Author Lynette Eason - RIVER OF SECRETS

Lynette is back with us with her second Love Inspired Suspense.

Welcome, Lynette. Why do you write the kind of books you do?

I’ve always loved romance, the love stories, two characters who beat the odds to live happily ever after. I even used to read the sweet ones Harlequin published back in the 80’s and 90’s. But while I loved the story lines, I always felt a lot of the characters were…missing something. I finally decided that it was the spiritual aspect of their lives. It was never developed in the secular stories and left me wanting more. I’ve loved God all my life so when I turned to writing, it was only natural for me to include Him in my characters lives. Why suspense? I love a good mystery. I love being on the edge of my seat, not knowing what’s going to happen next…and I love the challenge of thinking up stories along these lines. And I get to show the characters turning to God when they’ve got nowhere else to go. And I get to show His faithfulness even when their world is going crazy. And…it’s just plain FUN!

I love reading romantic suspense novels. Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

I would have a hard time picking just one…I’d have to say, the day I married, the day I had my daughter, and the day I had my son, all come up in a tie for that one.

When you have grandchildren, the day they're born will b e added to that list. How has being published changed your life?

I’m having to be a bit more organized with my time. Homeschooling has given me a bit of a schedule to work with and I have to schedule writing time around that, plus trips to Karate, horseback riding, chauffeuring friends, swim lessons, and homeschool field trips. So, to sum it up, I guess I would have to say I’m more conscious of making time to write.

What are you reading right now?

I usually have a couple of books going at the same time. However, I just finished Brandilyn Collins’ new one CRIMSON EVE in one sitting. I’ve also got Shirlee McCoy’s, STRANGER IN THE SHADOWS to read. And I just finished a fabulous story by Lisa Mondello called CRADLE OF SECRETS.

What is your current work in progress?

I’m still working on the latest book that sold to Steeple Hill. And, just this morning, I submitted a three book proposal to my agent to look over then send on to Steeple Hill.

What would be your dream vacation?

Ah, wow. A trip around the world on a cruise ship with my husband and knowing 100% for sure that I wouldn’t be a bit seasick!

There are ways to take care of the seasickness. How do you choose your settings for each book?

I pretty much write what I know. I live in Spartanburg, SC, so most of the settings are going to be in that area. ButT, I also love to research exotic, little known areas of the world. RIVER OF SECRETS and this third one are written in places I’ve never been to, like Brazil, but I did tons of research and read voraciously about the place, so much so that I FEEL like I’ve been there. I hope that comes across to the reader. I also love Nashville, TN, so I expect I’ll come up with something in that setting sometime in the future.

If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?

It would have to be my husband. He travels so much, I mean literally weeks at a time, that we rarely have an entire evening to ourselves, especially since when he’s home, he wants to spend time with our children, too.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

I love to ice skate when I get the chance. I also enjoy scrapbooking, photography, ebaying, garage sale-ing, and cheering my kids on in all of their activities.

What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?

Probably plotting and character description. For plotting, I force myself to write out a very detailed synopsis. I don’t hold myself to it religiously, but at least if I get stuck, I can go to it and get an idea of where to go next. Usually, when I’m done with the story, the beginning and the end match up pretty well, but the middle kind of takes off on its own with the characters determining different scene ideas, etc.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Write, write, and write some more. Make writing a priority in your day. And if this is what you feel God has called you to do, never give up, no matter what anyone tells you. Go to conferences, enter contests, and trust your instincts. Get a mentor, someone who will work with you, teach you the fundamentals and basics of writing, and be excited for you and your successes. And hopefully he/she will be someone who will let you cry on a shoulder when you need it, but give you a kick in the pants when the time comes and you need that, too. :-) Most of all, stay close to God. He always has the best writing advice out of anyone you’ll come across!

Tell us about the featured book.

RIVER OF SECRETS was NOT a fun book for me to write, yet once it was finished I loved the story. God used this book to reveal some things to me, to touch my heart with His faithfulness and His unfailing love. It’s a story set in the Amazon in Tefe, Brazil.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

www.lynetteeason.com; www.shoutlife.com/lynetteeason; my AOL IM screen name is lynetteee1 although sometimes I don’t have time to chat for various reasons. Remember, I homeschool and have writing deadlines…ha. But when I have the time, I love it!

Lynette, thank you for spending this time with us.

Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Just remember to check back every Saturday to see if you won. I usually have the post up by noon. Then go check out her web sites.