We recently had the chance to connect with Lynne Hancock Pearson and have shared our conversation below.
Lynne , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
In addition to being a morning person, I am a creature of habit. I like routine and checking things off my list. Six days out of seven, I do some form of exercise early in the morning; usually a brisk walk, regardless of weather and almost always with friends.
The combination of conversation and cardio does more than get my juices running, it allows me to connect. Sometimes that connection is only on the surface, but often it goes deeper into what is (currently) causing us to lose sleep at night. We may not solve all the world’s problems, but by sharing our burdens, we lighten each other’s load.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I write kissing books: fun, flirty, feel-good fiction that simmers at a low heat. I started writing seriously about five years ago and published my first novel the year I turned sixty.
I went the independent route because I didn’t have the patience to put up with the slow, ponderous process of traditional publishing. Weeks away from my sixty-third birthday, I published my sixth novel. Now I have two, three-book series: the Planners & Dreamers books are sweet, closed-door romances and the Keeney Builds books are steamy, small-town romances. You can find more about them at my website, lynnehancockpearson.com.
People tell me that writing six books is impressive, and I guess it is. I just know that writing and publishing my books is something I enjoy doing and I can’t see a reason why I shouldn’t do so.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
At some point in our lives, we will hurt somebody. Usually someone whose opinion matters a great deal to us. When that happens, we need to own it, apologize, and make amends. Some people think that apologizing makes them appear weak. I don’t believe that’s true. True remorse, followed by actions that ensure the hurt will never reoccur, are not weak.
When the shoe is on the other foot and someone sincerely apologizes for a hurt they’ve caused us, we need to accept it. Friendship is too important, and life is too short to hold grudges rather than forgive.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
A few months ago, I’d completed my most recent novel and didn’t know what to write next. The usual well of story idea that lives at the back of my mind was empty, and nothing was trickling in. The file full of story ideas in my desk drawer held nothing that interested me either. I was stuck I wondered if I was done with writing. But I didn’t want to be done. I meet (virtually) with a lovely group of writers three mornings a week and I didn’t want that to end. I wanted to show up and boast about my progress or complain about my characters while listening to the others do the same.
So I went digging.
I found a half-finished novel I’d written a few years ago, dusted it off, read it through, and discovered that it wasn’t a flaming pile of merde.
Perfect? No, but the story was good enough that I started plugging away at it and I think it will be published in 2026.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
I believe that we are better when we work together, and that asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
We all need to pull some weight. But sometimes, I can pull more weight than another person, and other times, I can let them pull some of mine.
The work will get done and will probably be better because of the combined effort.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What light inside you have you been dimming?
It is easy to accept praise for the writing I do on behalf of others. It is difficult for me to accept praise for my own writing. I’m happy to read about it—a glowing review makes my day—but I squirm when someone tells me face-to-face that they love my books. I need to accept praise gracefully and not demur or deflect.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lynnehancockpearson.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnehancockpearson/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lynne.hancockpearson
Image Credits
Maru Photography; Design Wheel Graphics
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