Lynette Sowell Interview

Lynette, tell us about yourself. Well, I'm a Yankee by birth, grew up in Maryland, but I'm Texan by choice, so I can't really pin down where I'm from exactly. I live about an hour from Austin, Texas and I've been married just over 13 years to a real hero. We have two teenagers and five cats. All of them keep us hopping! I teach the adult Sunday School class at church, which I love to do. You've written or been involved with the writing of a few books. Do you have a favorite? Why? Oh, that's a tough one. Every book is special to me in a different way and could be my favorite for different reason. But right now, "The Wiles of Watermelon" is probably my favorite. I think with every book, we should grow as a writer, and I'm happy to think that I did with that one. It was written during a time of struggle in my life, and I know the Lord helped me for sure. What is the best book you've ever read, and why? Another tough one! Again, there are several books that I could call my favorite for different reasons. My favorite series is "The Chronicles of Narnia." I've read that series over, and over, and over, which I can't say I've done with any other book or series (except the Bible, but I know we're talking about fiction right now). I always remember the sense of wonder I had when I read those stories for the first time when I was 11 years old. When I read about Narnia, I felt like I was there. Which is what I think our writing should do--transport readers. Tell us a little about your writing journey? How did you get the "call"? How did you react? I have always loved to write, ever since elementary school. But it wasn't until 1998 that I finished my first novel. I kept writing and submitting work and getting no's. I joined ACFW from the beginning in early 2000, and met lots of great writers and learned from them. Then early in 2005, author Rachel Hauck approached me about a Barbour novella anthology idea, which eventually turned into the book "Windswept Weddings." We heard back within a month that Rebecca Germany wanted to buy it. Fastest response I've ever had--besides my "Scents of Murder" series. Ironically, I've never had "the call." All of the acceptances have come via e-mail. The funny thing is, when Rachel forwarded the message to our anthology writer group, I didn't realize it was a message telling us she wanted to BUY our anthology! I even asked Rachel, "Does this mean what I think it does?" LOL. What has been your greatest writing tool? I'd have to say Donald Maass' "Writing the Breakout Novel/Workbook." He really gets you to push to the next level with your writing and characters, and not settle for the first idea that pops into your head. The fact is, much of what we write is pretty good. But the bar is set so high now in Christian fiction that you really need to keep working to improve your craft. I'm still learning things as I go through the process for my next book proposal. I also learn so, so much from other authors' writing. I'll take notes when I read a good book about what the author did that made the story resonant for me. Do you have any aspiring words for future authors? Don't give up. Keep learning. Keep writing. It's easy to join groups and take courses about writing and read books, but you've got to sit down and work on your own ideas and be a finisher! What do you envision for your writing future? I would love to write full-time, eventually. I don't know if that's in store for me or not. But I want to keep improving with each book and write vivid, interesting characters that readers keep talking about. Do you work outside the home, and if so, what do you do? Yes, and no. I work at home full-time for a medical transcription company based out of Tennessee. Everything's on-line and a corner of our bedroom is dedicated to my "work" computer. What did you want to be when you grew up? In my "School Days" book that my mom started for me, she wrote that way back in kindergarten I wanted to be a TV star. Another time I wanted to be an archaeologist. So of course I took up writing! What inspired your "Scents of Murder" series? When I heard Barbour was planning a cozy mystery book club, I knew I had to find a unique profession for my heroine. There's a cozy little town north of Austin called Salado, and one of my favorite shops there is a homemade soap store. We go there a couple times a year and stock up on facial scrubs, bath salts, glycerin soaps, etc. Smells amazing! So I thought that was a fun job for my heroine. The series really sprang from my heroine and her life in her small Tennessee town.