Author Spotlights are back! Supporting each other is essential
in this industry because let’s face it, there is more than enough to go around.
Anyone who says differently is a selfish ass****. (You can quote me on that)
As an avid reader, I get overjoyed when I find new authors
who tell amazing stories. Although Lynn Emery isn’t considered a new author –
she has been doing this writing thing for a long time – I discovered her
writing a few years ago. Since then, I have become a fan. Her longevity as a
success writer inspires me.
As writers, we have to know, study, and better our craft to
be taken seriously. I take that to heart and apply it daily in my writing.
Practice makes perfect, and perfection definitely doesn’t come over night. When
you know better, you do better! Having and maintaining a healthy work ethic
goes hand in hand with success in not just the writing industry but any other
career path. And you most certainly need to have a thick layer or two, of tough
skin.
Lynn Emery proves that she knows every area when it comes to
writing industry. Her stories are bold, well-developed, and highly
entertaining. Her knowledge about the writing process and both sides of the publishing
world, are just to name a few. I could go on and on...
The way she describes each scene in her stories, her profound
love for Louisiana in which most of her books are set, leaves readers intrigued
by the rich culture, family values, and mysterious history.
I
became connected to my next spotlight author years ago via Facebook. She
offered advice whenever I reached out to her. It’s refreshing when someone who
has been writing longer, who has experienced all sides of the industry, gives
sound information that will help you become better at your craft. Lynn helped
me in ways she probably doesn’t even know. She will post an article or share
something from her heart on social media that always resonate with me on many
levels. She is the kind of person to have in your circle. We are both
Louisianians who love all things that go bump in the night. By that, I mean
spooky, supernatural, mysterious things. *smiles*
I
was doing an event in Baton Rouge about two, maybe three, years ago and someone
walked up to my table. I smiled and said hello. I was nervous and excited to be
doing an event, so I wasn’t really focused on her entirely, but there was a connection. When she told me who she was,
I was ecstatic. It’s always a great treat to meet people you admire and
respect.
Lynn’s
friendly demeanor and beautiful smile are
still embedded in my mind. We didn’t talk much
because she went off to check out the other vendors, but she told me she
read my book Deadly in Stilettos. I
was thrilled. Having someone like Lynn Emery, someone I am a huge fan of, read
my book. I danced a little jig on the
inside. LOL
Her
books are everything! If you have not read any of them, you are missing out. Go
get your life, already!
Please
help me welcome Lynn Emery with a big Kickin’
It With KeKe purple hug…
Author Lynn Emery
 |
| While vacationing in Belize |
KC:
So tell us, how long you have been writing?
LE: I’ve been writing since I was ten years old,
on and off. I sold my first 1992. Night Magic was released in 1995.
KC:
What genre do you write or prefer writing?
LE: I
love writing mysteries
KC:
How did you know you wanted to become an author/writer?
LE: As
a child, I loved reading and oral
storytelling so much that I decided to be a writer, too.
KC:
What inspires you to write?
LE:
Everything. LOL, I make up scenes and
conversations with no book in mind even.
KC:
What message do you want readers to take away from your work?
LE: I
have no one message or any at all message depending on the book. I will say
that there are characters that reflect my values in various books I’ve written.
Some books are just to entertain.
KC:
What a great way to look at it. “Some
books are just to entertain.”
KC:
How would you describe your writing style?
LE: I
write tight, in scenes and sequels. I also write in a very visual way according
to readers.
KC:
Who are some of your favorite authors?
LE:
Wow, I discover new ones every week it seems! NK Jemison, Daniel Jose Older,
Cerece Rennie Murphy, Eden Royce, Ursula Le Guin, Octavia Butler, and a long
list that would make your head spin J
KC:
What are some of your favorite books?
LE:
Octavia Butler’s Parable Series, The Sparrow, and Just about everything I’ve
read by Agatha Christie. Another long list.
KC:
What is your formula when working on a new project? (Do you listen to music,
use an outline, meditate, or simply start typing?)
LE: I
start with an outline, and I create a bible that contains the characters,
character related details (description, cars they drive, etc.), plot points.
KC:
If you could collaborate with any of your
peers, who would it be and why?
LE:
I’ve contributed to anthologies of short stories and novellas, so yes; I even
wrote a work for hire novella once and followed a bible developed by the book
packagers, something I never thought I’d be able to do. But co-writing a novel
doesn’t work for me.
KC:
What advice would you give aspiring authors?
LE:
Network with other authors at various
stages in their careers. Study the business of publishing and the craft of
writing constantly. Never stop learning.
KC:
Great advice! I network with authors on a daily basis
and have learned a lot and grown profoundly in my craft.
KC:
What are you reading currently?
LE: The
Wicked Shall Rise – part of a YA series that is a re-telling of The Wizard of
Oz.
KC:
I’ll definitely have to check out that series. Erica Spindler has a book where she re-tells Alice in Wonderland. Killer Takes It All I love it.
KC:
How can readers find you?
@LynnEmeryWriter https://www.pinterest.com/lynnemery
Sign up for my newsletter and get a free book – http://eepurl.com/eGk9U
KC:
As an author, do you think using social media is a great source for gaining new readers/supporters?
LE:
Using social media is an effective and efficient way to find your target
audience. Facebook especially has metrics that lets you build a profile for those who see your ads. I don’t
know of another medium for promotion with the data that allows authors to find
people who want to read the kind of books we write. Results vary, and there are
no guarantees, but it’s one useful resource.
KC:
Tell us about your latest work?
LE: I’m
currently writing Into The Mist, the
4th book in a mystery series. I released Hunting Spirits a few months ago, the Joliet Sisters psychic
detectives series set in New Orleans.
KC:
What’s next for you?
LE: I
will be writing DEAD WRONG, the 3rd
Joliet Sisters next.
KC:
Do you believe networking is crucial to being successful in the writing
industry? Why? Why not?
LE:
Networking is the best tool. Period. With so much information to absorb and rapid change in the publishing biz,
authors should constantly network.
KC:
Where do you see yourself in five years?
LE:
Doing exactly what I’m doing now, writing and releasing novels, traveling, and
meeting new people! I want to increase my niche audience and see that indie AOC
(Authors of Color) become so widely known, that all white movies and TV series
look pretty silly!
KC:
I love it!!
KC:
Tell us something that you live by daily, that we can carry with us that should
inspire and motivate us to pursue our purpose?
LE:
These quotes inspire me daily: “For God has not given us the spirit of fear…” 2
Timothy 1:7
“You
alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.”
--Maya
Angelou
“Be the
heroine of your life story, not the victim.” --Nora Ephron
“No one
makes you feel inferior without your
consent.” --Eleanor Roosevelt
KC: Great quotes! I
have the Maya Angelou quote in a journal to keep me inspired.
KC: I like to
incorporate fun and excitement into my blog interviews
during the author spotlight segment. This gives readers insight as to
who you are as a person. Fun facts are my
way of doing so, plus, I get to learn something about you too.
LETS GO…
Fun Facts:
KC:
What is your favorite color?
LE: Red
KC:
What is your favorite food?
LE:
Baked chicken (downtown Southern style)
KC:
What is your favorite pastime?
LE:
Reading (and movies/TV series)
KC:
Football or Basketball?
LE:
Neither, not into spectator sports.
KC:
Michael Jordan or Lebron James?
LE:
Lebron, MJ tore his drawers with me a long time ago. LOL
KC:
Thanksgiving or Christmas?
LE:
Christmas!
KC:
Books or Movies?
LE: No,
I refuse to choose or live in a world that would make that! J
KC:
Winter, spring, summer, or fall?
LE:
Spring
KC:
If you were allowed only one thing with your during the day, what would be the
thing you pick?
LE: My iPad! (With Wi-Fi available to make it sweeter)
KC:
Breakfast or Lunch?
LE:
Lunch
Thank
you so much for Kickin It With KeKe today Lynn! It was such a treat. I cannot
wait to read what you write next. As I said before, I am a huge fan!
Until
next time, Be Inspired, Be Encouraged, & Be YOU!
Purple
Hugs,
KeKe
Chanel
Thanks for hosting me on your blog (fun design btw!). Happy to know my random .02 have been helpful to you! :)
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