Author Spotlight: Linny Lawless | CJC Photography

Author Spotlight: Linny Lawless

Cougar Queen by Linny Lawless, Linny Lawless romance author, Brock Grady model,CJC: How did you get started as an author and what made you want to pursue that field?

LL: I’ve been a book worm since I was a teenager. I loved reading historical romances in the ‘80’s and ‘90’s. Then in 2015 I started reading e-books and found a book by Joanna Wylde who writes MC Romance, and I was hooked ever since.  I then connected with other readers and indie authors on social media. I learned that I could publish my own book on Amazon. I wrote and published my first book “Salvation in Chaos” in January 2018 and learned so much – writing, editing, proofreading, book covers, and marketing. I look back now and realize that it was more of a personal challenge – proving to myself that I could accomplish something on my own. Publishing my first book meant success.

CJC: What do you find to be the most rewarding and challenging part of being an author and what hurdles have you overcome while striving towards your goals?

LL: The most rewarding part of being an author is releasing my book, because when it’s live, I’ve succeeded yet again. Some hurdles can be overcome, but writer’s block is my worst hurdle and it’s something I struggle with all the time. I can go weeks without writing one single word or sentence. That’s when I stress out and worry that I’ll never write again. Then I wake up one day and just start typing away at my keyboard and the words just come out.

CJC: Which novel has been your favorite to write and why? 

LL: “Struck in the Crossfire” has been my favorite to write because I set the story in the 1980’s about an outlaw motorcycle club.  It was fun to write because the 80’s is my favorite decade, before the internet and cell phones.

CJC: For first time readers of your work, which book would you recommend? 

LL: My very first published book – “Salvation in Chaos

CJC: If one of your books were made into a movie, which would you select and who would you like to star in it?

LL: “Struck in the Crossfire” would be fun to make into a movie. I could see Tom Hardy play the main character, “Stryker” and Mila Kunis as “Izzy”.

CJC: For those looking to become an author, what advice would you give them?

LL: Write the story no matter how long it takes you to finish it. Set attainable goals for yourself. Keep an open mind when receiving advice, reviews and critique of your work. Promoting and marketing are very important to get your book out there to readers.

CJC: Favorite motto?

LL: Mine: “Stay Humble – Be Fierce”

CJC: What do you do to overcome writer’s block? 

LL: I’ll watch a good movie, or binge watch a TV series to put my mind somewhere else other than the story I’m writing. Brainstorming with my author friends about story and character ideas helps pull me out of that writer’s block too.

CJC: In one word, how would you describe your writing style?

LL: Entertaining.

CJC: Which do you find harder to do… writing the blurb for your story or select the cover? 

LL: Writing the blurb is the hardest for me to do. I dread it sometimes.

CJC: Which author inspires you the most and why?

LL: There are many authors who inspire me because they hook me with their gritty stories and unique characters: Scott Hildreth, Tillie Cole, Joanna Wylde, B.b. Blaque, Crimson Syn, Addison Cain, and so many more.

CJC: What is your writing process like?

LL: I don’t really have a writing process. I’m more of a panster than a planner. I don’t outline anything, but only scribble down 1 or 2 pages of notes on character names and descriptions. I also love to design my own teaser graphics, which inspire me to keep writing the story.

CJC: What new projects are you currently working on and what are your goals for the remainder of the year?

Cougar Queen” releasing January 7, 2020

“Velvet Desire” releasing January 21, 2020

“COBALT” is the next book to release in March 2020

“The Heavy Crown” set to release in May 2020

I’m also attending book signing events from April through November of 2020.

CJC: Any final thoughts you would like to share with the CJC Photography readers?

LL: Do what inspires you.  And for those that dream of writing a book, but doubt themselves – If I can do it, then so can you.

CJC: Thank you so much Linny for featuring Brock, Chelsea and I on the cover of “Cougar Queen.” It was such a pleasure working with you.

Cougar Queen” is now available and can be purchased here.

Stay up to date with all of Linny’s latest releases here.

 

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