We recently had the chance to connect with Lynn Slaughter and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Lynn, 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 makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
When I’m writing and go into the zone, I can easily lose track of time. It’s rewarding to feel totally engaged in creative work.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I write both young adult and adult romantic mysteries in which my protagonists (including the adult ones!) are growing and changing as people. I tackle many issues, particularly around family dynamics and how they shape us. So far, I’ve published six novels, with two more under contract. My current work-in-progress is tentatively called IT STARTED AT CHRISTMAS, in which a criminal defense attorney returns home to work at her father’s law firm and soon finds herself dealing with old family issues while defending a high school friend accused of murdering her husband.
In addition to my work as a novelist, I also regularly blog on my website. My blogs include both personal pieces and interviews with other authors about their work. I also mentor a gifted 15-year-old writer who is currently working on a novel.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
In fourth grade, I recall that we were working on a drawing. My friend Linda was a talented artist. But the teacher announced that we had to stop working on our drawings. She snatched Linda’s paper away and made some comment like, “It’s not like this is anything special or better than anyone else’s.” In fact, it was a lovely drawing, and I knew then that I never wanted to behave like that teacher and treat students with disparaging or discounting comments. I constantly made mental notes about the wonderfully positive things teachers did and the awful things which I was determined never to do when I became a teacher.
As an adult, I’ve taught thousands of classes (I’m a former dancer and dance educator), and I have focused on being an encourager of others. We all need support and trusted adults who believe in us.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
I do! I was in therapy during a painful time in my life when I was making a decision to divorce my husband. I’d grown up in a family where everyone felt free to instruct me on how I should feel and what I should do. When my therapist asked me, “What do you want?” I was shocked! I could not recall anyone in my family ever asking me that. My therapist was a wonderful listener, and I found that very empowering.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
For the longest time, I believed that life was fair. If you worked really hard and did good work and were a nice, caring person, then you would be treated well and fairly by others.
Sadly, I discovered that life simply isn’t fair. Terrible things happen to really nice, competent, well-meaning people. All we can do is to develop skills at responding to setbacks, disappointments, and unfair treatment.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’ve been fortunate to have two careers which I’ve found very rewarding and meaningful. For decades, I was a professional dancer and dance educator. When age and injury led to my retirement from dance, it took me some time to find my footing and reinvent myself, but I’ve loved being a novelist and finding another way to do creative work.
I was definitely not told to pursue either career path. In fact, my single parent father actively opposed my pursuing dance. I seem to have a talent for choosing fields in which I make little money, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lynnslaughter.com
Image Credits
Headshot by Shannon L Wells
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