COURTING HOLLY - Lynn A Coleman - One Free Book

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

Interesting question, Lena. I suppose the primary reason is that these are the stories that God has inspired within me. But these are also the kinds of stories that I like to read as well.

Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?

I have several but they revolve around the first, which was the day my husband and I married. By the end of the day I was holding and rubbing my face because I’d been smiling so much that my cheeks were hurting.

How has being published changed your life?

It’s allowed me to meet more people. I’m basically a people person, but I also have that writer’s hermit tendency that develops in me from time to time. When it does, I have to break out of the office and go out and mingle with real people, not just the ones in my creative mind.

What are you reading right now?

I just downloaded a book on Kindle last night that I haven’t started to read yet on marketing. The other book right now is an old Joseph C. Lincoln book entitled, Rugged Waters. Lincoln set his stories on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and many of his characters were taken from those he met on the Cape.

What is your current work in progress?

My current work in progress was titled Mercy. But, as you well know, your working title is not the published title. The title the publisher is leaning toward is Winning the Captain’s Heart.

What would be your dream vacation?

A year of travel. There are so many places my husband and I would love to go, both here in the United States and abroad … England, France, Italy, Scotland, Belgium, Holland, just to name a few. Hmm, perhaps a year wouldn’t be long enough. Since we’re dreaming, let’s make it two.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Mostly they are places I have been. My current book in progress is set in St. Augustine, Florida. The location is an hour drive from my home, and I love the history in that city. Savannah was the setting for Courting Holly, and I visit Savannah as often as possible. Interesting places make interesting stories. But—if you dig far enough—you’ll find interesting stories just a house or two from your home.

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

That’s a tough one. I suppose it would be with Stana Katic. Let me explain why. Yes, she’s an actress on a popular TV show, but that is NOT why I would like to meet her. I have read and observed a lot of her comments about developing the craft of acting and how she gets into the mind of the characters she is portraying. I’d like to dig further into her crafting a character and how she balances that with her personal life and experiences. She travels, explores other civilizations and is incredibly intelligent. Our worldviews are very different, but that too intrigues me.

What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?

Photography, genealogy, and staying informed with the lives of my grandchildren. That may not sound like a hobby to many—and perhaps it isn’t a hobby—but I do spend a lot of time cultivating and thinking about how to stay connected with my grandchildren. Staying relevant and being aware of what influences the younger generations helps me to be able to point out where the pitfalls are in some of those influences. And it helps keep me the cool grandma.

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

When I first started out in this business, I was so immersed in it I didn’t believe it would be possible to have writing obstacles. However, life changes and staying focused is perhaps the hardest part for me. At times I’ve forced myself to stay in the chair and push through, and then there are times I simply bring the laptop to another location, such as a park, the library, wherever, and start to write.

What advice would you give to a beginning author?

Write and Read, Read and Write. There’s nothing more helpful that reading good writing to help inspire you. And (though I don’t recommend a steady diet of this) read poorly written books as well. One, it will boost your own confidence in writing. Two, the book was published by a publisher, so someone found it worth the investment to publish this book … Why? What is working in this novel? What isn’t working? What would you do to make it better? If it has an unbelievable plot, how would you change it?

Tell us about the featured book.

Courting Holly is set in Savannah, Georgia. Holly’s mother dies in the opening chapter of the book and, while death in a family is enough to set your characters on edge, it’s the dying confession that her mother makes to her that really pulls the rug out from under Holly. The story is about Holly regaining her footing and opening herself up to the man she’s loved since they were children growing up together.

Please give us the first page of the book.

Savannah, Georgia, 1881

Holly gripped her mother’s hand. The licorice-like scent of laudanum assaulted her nostrils. “Momma…”

            “Holly, in my Bible.” Her mother’s chest rose with a great deal of effort then fell. “There’s a letter.” Another labored breath. “Explains all…” She paused. “Forgive me.” Mother’s deep green eyes darkened.

            “Momma, there is nothing to forgive.” Holly grasped her mother’s hand tighter. Her own breathing labored as she eased closer to her mother on the bed.

            “Your father…” The words were raspier.

            “He’s right here, Momma.”

            “No, real father…” Holly looked over to her father. His dark brown eyes pierced hers and his lips parted slightly. His drawn features flickered with the glow from the oil lamp.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

You can always find me on my website: www.lynncoleman.com

If you’re interested in historical tidbits from the 19th century you can follow my blog: http://historicaltidbits.blogspot.com

On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynn.coleman.10420

And Twitter: @LynnColeman

Lena, thanks for the opportunity to connect with your readers. I’ve enjoyed our times together and wouldn’t mind spending an evening together just picking your brain and talking about this writing biz together. God Bless and Love ya, Girl!

And you’ve been an important part of my development as a writer, Lynn. Maybe we can make a date at the next ACFW national conference and get in that gab fest. Thank you for visiting with us today.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Courting Holly - Christianbook.com
Courting Holly (Heartsong Presents) - Amazon.com
Courting Holly (Heartsong Presents) - Kindle

Christian Book Store

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