Author Spotlight: Breanna Lynn
May 16, 2022 • News
CJC: How did you get started as an author and what made you want to pursue that field?
BL: I’ve always loved to write. But getting older meant a job, marriage, kids and no time to write. In 2019, I happened upon a post in an author’s group for #aspiringwriterwednesday and thought “Why not?” I kept posting on those Wednesdays and kept getting feedback and when COVID hit, I found myself part of a group called Readers Writing Romance and some extra time on my hands. Becoming a published author was always a “hey, wouldn’t that be cool” kind of thing. Now it’s a reality.
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?
BL: The most rewarding is hearing from readers how much my characters, my words, hit them. It’s crazy to think that something I did inspired them to reach out to me and tell me! The most challenging is finding the time to balance everything—day job, parenting, writing, authoring (because it’s a different thing). There are only so many hours in any given day.
As far as hurdles, probably the biggest hurdle I’ve had to learn to move forward with was losing my husband in December 2020. It was completely unexpected and turned my life, and the lives of our four kids, upside down. The dedication in my first book is to him—he believed in me long before I thought I was going to do this.
CJC: Which novel has been your favorite to write and why?
BL: Each book has a special place in my heart (it would be like picking a favorite kid!), but I have to say that my latest release, Embracing the Beat, has been my favorite to write. Michaela, the heroine, is sassy and determined. Life hasn’t been kind to her, but she’s not giving up on her dreams. West, the hero, completely surprised me with how his character played out. I expected the history nerd. I didn’t expect anything else!
CJC: For first time readers of your work, which book would you recommend?
BL: I would recommend starting where it all began. Written in the Beat is the first book in the Heart Beats series. While each book is a standalone, these characters make appearances in future books.
CJC: If one of your books were made into a movie, which would you select and who would you like to star in it?
BL: Embracing the Beat. It’s funny because as I was going through edits, I almost felt like I could hear the audio book in my head. Michaela is inspired by Skyler Samuels so I would say her and Alexander Pettyfer as West.
CJC: For those looking to become an author, what advice would you give them?
BL: Write your story. Don’t try to write what’s popular or what’s trending. Write your story and don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s.
CJC: If you could co-write a book with any author, who would it be and why?
BL: I’d love to co-write a book with Tia Louise—her books are amazing and one of the few I still find time to read now that I’m a lot busier than I was. She’s also an amazing person!
CJC: Favorite motto?
BL: Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.
CJC: What do you do to overcome writer’s block?
BL: First, I’ll try to talk it out with two of my author besties, my PA, or one of my editors. If that doesn’t work, I’ll step away for a bit. Sometimes music will jump start the creative engine again and other times I may watch a movie or two to give my brain a break.
CJC: In one word, how would you describe your writing style?
BL: Heat. Sometimes it’s the heat between characters and other times it’s the heat of a connection with music or a creative outlet.
CJC: Which do you find harder to do… writing the blurb for your story or selecting the cover?
BL: Writing the blurb. How do you sum up 80,000 words into just a few sentences?
CJC: Do you have authors who inspire you? And if so, who and why?
BL: Tia Louise and Maria Luis are amazing inspirations. I see the two of them connecting with their readers, crafting these amazing stories, and being willing to mentor baby authors like me. They’re both genuine, caring women and I count myself lucky to know them.
Claire Kingsley—another amazing author who has stepped in with guidance and lives in Readers Writing Romance. This woman has gone through the same thing I did—losing a spouse—and I watch how she handles it with grace and determination.
Willow Winters—I want her energy! Not only is she kicking butt at writing and putting out amazing stories, but she’s involved in so much in this industry. I’ve been fortunate to connect with her and get additional guidance and advice on how to continue to up my game.
And I would be remiss if I didn’t include my two author wives in this section. Alina saved Written in the Beat. When I reached out to her on a Sunday night back in 2020, I was done. I was ready to chuck my laptop and any dreams of publishing out the window. She kept me going. Not only as an author but as a human being. It’s not often you find someone who will put their life on hold when yours collapses. And she did just that.
Claire Hastings. Who would have thought a quick conversation would turn into one of the relationships that I count myself fortunate to have? She’s an amazing human, always willing to offer a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and inspiration for steamy scenes. My kids and I actually visited her last March and she showed us around Atlanta and connected with my kids in a way that they needed.
CJC: What is your writing process like?
BL: I’m a plotster. My process usually begins with a general plot with an idea of how I think the characters will behave. As I write, this plot shifts a little (or a lot). Once I’m done writing, edits start – dev edits, line edits, three rounds of proof and copy before the book goes to a Beta reader, and finally an ARC team. Something is always going on leading up to a book release.
CJC: What new projects are you currently working on and what are your goals for the remainder of the year?
BL: I’m currently working on the last book in my first series. It’s hard to say goodbye to these characters (even if it might just be for now), so the words are a little harder to come by. After this book, I’ll start work on my next series which will be a security series. I also have a story that will show up in this year’s Rock Star Ball Anthology.
CJC: Any final thoughts you would like to share with the CJC Photography readers?
BL: Sometimes inspiration can hit as you scroll Facebook. Don’t be afraid to let that Inso take over!
CJC: Thank you Breanna for featuring Eric and Sky on “Embracing the Beat” which is now available!
Stay up to date with all of Breanna’s latest releases here!
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