Lynn H. Blackburn writes suspense. You know, things blowing up, law enforcement folks fighting bad guys, and all kinds of shenanigans going wrong.
But she’s also really good at writing romance. Swoony heroes and strong female leads.
And I am here for it.
I’ve had the privilege of being on a few of her launch teams, so I’m here to brag about her upcoming release, “Under Fire.”
1. In both your current Defend and Protect series and your previous Dive Team series, you create a core group of characters who genuinely care for each other. Why do you choose to write with an ensemble cast?
I didn’t do it on purpose. 🙂 But I love it.
I’m a big fan of the romantic relationships in my books. But I think many of us crave having that core group of people that we do life with. The friends who will be there for us no matter what. People who know us and like us anyway. And I love bringing that to life in my stories.
There’s also the added benefit that it makes sense for the characters from previous books – even previous series – to show up and interact. Because once I create these characters, I hate to leave them behind!
2. How do you create unique characters, especially when they’re all generally the same age/stage in life?
I’m very aware of the characters I’ve already written, so I do try to avoid making the new characters just different versions of Anissa or Sabrina or Gabe. Sometimes I do this with hobbies/likes/dislikes, sometimes it’s with their profession or their family of origin or where they grew up. Fortunately, once the characters really start talking to me, they usually prove to be unique all by themselves.
3. As a non-suspense writer (who sometimes views crime-heavy shows/books through her fingers), I’m curious if you ever have bad dreams about your villains or the research you do.
Yes. The worst was when I was writing In Too Deep. The human trafficking angle in that story was not heavy-handed in the book, but the research I did was very heavy, and my subconscious did not appreciate it.
4. Do you read mainly suspense, or do you gravitate toward other genres?
I enjoy political thrillers and romantic suspense. I don’t read a lot of historical, but I enjoy it when I do. I’m also a fan of dystopian, sci-fi, fantasy, etc. I don’t know if I could ever write it, but there’s something so creatively fascinating about people who write stories about the most bizarre things – and it works! Sometimes I need that level of “different” in order to keep my own muse fueled.
5. What is the most glamorous part of being a traditionally published author?
Um…
Honestly, I’m not sure if there’s anything truly glamorous! LOL! It’s fun when Amazon or BookBub recommends my own books to me. Or when I see an ad for my books in a catalog.
6. I can’t resist asking: What advice would you give to those of us dreaming of publishing?
Write a lot. Read a lot. I know it’s cliché but it’s cliché because it’s true. Reading (in and out of your genre) expands your subconscious understanding of story structure. Writing requires practice and a lot of it. The more you write, the better you’ll be at writing.
And while you’re doing that, don’t get hung up on trying to use the method that works for everyone else. It’s good to learn how others work and create, and if their method DOES work for you, great. But if it doesn’t? That doesn’t mean you aren’t a real writer. It just means you don’t write the same way they do.
7. You’ve finished your current series. Can you give a hint as to where you’re heading next?
Oh yes. I’m headed to a little town in the mountains of Western North Carolina. It’s been a quiet place for a while, but now that I’m there? They’re in for a rough couple of years. 🙂
8. Why do you think romance pairs well with suspense?
There’s nothing quite like a life or death situation to force people to acknowledge their feelings for each other. And as much as I love romance – and I do – I can only handle so much before I need something to happen. And by something, I mean an explosion, a home invasion, a (gasp!) murder, etc.
9. Why is it important to tie faith into your writing?
As a Christian, I want to write and read books that glorify God. And as a Christian, my personal worldview is going to be reflected in some of my characters (hopefully NOT in the villains!). I try not to be preachy, but I do want my characters to reflect what the life of a believer is like. We aren’t in church 24/7. We’re in the world. Bad things happen. But instead of despair or hopelessness, we face it with the knowledge that we aren’t alone and that God is still in control.
10. OK, I couldn’t resist. Best kind of chocolate? Dark, milk, or white?
I know dark is better for me, but milk chocolate is my favorite. 🙂
White chocolate is not even chocolate! So, um, no to that!
Be sure to snag a copy of Lynn’s release March 7th!