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Thursday, October 23, 2008

Author Lynette Eason - HOLIDAY ILLUSION - Free Book

Here's another Christmas book. This time, it's a Love Inspired Suspense.

Welcome, Lynette.

Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

You know, I addressed this question in a different interview and I said, “I don’t put much of myself into my characters.” But now that I think about it, I probably put more into the characters than I realize. I write from heart for the faith element in every book and as my faith is who I am, I have to say that goes in to each and every book. As for the characters themselves, probably a little bit. I think I put more into my March 2009 release, A SILENT TERROR, than any of the others. People who know me are going to think the heroine in this book is based on me. But she’s really not anything like me except the fact that she wears hearing aids and teaches at a deaf school. Other than that, there’s nothing much about me in the story. So, to sum up that rather long-winded answer, in some stories, there’s more of me. In others, not so much. How confusing is that??

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I don’t know that I have ever done anything particularly quirky. While I’m not big on quirky actions, I do have several quirky aspects to my personality. Recently, it was suggested I apply to be a “drug-dog” for the local police department due to my highly sensitive sense of smell! Seriously, I hate the smell of most perfumes or scented lotions, fragrances, etc. I even asked my doctor if I could have my sense of smell surgically removed. Whenever I go to church or conferences, etc, I always make sure I sit where I can easily leave if someone with perfume sits near me. I know, it’s crazy, but I get terrible migraines if I’m exposed too long to these scents. That’s pretty quirky according to those who know me.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I’ve always had stories running around in my head. As a child, I would crawl in the bed at night and let my imagination run wild, making up characters, plotting (even though I didn’t realize that’s what I was doing at the time) and creating whole new worlds as I fell to sleep. As an adult with a six month old, I realized that I still liked to make up stories, so one day, I had a glimmer of an idea. I sat down at my little old VERY SLOW laptop and started pounding out the story. And it was AWFUL, but I loved the whole process and so the journey to publication began.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

I love, love, love anything written by Brandilyn Collins. Robert Liparulo’s GERM fascinated me. Dee Henderson’s THE NEGOTIATOR was my favorite out of all of hers. I like Ted Dekker’s earlier stuff, especially BLINK. Karen Kingsbury, of course. Camy Tang is hilariously funny and reading her stuff always puts me in a good mood. STEALING ADDA by Tamara Leigh is my all time favorite Chick Lit book right now. I howled with laughter. Terri Blackstock is awesome. I love all her stuff. I could go on and on, but I’ll stop there.

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

I self-published a book called Gift of Grace back in 2005. I’m not a really big fan of self-publishing, but I did it and regretted it. I’ve also written two other manuscripts that have never—and will never—see the light of day!

The books published by Steeple Hill’s Love Inspired Suspense line are:

· Lethal Deception –released February 2008
· River of Secrets – released August 2008
· Holiday Illusion – to be released November 2008
· A Silent Terror- to be released March 2009
· A Silent Fury – to be released September 2009

And I’ve also signed a three book deal with Revell. Those three books will be out in 2010.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

Well, I’m a runner. I like to run, run, run. However, I do have to stop and crash every once in a while. Writing and plotting out a story is what keeps me sane second only to spending time with the Lord. I’m very fortunate to have a wonderful family who allows me a lot of time to myself when I need it. My husband is awesome and will actually tell me to go take some time and do something just for me! Honestly, the Lord is gracious and always provides in every area of my life.

How do you choose your characters’ names?

Um…well…uh…you see…okay, you’re going to laugh because it’s so stupid. I pull them out of the air for the most part. I go down the alphabet, starting with A. Anna, Amy, Ariana, Alana, Abigail…etc. and pick one I like the sound of. Same with the hero’s name, but I pick a different starting letter than the heroine’s. See? Told you it was dumb.

That's not dumb. We authors are all different, and we do things differently. What you do may help another author. What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

I think I have two. My children, first. Definitely. I was just sitting in church this morning with my arms around them and just had to stop and thank God for allowing me to be their mom. They’re so precious and God has just gifted my life with their presence. Second would be getting published. The fact that I have books out that people like to read is simply stunning to me.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

A dog. Because of my sniffer that I told you about earlier. Only I’d like to be my in-laws black lab because he is king of their house and is spoiled completely rotten. Oh yeah, that would be the life!

What is your favorite food?

Black Bean soup and chicken Caesar salad at Panera Bread. Pineapple, pizza, and refried beans. Told you I was weird. Oh yeah, and chocolate ice cream.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

I think it was the whole little children under my feet thing. I wanted to put them first because they deserved it and finding time to write while fixing bottles every couple hours kind of slowed things down a bit. Learning the craft and just persevering were the biggest obstacles, but like I said, God knows when the timing is right for publication, so waiting on Him is the most important thing. Although patience can certainly be a massive road block for someone who is incredibly impatient!

I don’t know that I have overcome it. I just know that God has put me where He has for a reason and He’ll work out the details like providing time to write, time to network, time and money for conferences, etc.

What advice would you give to an author just starting out?

Never ever give up. Pray a lot, write a lot, and never stop learning. Expect rejection and be willing to learn from it. Immerse yourself in the writing process. Writer’s conferences are wonderful, but can be expensive. Plan in advance. If you can’t go, look at the schedule, find a class that you would attend if you were there, then buy the CDs. Most conferences record their sessions. Get a mentor and/or a critique partner. Most of all, keep giving your writing to the One who gave it to you in the first place. Trust God. His timing is perfect.


What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

Holiday Illusion got 4.5 stars from the Romantic Times Review woman! Wahoo! That was so cool because by the time I turned in the final AA’s, I hated the story. Really, I thought it was the worst thing I’d ever written and Steeple Hill would wonder why in the world they thought I could write. But now that a year has almost passed, I’m able to look at the story with new eyes and I find myself thinking, “Oh, it’s actually pretty good. Cool!”


How can readers find you on the Internet?

My website is http://www.lynetteeason.com/ and my email is lynetteeason@lynetteeason.com. I love to hear from my readers and answer my own email daily.

Thanks for inviting me to be on your blog, Lena! It’s always a pleasure to answer questions and interact with your readers. God Bless!

And thank you for being here, Lynette.

Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of Holiday Illusion. But don't forget to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. If you don't, you can order it here:




I still have three missing winners:

R. Byuel and Cheryl (Shyrackmom)

51 comments:

  1. Anonymous10:08 AM

    Lynnette, Holiday Illusions sounds like a great book. I can't wait to read the character interview on the CRAFTIE LADIES OF SUSPENSE blog when it's posted. Best wishes, Lisa Mondello

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  2. Hi Lena, thanks for doing this. My, that's a BIG picture, isn't it? :)
    Thanks again!

    Lynette

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  3. Lynette,
    I love the cover of your book! I know what you mean about kids underfoot. I never want to put my writing before their needs, so it's a dance :-)
    Congrats on your books! I'm going to keep an eye out for this one!

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  4. Oh yeah, I meant to say that I also liked Blink, by Dekker. His earlier stuff is better, I think. Or different, at least. More my style. My all-time fav of his is When Heaven Weeps.
    Will be reading you soon :-)

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  5. Anonymous11:36 AM

    Thank you for the opportunity of winning a free book. It sounds great and I would love to read it.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

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  6. Very interesting interview, Lynette. I think for me I learn right along side my characters, esp. with their faith.
    Barbara

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  7. Hello, I enjoy "Love Inpspired" Suspense Books and a Christmas one would be great to win and read. Please enter me in your contest drawing. Thanks for the interview with Lynette. I enjoy her books!
    Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  8. Lynette,
    Sounds like a great book! I belong to the book club and just got a box yesterday. Hmmm, wonder if it's in there.

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  9. Anonymous1:29 PM

    it looks like really cool book! (i hope im not too late)

    fecarly1 at yahoo dot com

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  10. sounds like a good book, could i please be entered in the giveaway for it. thanks

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  11. I LOVE that cover! I read your first book (what was it called...). It was amazing! And I can't wait till I can get to the second one. Silly history books. Always getting in the way!
    Anyway, I'd love to be entered in the drawing!

    ashley.vanburen[at]gmail[dot]com

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  12. I love the cover and title. I can't wait to read this one.

    Margaret

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  13. Anonymous4:01 PM

    I would love to read this book.

    Please enter me in the contest!

    Thank you,

    Becky C.
    rec(at)hiwaay(dot)net

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  14. Anonymous4:13 PM

    Well, I have never been one to enjoy reading romance, but a Christmas suspense is another thing. I might really like this one and would love to win it and read it. Thanks so much for the chance!

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  15. Sounds great! Please enter me, I would love to read it, thanks!

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  16. HI everyone, thanks for stopping by! It's lovely to read your comments and I really appreciate the positive response about the cover. When my editor asks me for ideas for a cover, I'm simply stumped! I can write a book, but don't ask me to put a cover on it, puleeeeze...ha. Anyway, I was pleased with the way it turned out, so thanks so much. You guys are awesome and if you get a chance to read it, please let me know what you think about it. You can also stop by my website and sign up for my newsletter. I meant to mention that in the interview and forgot...

    Thanks again!

    Lyn ette

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  17. Ashley, the first one was Lethal Deception and I'm so glad you liked it. Holiday Illusion is actually the third. River of Secrets was the second one. I hope you like it!

    Lynette

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  18. Margaret! You're so sweet to stop by. Thanks so much.

    Lynette

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  19. Hey Cindi, thanks for your sweet compliments on my books! I appreciate it.

    Lynette

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  20. Hi Jessica, yes, I like Ted's earlier stuff, too. And your little one is precious! Love the picture.

    Lynette

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  21. Hi Barbara, thanks for the compliment, and yes, the faith element is so extremely important to me. Writing an inspirational is like one long quiet time! :) I love writing about God as it draws me closer to Him. What an awesome job we have!

    Lynette

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  22. Hey Pamela, I got mine last week! And yes, it was in there along with some other great reads. I can't wait to get to them. (Not mine, but the other three...ha.)

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  23. sounds like a great book mrs.mommyyatgmail.com

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  24. Great book to read for the Holidays!
    Have a great weekend!

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  25. Please enter me, sounds like a great book
    jen
    jen62728@aol.com

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  26. Anonymous12:35 AM

    hi
    thanx for share this great blog.
    keep it up

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  27. WOw! YOu are an amazing writer! And I don't think you are weird...just yourself! Awesome!

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  28. Oh I forgot my email Kritta22@hotmail.com Thanks!

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  29. Awesome interview! Thanks. I appreciate that. As an aspiring writer I totally appreciate interviews with other writers. I learn a lot from them.

    I have never heard of her before but now I'll be on the look out for her books.

    Thanks for the interview and thank you for a great giveaway!!

    HunnyV "at" Optonline "dot" net

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  30. Anonymous6:12 AM

    Thanks for giving us a chance to win a free book - nothing like a good romance at Christmastime!
    Best of luck!
    Kristi

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  31. I love christmas stories. Mysteries and christmas wow! I'd love to win this book. Sounds like my kind of book.

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  32. pl may I be included

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  33. Anonymous8:06 AM

    Hi Lynette,

    I love the cover and can't wait to read the book. I'm so glad we are friends and fellow Spartanburg-ers!

    Candy

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  34. The Love Inspired books from HQ are sooo cool. i just love the mysteries. Please enter me into this contest.

    angelleslament @ gmail.com

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  35. Anonymous9:08 AM

    am so excited about your new book! Suspense - & the cover if fabulous! I know this will be awesome!

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  36. Please include me in the drawing for Holiday Illusions. Thanks!
    worthy2Bpraised{at}gmail{dot}com

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  37. Anonymous10:50 AM

    I love Christmas stories! This sounds like a great book. Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks!

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  38. Anonymous11:05 AM

    Great interview! Thanks for telling us about you and your book. It sounds awesome. Please enter me in the drawing.

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  39. This looks like a great story.
    mce1011[at]aol[dot]com

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  40. Anonymous2:57 PM

    What a fun interview with great answers. I promise not to wear perfume around you, Lynette. As much of a girlie-girl as I am, that's saying something! Love ya, Tamela

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  41. Don't put me in for the free book--I get these books! But I did enjoy reading this interview. Lena, you always ask questions that I want to know the answer to! (Curiosity and all that nibbing thing.)

    Great job--both of you!

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  42. Just stopping by one more time to say thanks for all your wonderful comments! It's so great to "meet" so many new people and see a few I already know.

    Lena, you're awesome! Thanks so much for doing this!

    Tamela, I appreciate the consideration! HA! And you're definitely a girlie-girl and I think you're awesome.

    Candy, thanks so much for commenting. It was great to see your name pop up. Hope you're doing well. We need to get together for lunch!

    Happy reading everyone!

    Lynette

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  43. Wonderful interview! Would love to be entered in the drawing for this book.

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  44. Lynette and Lynn, thanks!! This was a great interview--and Lynette, I'm very sensitive to scents too!

    Blessings to you both!

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  45. Lynette, I have the same problem with fragrances or any particles like smoke in the air, so you are not alone! I can't even go in stores that sell candles, perfume, etc.
    Thank you for the interview and I'm hoping to read some of your work. I enjoy Christian lit and suspense.

    hrbeck_98 (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  46. I'd love a chance to win!

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  47. Lynnette, I was wondering if this book is in a series or is it the third book you have out? Do I need to read this in order if it is a series? I have the first one, Lethal Deception –released February 2008, but don't have River of Secrets that came out this year in August yet. I'd love to be entered in the drawing for this one. Thanks. Great getting to know you better! Thanks, Lena, for the entering my name!
    Pam Williams
    cepjwms at yahoo dot com

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  48. Anonymous6:07 AM

    Hey Pamela, yes it is a series bur, no, you don't have to read River of Secrets to enjoy Holiday Illusion. River of Secrets is more closely connected to Lethal Deception and if you read ROS first, it will spoil Lethal Deception for you. I didn't mean to do it that way, it's just the way the story played out because of the main character's background. Anyway, happy reading!

    Lynette

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  49. Oops, my daughter was signed in on that last post! But I wrote it, I promise! Thanks,
    Lynette

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  50. I love reading holiday books and this sounds like such a wonderful book. Please enter me in the drawing.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

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