that she loved your work.

Are the older books too difficult with wich to start? I hate starting a series in the middle.

Thanks,

marcy

Jodi said...

Sorry to say that I have never read one of your books. I have bookmarked your blog so I can check out your freebie stories.
Thanks for joining us here at V&S!

Anonymous said...

I find I am in a minority in my circle of friends in that I read everything but horror and I wondered - are many of your readers fans of all your series'?

the author said...

Shiloh wrote: I've got a question for you. Is it hard to shift gears going from one genre to the next?

Depends on how hard I have to shift. Going from dark fantasy to SF isn't much of a problem because they share the elements of the unknown and the fantastic. Going from dark fantasy to Christian fic is a lot harder; one minute I'm in vampireland, the next I'm in church.

I just finished a paranormal for Berkley and now I'm working on a couple of things for e publishers. Usually, I juggle things, but I was running close to deadline and had to just work on the one paranormal for Berkley. Now I'm switching over to a contemp for epub and a fantasy for the other and it's like culture shock. I don't like it.

When possible, I try to give myself a significant break (24 hours, minimum) before I switch genre gears. If I don't have the time luxury, I divide my writing time between the two with an hour break in between, during which I listen to my visualization music. Music helps me get into whatever genre "mood" I need.

the author said...

Jennybrat (whose handle I'm going to borrow the next time my niece Jen is being a brat) wrote: Hi Lynn, fab interview! That's a pretty kewl tidbit about you and Johnny.

My only claim to celeb fame. :)

Everyone has at least one guilty pleasure. What's yours?

Magazines, especially highly visual ones featuring architecture, cooking, furniture, antiques, art, history, archaeology and science. I love them, crave them, and can't get enough of them. I think it started with those National Geographics my dentist kept in his office when I was a kid. To keep from becoming a magazine hoarder, I don't keep them anymore, but share them with friends or donate them to the library (also gives me justification to buy more!)

the author said...

CrystalG wrote: Great interview. I love the cover for Evermore. Of all the genres that you write, which is your favorite? Which is the hardest to write?

Whatever story that isn't giving me a hard time this week is my favorite genre. :) I really don't have a favorite as I enjoy them all for different reasons, but I'm probably having the most fun with dark fantasy at the moment.

the author said...

Cherie J wrote: I am curious as to which of the books you have written is your favorite?

I probably said something else the last time someone asked me this, but I think Blade Dancer will end up being my favorite of all my novels. Writing it was a huge technical challenge, the research required seemed endless, and I wasn't even sure I could write it. The cast alone was huge, diverse, and troublesome. Then I almost didn't sell it on proposal because the editor didn't think I could write it, either. I think when you struggle that much for something and you achieve your vision, it always sticks in your heart.

Lord, I think I just admitted to having a Book of My Heart. Shiloh, slap me.

catslady said...

Oh you are a new to me author and I'm going to look for Blade Dancer. I always ask authors what first book should I read and some answer only their newest book. Thanks for a real answer :) I also want to say I love the title Evermore. Did you name it??

Anonymous said...

I think I just admitted to having a Book of My Heart. Shiloh, slap me

Shoot no. Now I'm going to pull out Blade Dancer and read it again. And again.

;p

When possible, I try to give myself a significant break (24 hours, minimum) before I switch genre gears.

Right now, I do have the time between switching gears. Need to find something to get in the mood for fantasy.

danetteb said...

Hi Lynn,
I'm a big fan of your Darkyn series,its easy to forget my daily duties when I'm reading a Darkyn novel.( I love different spins on the Knights Templar)

Do you think you'll ever write a Young Adult book?

anne said...

The book cover is stunning and I love all of the artwork. The Darklyn series looks fascinating.

the author said...

Diane wrote: Have you travelled and do you enjoy having the chance to travel.

I traveled quite a bit when I was younger; I served in the Air Force and got to see a nice chunk of the world. I loved traveling and made many friends overseas. These days I'm working on getting around the U.S., as there's still a lot here I haven't seen yet (next trip is the Grand Canyon.)

the author said...

Minna wrote: Darkyn series looks interesting. I think I need to add those books to my TBR list.

If you'd like to give the Darkyn universe a test-drive first, I have a free Darkyn novella e-book over at PBW. It's listed under Freebies on the right sidebar, and is titled Midnight Blues.

the author said...

Jodie wrote: What is different about your books compared to other authors of the genre, and why would I enjoy your books?

I don't believe in magic, dragons, witches, crystals, potions, otherworldly creatures, polytheism, curses, being turned to ashes in sunlight, severe garlic phobia or most of the other features of traditional vampire lore, so the Darkyn novels are very reality-based. About the only mystical features in the books are the Kyn's psychic talents, which I do believe humans possess to some degree, and which I've simply enhanced. It's still fiction, but I like to think it's plausible fiction.

Every reader is different, and I wouldn't presume to know your tastes, so I can't tell you if you'd enjoy my work. It's the reason I keep free e-books on my blog, so readers can try out some of my stories before they buy anything I have in print. Give them a whirl, see how you like my style, and then invest. :) You can also usually find some of my titles at the library.

I am very loyal to the authors that I read and am always enthusiastic about someone that I have never read before. Shiloh has peaked my interest in you with her obsession(yes, I said obsession!!! LOL!!!)

Reader loyalty is amazing; it's the only reason I'm still writing science fiction. Shiloh is like my unpaid press agent, isn't she? I cn't thank her enough for all the readers she's steered my way, or for giving me the opportunity to talk with you all here.

Ann said...

oooh, I have a question about writing vampires (or witches, or shape-shifters) and making them feel real. Lately, I read a book where the whole thing felt like an episode of a soap opera and left me, frankly, indifferent to the character's plight, the outcome of the story, or even finishing the book (I did, although I'm not sure why). So my question(s) would be: as a reader, have you ever come across that, where there was just no emotional connection to the story or the characters? And as a writer, how do you make sure that the emotional connection is there and yet not have it come out feeling like a soap opera (something you do very well- I might add). Hope you're having a good week, and not being attacked by pollen (we are up here).
Ann
P.S. sorry this is such a long question.

the author said...

Lis wrote: What's the most gratifying thing about writing for you?

Being able to entertain people all over the world, and hopefully take them away from their problems for a time. I've received letters from housewives in Houston to burn patients in Cincinnati to combat soldiers in Iraq, and to be told that I've given them a couple hours of pleasure is a privilege and an honor.

Do you have any rituals you go through before writing?

I meditate every morning for at least thirty minutes and let go of whatever is troubling me. I write better when I clear the decks that way. Then I put on my bunny slippers and get to work.

pearl said...

AN enlightening interview. Your Darkling series is wonderful. Love your dramatic artwork for the book covers.

Anonymous said...

I cn't thank her enough for all the readers she's steered my way, or for giving me the opportunity to talk with you all here.

Ohhhh... I could think of something.... *G*

just kidding. well, mostly.
No thanks are necessary. The Stardoc books fed, and still feed, a serious need when I need something other than a romance.

Then I put on my bunny slippers and get to work.

How can anybody work with faces staring up at them from their feet?

yes, I said obsession!!! LOL!!!).

I'm not obsessed. Just very very devoted. ;p Obsession brings to mind things like stalking and sending long e-lintanies. ;o) I'm too lazy for that.

the author said...

Marcy wrote: It's so good to meet you! I have the first three stardoc books reserved from the library because Shi said that she loved your work.

Nice to meet you and all the readers here, too. You guys ask excellent questions. :)

Are the older books too difficult with wich to start? I hate starting a series in the middle.

I don't think so, although you'll probably want to have Endurance (book three) within reach when you're getting toward the end of Beyond Varallan (book two); BV has an infamous cliffhanger ending.

Stacy~ said...

Not to give her any more credit *g* but I "discovered" you because of Shi - your blog, then I picked up your books. I'm fascinated by the topics you have at your blog, and so finally I started reading your books. I loved the whole idea behind it, with Michael being a vamp in need of surgery and Alexandria his only option. I have the next 2 in my TBR pile calling my name.

Thanx for the tip on Blade Dancer. It's rare to find a standa-alone book especially in SF. I want to read other authors but to invest in a series when my TBR threatens to kill me on a regular basis is just not a good idea.

Thanx for stopping by, and we'd love to have you back :)

Anonymous said...

I don't think so, although you'll probably want to have Endurance (book three) within reach when you're getting toward the end of Beyond Varallan (book two); BV has an infamous cliffhanger ending.

Do you know how badly I wanted to kill you when you did that to me? Ending it like that.... man, I was so mad. And then I had to wait entirely too long to get Endurance and it was torture.

Yes, don't read Beyond Varallan unless you have Endurance right there. Man, I wanted to kill her.

Anonymous said...

Not to give her any more credit *g* but I "discovered" you because of Shi

I can't take any credit on it, Stacy. ;o) All I do is mention her. Her writing does the rest.

Anonymous said...

Lynn

do you find writing as thepeutic (at times) as I do?

I get mad at somebody and I can kill them....figuratively speaking. Nothing like putting somebody who seriously did you wrong down on paper and then letting the villian hack them to pieces...

;p And no, folks, I'm telling who, what book or who the person is....

Stacy~ said...

Shi, I have to tease you cuz as a writer, you are to me (the reader) like Lynn is to you, so I'm curious to know what type of writer earns your respect. (Btw, LOVED "Hunters: Heart & Soul").

Lynn, who are some of your favorite authors, as a kid growing up, and now as an adult? Has your taste changed significantly over the years? What appeals to you most in an author?

Kammie said...

I've read many of your Jessica Hall stories, but unfortunately not any of the others (hiding head in shame). I'm going to have to try one of those soon.

A few questions for you:

If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

What makes you smile? sad? angry?

Anonymous said...

Shi, I have to tease you cuz as a writer, you are to me (the reader) like Lynn is to you, so I'm curious to know what type of writer earns your respect.

awwww.... stacy...i'm blushing over here. But I respect the kinds that don't make asses of themselves, that don't insult other authors or readers, and who aren't pretentious, self important (fill in the blank).... Oh, and the kind who love to tell others how they suffer for their work. Martyrdom-spare me!

PBW writes fantastic stories and she's upfront, and she doesn't hand out BS. Those are qualities I very much admire.

and I'm glad you like Hunters: H&S

Erin the Innocent said...

I love the Darkyn books :) I haven't yet read the Stardoc series. I'm a little bit afraid to. LOL I am pretty sure I'd love it and I already have a to be bought list a mile long LOL

the author said...

Jodi wrote: Sorry to say that I have never read one of your books. I have bookmarked your blog so I can check out your freebie stories.

Stop in tomorrow at the blog if you get a chance; Wednesdays are for readers and I'm doing a book giveaway tomorrow.

the author said...

Ilona wrote: I find I am in a minority in my circle of friends in that I read everything but horror and I wondered - are many of your readers fans of all your series'?

The romance readers out there seem to follow more of my work, but I know they're the most adventurous readers and will try just about everything. Other-than-romance readers tend to be more conservative, i.e. SF readers stick to StarDoc, horror readers only read Darkyn, Christian readers only read my inspirationals, etc.

I don't expect anyone but my agent to read everything I write, but if you're willing, I certainly won't talk you out of it. :)

the author said...

Catslady wrote: Oh you are a new to me author and I'm going to look for Blade Dancer.

Thank you, ma'am.

I always ask authors what first book should I read and some answer only their newest book. Thanks for a real answer

I think some authors forget that readers usually know when they're getting a sales pitch. But to be honest, aside from the pride I take in what I did with Blade Dancer, it is a standalone novel. As a reader, I'd rather try a standalone novel by a new-to-me author versus the first book in a series. Easier to walk away from a standalone than a series book.

I also want to say I love the title Evermore. Did you name it??

Yep, I did. Thrn I sweated it for a few weeks until my publisher approved the title. "Evermore" is the only title I wanted for that book, and part of a poem I wrote as the book's opener, so I was very, very nervous that they wouldn't like it. Happily, they did.

the author said...

Danetteb wrote: Do you think you'll ever write a Young Adult book?

I've actually written five adventure novels as gifts for my children. I don't know if I'll ever publish them. I'd rather keep things I write for my family private, just for them.

the author said...

Anne wrote: The book cover is stunning and I love all of the artwork. The Darklyn series looks fascinating.

The artwork I've been given for this series is consistently outstanding. As an author, you dream of having your own "look." I thought it would be very hard to come up with a unique design for the Darkyn books, especially with all the great artwork being done for dark fantasy and paranormal romance, but I lucked out. That I'm allowed to contribute some ideas to the process is simply a huge bonus.

the author said...

Ann wrote: ...as a reader, have you ever come across that, where there was just no emotional connection to the story or the characters?

Sure. There are a ton of competently written, absolutely bloodless novels out there. I won't point fingers, but I think they're God's way of telling the author that he/she has attended too many writing workshops.

And as a writer, how do you make sure that the emotional connection is there and yet not have it come out feeling like a soap opera

I think at some level you have to be emotionally invested in your characters and your story. They need to matter more to you than filling a publishing slot or making a buck. Then you'll give them your best.

Once you're invested, then you have to temper that love by keeping yourself grounded while you write. Great characters are ones who literally come alive in the mind of the reader who imagines being or being around those characters. They can't do that if your cast is acting so weird or over-the-top that they kick the reader out of the story.

A good way to know if you're writing at a reader-realistic level is to read the scene out loud to your friends or family. If they laugh, or you feel ridiculous, you've probably got some rewriting to do. :)

the author said...

Pearl wrote: AN enlightening interview. Your Darkling series is wonderful. Love your dramatic artwork for the book covers.

Thank you, and just FYI -- it's Darkyn, but the original name I had for the series was "Darkling." So are you psychic, or did I pitch you the series back in '98? Lol.

the author said...

Stacy wrote: Not to give her any more credit *g* but I "discovered" you because of Shi - your blog, then I picked up your books.

I'm just going to have to leave her a chunk of the estate now. :)

I'm fascinated by the topics you have at your blog, and so finally I started reading your books.

The discussions we have over at PBW are great, but I have a lot of interesting writers (including Ms. Walker) who drop in regularly and contribute a great deal to it. I hope to do the same for readers as I get the bugs worked out of my new Reader Wednesday feature.

the author said...

Kim W. wrote: I've read many of your Jessica Hall stories, but unfortunately not any of the others (hiding head in shame). I'm going to have to try one of those soon.

I appreciate anyone reading anything I write, Kim, so no head-hanging. Not to beat a subject to death, but try some of the freebies I have over on the blog sidebar to get a feel for the other stuff I write.

If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

That's a hard one, let me see: Not for Sale.

What makes you smile?

Children, sunrises, my dog, my guy, the garden, roses, life.

...sad?

Seeing so much loneliness, despair and hopelessness in our world, and knowing I can't fix it.

...angry?

Bigotry, hatred, injustice, needless suffering, hypocrites, cronyism, cruelty, dream-predators and hope-destroyers.

the author said...

Shiloh has me all choked up with what she wrote about me (and I will get even with her if it's the last thing I do) so for the last comment --

Erin wrote: I haven't yet read the Stardoc series. I'm a little bit afraid to. LOL I am pretty sure I'd love it and I already have a to be bought list a mile long LOL

I know how you feel; I refuse to start any more new series until I finish my Sara Donati books. But thanks to my readers, the StarDoc books are all still in print, and I think they will be for at least two more years, so there's plenty of time if you want to hunt them down in the future.

Anonymous said...

Ive 2 of your darklyn books, but still not started, lol, dont send men to find books even if on crutches.. I had the 2nd and when he went , I got him to get I thought was the 'first" book , but was 3rd. o well soooon I get to read in order
tasha

Dena said...

I know I'm late to this post but maybe Lynn caan still respond to my question?
Great interview!
I'm so glad they have voice recognition software, not only because it is so helpful to you but also so you can continue bringing us great stories.I am disabled and would love to get that software,is it very expensive?

Anonymous said...

But if I let you read Drednoc, then you'll want Crystal Healer, and then you'll want As of Yet Untitled Book Ten. Next thing you know James Caan will be playing me in the movie version.

I totally overlooked this. But uh.... what's your point? I'm greedy.

the author said...

Dena wrote: I'm so glad they have voice recognition software, not only because it is so helpful to you but also so you can continue bringing us great stories.I am disabled and would love to get that software,is it very expensive?


I use the standard version of Dragon Naturally Speaking, which you can purchase the latest here for $99.00. I've also seen it discounted in the past on other sites for around $79.00. I wrote a long post about what it's like to use it on my blog here if you want to know some of the pluses and minuses involved.

VRS takes some self-training, not only in speaking so that the program can train itself to your voice, but also for you to become accustomed to writing by voice. It's not for everyone, and you may find you want to use it only as a supplemental means to using a keyboard, but it's been a true godsend for me.

Kammie said...

Thanks for answering my questions. LOl on the "Not for Sale".

Anonymous said...

I just read your short story excerpt called "Worthy". Will there be more of it to come in the future? It looks very interesting.

And I must add that I really like the relationship between Alexandra and Michael Cyprien. And I am particularly pleased to see Vampire story that involves a black woman and a white man. I am a black woman and I find it a refreshing change. Will your future stories have more romantic relationships between black women and white, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American males.

NuFreespirit

Tychee Malena said...

Hi Lynn I'm a fan in New Zealand and hav put my friends on to your Darkyn series. We all love them. The story is soo fast moving! It would look great on the big screen.... any chance of visiting New Zealand in the future?