Meet my buddy Lynn!

How appropriate that I would have a guest who wrote a book titled SUMMERTIME on Memorial Day, which is, as far as I'm concerned, the official kickoff of summer! Everyone grab a burger or a hotdog or a rib and a glass of iced tea and enjoy this interview with author Lynn McMonigal!

Where did you get the idea for this book?

Oh, now that’s an easy one! I’ve been a fan of New Kids on the Block for years! In 2008, they released a new album with a new song called “Summertime”. It’s about a summer romance. I used that song and one by Joey McIntyre (“I Cried”, about a man missing the one woman he loved) as inspiration. The first draft of this novel was just a joke. I wrote it for my best friend Lori, who was a huge New Kids on the Block fan. She was always crazy about Joey McIntyre. (I keep saying he is the reason she married a man named Joe, but Lori denies that!) Lori liked the story so well that she convinced me to rework it, to take New Kids out of it and make it all completely fictional. The end result? This novel!

Do you have a favorite part of the book or a favorite character?

Hmm . . . That is almost like asking me which of my kids I like the best! Honestly, I think that Crystal was probably the most fun to write. She is not at ALL like me. It’s a lot of fun to pretend to be someone else for a while.

Are there some specific lessons or messages you hope readers will take away with them after reading your book?

I don’t think I really had a message in mind with this one. I was just having a lot of fun with it! My hope is that those who read SUMMERTIME enjoy a brief escape from reality.

What's your writing schedule like, and do you outline or wing it?

Well, I have three sons, ages 8, 5, and 2. Most of my writing is during the day, while the older two are at school and the youngest is napping. I also go out to the local library one or two evenings a week to write while the boys and my husband have some GUY TIME.

As far as outlining, sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t. SUMMERTIME was done without an outline. Normally, though, I use an outline. I find that I am more likely to stay on track and actually finish something if I have some sort of outline of where I want the story to end and an idea of how to get there.

Who was the first person who encouraged you to write?

Mrs. Sue Niedzielski. She was my teacher in 5th and 6th grade. I always liked to tell stories, and she was the first one who suggested that I write them down. She was one of the first people to get a copy of my first novel.

When you are not writing, what do you like to do? Do you have any hobbies?

I LOVE scrapbooking! I’ve got tons of pictures of my boys, more than they want me to have I am sure. Lots of fun shots to show my daughters-in-law and grandkids someday! I also read a lot. My favorite author is Karen Kingsbury. I read mostly novels, though I do pick up non-fiction every now and again.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

From the time I was 12, I wanted to be a mommy and a writer. In high school, I thought I’d be a teacher. That is what I actually studied for when I first went to college. Later, I changed schools and switched my major to marketing. I never felt right about either career choice. Now, with my husband, three sons, writing career, and faith in God, I feel like my life is complete.

What do you like to read for pleasure?

Karen Kingsbury is my favorite author to read. Her books touch me in a way no others have. But I will pretty much read anything. I may not like it, but the only way to grow is by trying new things.

What was your favorite book in grade school? In high school? Now?

My favorite book since I was about 11 has been ANNE OF GREEN GABLES. I would love to write one character that is remembered as fondly and loved as deeply as Anne Shirley! I also really like the book PROPHET by Frank Peretti. That is one that really made me think. I love it! My favorite author, though, is Karen Kingsbury (did I mention that?) I can’t choose a favorite of her books, though. The 9-11 Series and the Lost Love Series are the ones I like the best.

Do you have a website where our readers can go to find more information about your work?

I have two websites. One is www.lynnmcmo.webs.com. I am working on changing that over, though. The other is www.lynnscorner.wordpress.com. This one has my blog and website information on it. Every day, it seems, I add a little more to that one.

Note from Author:

On Tuesday, May 26, I will be having a day-long launch party on Facebook to celebrate the release of SUMMERTIME. You can join us here: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Summertime-a-romance-novel/79267269805. I will be giving away a lot of prizes, from scrapbooking supplies to chocolates to makeup. It is going to be so much fun!

Preorders of SUMMERTIME placed before May 26 are eligible for free shipping! Check it out at www.lynnmcmo.webs.com


Thanks for stopping by, Lynn!

~Stay true to yourself, and your dreams will come true!