Interview with upcoming Loose Id Author Erica Lynn

12 min read
Cover Art by April Martinez with Loose Id.
Cover Art by April Martinez with Loose Id.

I had the awesome opportunity to interview up-and-coming author Erica Lynn. Her novella, Her Husband’s Brother, is coming out March 22nd with Loose Id. Have fun reading her interview, and getting to know Erica!

  1. Hi, Erica! Tell us a bit about yourself and your novella.

Hi, Roxanne! Thanks for having me. I’m going to dork out for a moment and say this is super exciting! Anyway…First and foremost, I’m a happily married woman, and my husband and I have been blessed with beautiful daughters. They are the most important people in my life. Aside from that, I’m your everyday working woman trying to fit in family time, friends, and laundry! I’m a bit of a reality tv junkie… I love to read books, watch movies, and sitting down with a drink while hanging out with family and friends is my idea of a great Friday night. My novella is Her Husband’s Brother, the 1st in a 3 book series. It’s a mystery and suspense book about a woman, Lexie, who’s getting out of a terrible marriage. Little does she know her husband, Dean, is the biggest drug dealer in the Houston and San Antonio areas! Her brother-in-law, Jonathon, is working with the police to take down his brother’s organization…and let’s just say…sparks fly!

  1. How did you become involved with the subject or theme of your book?

I love all sorts of books, but my favorites are always ones with a little mystery and suspense in them. Murder, stalking, hiding from the bad guys…throw that in with some fun, sexy time and I’m a happy camper! So when I decided I wanted to try my hand at writing, something I’ve thought about for years but hadn’t actually done, I knew I wanted it to be along those lines.

  1. Why did you choose to write in erotic romance in particular? If you write more than one, how do you balance them?

I love so many different genres, but erotic romance holds a special place in my heart. I mean, what’s not to love? They’re fun, the characters are always lovable, as the reader you find yourself rooting for these people. Oh, and they’re H-O-T! As of right now, this is the only genre I’m writing in. But I guess time will tell…

  1. Where did your love of books/storytelling/reading/writing/etc. come from?

My mother, Kelly, loves to read and absolutely passed that to me. I can remember being a kid and her reading my night time stories. Then when my brother and sister were born, we’d all sit on the couch while she read us kids books, especially Dr. Seuss, and then chapter books like Tuck Everlasting when we got older. Those are such beautiful memories for me, and ones I hope to pass on to my girls. Although not MY books… Ha!

At least not yet!

  1. What kind(s) of writing do you do?

For now, just erotic romance. I’m very new to this game!

  1. What cultural value do you see in writing/reading/storytelling/etc.?

I think it’s so important for people, kids especially, to open their minds and embrace their creative sides, however that may be. Reading definitely helps plant the seeds.

  1. What were your goals and intentions in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?

Look, I work 40hrs a week, I’m a wife, and I have small kids at home. I know there are tons of other women out there in the same boat, busy as hell without a lot of time to read. My goal is to offer them a few moments of intrigue and hot sex. I want them to read my story and laugh, love my characters as much as I do, and maybe even get some ideas for in the bedroom. Why not, right? Now, of course, I want all of my readers to enjoy my story, not just busy wives and moms. When reading the final manuscript, I got all those desires out of it, so it’s something I know I’d enjoy reading, and I hope others do too.

  1. Is the book based on anyone you know or a person you’ve come across, and if so, do you have any stories to share?

Lexie tends to talk and think a lot like yours truly. A friend of mine even mentioned she kept waiting for her to say, “okie dokie” like I do!

She doesn’t, btw. And her best friends, Lynette and Rosie, are loosely based on my best friends, Jessica and Sharon. Their individual stories are explored in books 2 and 3.

  1. What character in your book do you most relate to?

Lexie, for sure. Her thought process is eerily close to mine.

  1. What do you think most characterizes your writing?

I feel like my writing is fast paced and fun. The action happens fast, which is a quality I love in the books I read.

  1. What was the hardest part of writing this book?

You mean besides all of it? I kid…I kid…kind of. For me the hardest part was getting my thoughts down on paper. It’s a slow process whereas the scene in my head was fast. I knew what was happening, and

I knew my characters and all their idiosyncrasies, but the reader does not. It was my job to relay those moments and characterizations, and to be honest, I failed a few times. My hero came off as a big ole jerk to some, so I really had to work on softening him up. I had to learn to slow down and really develop the scenes and characters. I feel like I accomplished it in the end, but it was tough.

  1. What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

It was such a creative outlet. At one point I completely strayed from one of my original ideas, and it was so intriguing to watch Lexie and Jonathon write their own story. It probably sounds insane, but it felt like I didn’t have control anymore! They’d run amuck!

  1. What do you feel is the biggest thing that people THINK they know about your subject/genre, that isn’t so?

I think people assume it’s just porn, and that there’s no real story or depth, which is simply not true. At least not if you’re reading a good one! Relationships are so important, and romantic ones *gasp* involve sex! Who knew?! Sex isn’t just hot or titillating, it’s important and beautiful too. The erotic romance genre is one that explores those relationships. And yes, they give the reader ideas too, which is always awesome-sauce!

  1. What inspires you?

I love the feeling I get after reading a great book, regardless of the genre. My friends and I used to have a book club and it was a blast! I’d love to have someone tell their friend, “Oh my gosh, you have to read Her Husband’s Brother!”

  1. How did you get to be where you are in your life today?

The same as anyone else, trial and error. Thankfully I met a wonderful man who brings out the best in me, each and everyday. He helps me remember what’s important, and I’ll always cherish him for that.

  1. Who are some of your favorite authors that you feel were influential in your work?

What impact have they had on your writing? Erica Spindler writes mystery and suspense, and I definitely feel like I channeled her a little as far the action scenes in the book. As far as the sexy time, absolutely Tessa Bailey. Her book, Asking for Trouble, was the first book in the genre that I read, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I thanked her on Twitter for her inspiration, she responded, and I totally fan girled! Thanks again, Tessa! Yes, we’re on the first name basis now. 😉

  1. What did you find most useful in learning to write? What was least useful or most destructive?

For me, it helps to just write the scene and go back later to clean up grammar and things like that. If I sit there and dissect it as I write… No good!

  1. Are you a full-time or part-time writer? How does that affect your writing?

Part-time, although Id love to be full-time one day. It can be a challenge, for sure. Sometimes if you’re on a roll, you have to stop because it’s time to get ready for work, or the baby is crying. Weekends have become my best friend as far as being able to sit down and get my thoughts out.

  1. How do you feel about ebooks vs. print books and alternative vs. conventional publishing?

I think they’re all great! Whatever works for you is what you should do. I know some who love print books, but only read erotic romance on their Kindles. Whatever blows your skirt up, I say!

  1. What process did you go through to get your book published? Do you have any advice for other writers who may be starting out?

I sent the manuscript to about five or six different publishers, and was so blessed to hear back from Loose-Id. I’d definitely suggest googling the subject. There are so many online resources about how to format your manuscript that are so helpful. And look into the publisher and see what they want you to send. Each one is different, so don’t just send the full manuscript to them all.

  1. What makes your book stand out from the crowd?

I think my book has the suspense factor, plus the hot and sweaty sex. Hopefully others find it as intriguing as I do!

  1. How do you find or make time to write?

Luckily my girls love to play together, so that frees up some time on the weekends to sit and write. Otherwise, it’s once the kiddies are asleep.

  1. What is your role in the writing community?

I’m new, but in hoping to be a team player. I don’t want to be in competition, and I don’t look at my writing that way. I want us all to support each other and be happy for all of our success.

  1. What do you like to read in your free time?

Erotic romance, horror, and mystery and suspense.

  1. What projects are you working on at the present?

I’ve submitted the 2nd and 3rd book in the Love and Justice Series, so I’m hoping to hear about those soon. Loose-Id took a poll for the top 15 tropes that readers want to see, so I’m currently working on an enemies to lovers book. I also have a fairy tales revisited idea in my head that I’m very excited about. If all goes well it will be dark and gritty, and of course smoking hot, too.

28. Do you have anything you want to say to your readers?

Thank you so much for choosing to read my book, I know there are so many great options out there. I hope you enjoy it!

  1. Do you have links to your websites and social media?
  • Face Book – Erica Lynn (a personal and an author page)
  • Twitter- @Ms_Erica_Lynn,
  • Instagram – Ms_Erica_Lynn
  • Website:  http://dev-erica-lynn.pantheon.io/

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  
Please enter an e-mail address

Scroll to Top