Kariss Lynch shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Kariss, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Four years ago, I left my full time job to stay home with my kiddos. People have mixed perspectives of what a stay-at-home mom does. I can confidently say it is the hardest, best, most chaotic, and most joy-filled job I’ve ever had, and my last job was pretty intense.
But part of that job is building up and pouring into my kids. One of my favorite parts of this role is that I get to see the little wins.
I get to see my little baby explore the room and test his muscles as he learns to pull up and laughs about it.
I get to see my toddler learn to put his shoes on or climb up on a tall chair. I get to see him choose to try instead of throwing a fit. I get to see him succeed, learn, and grow, and be excited about it.
I get to watch my preschooler learn to ask questions instead of demand, find the courage to say hi to a stranger instead of hide behind me.
I get to watch the quiet and subtle changes that happen as a result of countless time encouraging or coaching. People around us see the results. I get to see and be part of the process, and that’s a sweet thing.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kariss Lynch, and I am a contemporary author of faith-based romance and romantic suspense. I began my writing career when I created a Dr. Suess-like world for a class assignment in third grade, and since then, I’ve had countless story ideas. About ten years ago, I signed my first contract for a romantic suspense series centered around an altruistic, but a bit naïve, heroine, and a Navy SEAL who wants her heart. Over the course of the series, they learn to live again after a devastating earthquake. learn to love, and learn to let go and thrive…all while running from a terrorist.
The series has since been rebranded and rereleased, along with my fourth book, Heart’s Cry, which features a character from my first series. And the bulk of that book is set in Dallas, with several familiar spots mentioned from the Bishop Arts District, as well as a few created places inspired by local Dallas culture and hot spots.
Currently, I am working on my fifth novel in partnership with Sunrise Publishing. It is my first cozy romance, set in the winter in a cute, imaginary town in Minnesota. I can’t say much right now, but it will feature a fun, competitive rivalry between two hockey players who met once upon an Olympics.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mom was the first one who thought I should be an author. While I loved writing stories and coming up with ideas, I just never thought being an author was possible, but my mom always believed that would be my path. Thanks to her, I finally believed it was. possible.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
One of my greatest fears or struggles is believing that I’m not enough. While I’ve seen a lot of victory in my mindset, this fear still creeps in and can steal joy away during my writing sessions. I’ve had to learn to combat it with truth. I’m not enough, and that’s okay. I’m human, and I WILL fall short. What I create does not need to be perfect, nor will it ever be. Instead, the goal is and should be authenticity and excellence. My faith in God is woven throughout my books as characters wrestle with things we all struggle with – grief, insecurity, trust, courage, hope. My faith is what gives me the stamina to keep going and write my best.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
I think one of the biggest pitfalls for some in the writing and publishing industry is communicating that writing has to look and sound a certain way. I think in general, there are several key elements of a good story. But how those are communicated and woven into a book can look different for every story and author. I think it is a problem to say a book isn’t good if it isn’t following a certain formula. I think we can teach a process and way of writing and then allow an author to figure out their own rhythm and style of writing from there. That’s what gives us such varied and wonderful stories.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
When my first book hit shelves, I was on cloud nine. My friends and family threw a big party, complete with my book cover painted into the icing of a cake. There were flowers, posters, and pictures. Then the morning after release, I remember waking up thinking, “Now what?”
I still had two books remaining on my contract, so the answer was to get back to work. But I remember thinking that the high is fun, but it doesn’t last. What has lasted has been the impact of the book through the messages I receive through social media, email, or even in person. Over time, I have found those far more lasting and satisfying, even if release day is still one of my favorite things.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://karisslynch.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karisslynch.author/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.karisslynch
Image Credits
Headshot by Andrea Bradshaw Photography
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