Skip to main content

The Rising by Lynn Chandler Willis


How did you come up with your premise? Is there a story behind your book? How did the story evolve? This is going to sound so strange, but the idea for the story hit me while grocery shopping. Right there in the frozen foods section, I had the ol' “what if” scenario!

For those who are not familiar with this story, would you please give us the blurb? Sure. A dead child that isn't dead. A cop out of control. When their worlds collide, God intervenes.

Are there any fun titbits about this story you can share with us? Jesse was supposed to be a minor character. Like some characters will do, he tried to take over. I had to wrestle him down sometimes and remind him it was Ellie's story, not his.

How did you decide on the setting? I'm totally in love with the North Carolina mountains and foothills and the plot needed snow. I'm a firm believer in  allowing the setting and weather associated with that setting to become secondary characters in themselves.

When will it be released? July 26

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Probably Ireland. My dad's side of the family hailed from County Galway and we're very proud of our Irish roots.   

What music groups/artists blast from your CD player while you write? It depends on what I'm writing. I make a playlist before I type the first word and will play it during every writing session. I pick songs that are similar to the overall tone of the story.

What are you most passionate about, other than writing? Developing my grandkids' imaginations. With stuff like making a tent in the living room with an old quilt. I'm also very passionate about animal welfare – particularly dogs. I'm a strong advocate for rescue organizations.

What advice would you give a new writer just starting out? This is such an exciting time to be a writer. I don't know of a time when there have been so many different opportunities available. That being said, because there are so many opportunities, you have to study and research the industry. As far as actually writing goes, you have to be able to develop the story. It doesn't matter how much talent you have, if the story doesn't work, it doesn't work.

What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing? Character, character, and character. Did I mention character? Without well-written, well developed characters no one is going to care about the plot to begin with.

How do you develop your plots and characters? Usually, they work hand-in-hand. You have to understand your characters' motivation and characters, like people, have agendas – it's why they do the things they do, think the way they do that moves the plot forward.

How do you come up with the titles to your books? The title usually comes very early in the process for me. If it doesn't, I usually end up struggling with the story. It doesn't seem “real” to me unless it has a name, so to speak. I think a good title makes a prospective reader curious about what the story is about, rather than tell them outright.

When did you first consider yourself a writer? The first time I heard my daughter tell her friend, “My mom's a writer.” To have my children acknowledge that made it real.

Do you really, really want a dog? Yes and no. I have Sam the cocker spaniel and he's all I need right now. Being a strong animal welfare advocate, I firmly believe a person should only have what they can afford to properly take care of. I think you should be realistic about it, too. I'd love to have a couple border collies but I don't have the time, energy, or finances to properly train them, exercise them, or care for them. So, yes, I want them. But no, I probably won't get one any time soon.

What is your strangest habit?  I don't know if it would be a habit or a superstition but I have this white plastic egg from one of the grandkids toy food sets that I'm very weird about. It's been rolling around on the floor of my kitchen for over a year – and I can't pick it up! It rolls under the cabinets, under the table, under chairs, and I've come to accept it as part of the home décor. I don't know why I feel so strongly about it – I probably need therapy. Don't mess with my egg.

When you looked in the mirror this morning, what was the first thing you thought? Bad hair day.

What’s a saying you use a lot? No, Casey! My 18month grandson – Casey – is quite the handful.

Have you ever eaten a crayon? Hasn't everyone?

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten? My daughter ate a dead bumble bee...does that count?

What is your heritage? Irish

If you could see anyone tomorrow (dead or alive), who would it be? My mom and dad. They died twelve days apart fifteen years ago. I'd like for them to meet all these great-grandkids they have. I think they'd really get a kick out of watching them grow. I'd like to hear how many times they can say “No, Casey” in any given day.

You can find Lynn at:

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Falling Forever by Katherine Robles

  Blurb Hillary is stifled by an entry level IT job in the Virginia suburbs and longs to move to Washington D.C. where she can make a difference in the world. When Javier comes to her rescue in Great Falls National Park, Hillary likes everything about him except for the gorgeous fiance hanging on his arm. But things are not as they seem and he enlists her help to renovate a homeless shelter. Romance blossoms over paintbrushes and pipes until a career launching opportunity arises. Hillary can chase her dreams, but they might cost her Javier’s heart.       Excerpt Javier cast a shadow over her placemat as he delivered her glass of water. He rounded the table, apparently unaware that the whole family was watching him with interest. When he got to the other side of Mom, Hillary willed him to make eye contact and gave a little wave in greeting. “Hi,” she said. Javier retracted the hand that was lowering Coryn’s water. His lips parted like a curtain to reveal his pearly whites. “Well, if it

Author interview - Nicola Beaumont

Today we have author Nicola Beaumont with us. Nicola has written several books including The Lighthouse which I am spotlighting today. BLURB: DANGEROUS LIAISON... Rachel is in love with her best friend, but when Malachi doesn't seem interested, she turns to an international stranger whom she meets on the internet. At first, conversation is just a pastime, but soon, romantic fantasies form in her mind. Why not consider a man who travels across an ocean to meet her-a man who makes her feel wanted? After all, Malachi might as well be a world away-even if his concern does seem genuine when he warns her about the intriguing Frenchman. RESCUE ON THE WAY... Malachi has sworn not to interfere in Rachel's relationship, but he's in love with the head-strong woman who is determined to continue her budding romance...Yet, Malachi senses something isn't right about the playboy who has suddenly consumed Rachel's time, so he vows to save her from the stranger-and herself-even

Wooing Gertrude by Jodie Wolfe

  Blurb   Enoch Valentine has given up finding peace for his past mistakes. He throws everything he has into being the new part-time deputy in Burrton Springs, Kansas while maintaining the foreman position at a local horse ranch. But when trouble stirs on the ranch, he questions whether he's the right man for either job. Peace has been elusive for most of Gertrude Miller's life, especially under the oppressiveness of an overbearing mother. She takes matters into her own hands and sends for a potential husband, while also opening her own dress shop. Gertrude hopes to build a future where she'll find peace and happiness. Will either of them ever be able to find peace?   First Page Peek   Burrton Springs, Kansas August 4, 1877   Gertrude Miller’s life couldn’t get any better. She grinned, patting her pocket. Her fingers traced the two skeleton keys. After months of planning and preparing she finally had moved into her own place a week ago, away from the overbearing reach of he