Meet Lynn Emery

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lynn Emery a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lynn, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
In most cases, I learned to do my homework if possible. If I go into a business meeting and know the agenda, I research the topics/issues to be discussed. I like to be armed with at least a bit of background knowledge. If I’m the only or one of the few creatives of color in the room (especially an indie now), I lean into reminding myself what I’ve accomplished. I also work hard at avoiding comparing myself. Sayings may become cliche, but that doesn’t mean they’re not true. Comparison really is the thief of joy!

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m the author of thirty-plus novels. My third novel, After All, became a movie produced by BET (Black Entertainment Television. I authored twelve romantic suspense novels, two paranormal mystery series, a sci-fi mystery trilogy, and a cozy mystery trilogy.

In my other career, I’m a licensed clinical social worker. I have worked in a secure psychiatric hospital, and a juvenile correctional facility, as a child abuse investigator, been designated as an expert court witness twice, and had a host of fascinating encounters.

I’m currently working on Book 6 in the Joliet Sisters Psychic Detectives series. DEAD END will be released in the spring of 2024.

Visit Lynn’s website at www.lynnemery.com
amazon.com/author/lynnemery
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lynn-emery
https://www.facebook.com/lynn.emery.author

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three qualities that have helped me most in my journey are curiosity about a wide range of topics, having a writing routine, and not losing my joy in writing. Let’s take them one by one.

I’ve read everything from the backs of cereal boxes to comics to novels since I was a kid. Non-fiction articles on history and science topics are also favorites. I don’t write historical fiction and never planned to write sci-fi, but the information I’ve inhaled over the years has been useful. I’ve developed plots, settings, backstories, and characters from what seemed like cool but “useless” knowledge.

Developing a writing routine/process has been invaluable to me. First, because I had publisher set deadlines for the first ten years of my publishing career. I have a set place where I write, set times, and keep the resources I need close at hand. Octavia Butler has a fabulous quote that says in part, “Forget inspiration. Habit is more dependable,” and “Habit is persistence in practice.” For me, having a writing routine is having a habit of how to produce your creations. My other favorite quote is from William Faulkner, “I only write when I am inspired. Fortunately, I am inspired at 9 o’clock every morning.”

There is the art/craft of writing and then there’s the business side of publishing. The second can suck the joy out of creating stories we love. The pressure to market, write fast and release, jump on the latest social media wave, etc. can feel overwhelming. Then there is noise from writers and others about sales and the amount of money writers can/should be making. Comparing my career to others has distracted me in the past and led me to question if I should continue. Then I defined success for me. I reminded myself how much I love writing. That led me to turn down the last traditional publishing contract I was offered. Despite knowing full well I would likely not sell to a traditional publisher again, I felt happy, light as a feather. I started writing books I wanted to write, Don’t lose your joy!

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?
Scene & Structure by Jack M. Bickham was by far the most helpful book I read back when I was writing my first three novels. I sold my first book before it was finished and got a two book contract with an option clause for a third book. I was terrified. I had to nail down my writing routine and craft compelling stories. Bickham said blind luck or coincidence has to be accepted in real life. But the fiction reader demands credibility. This continues to keep me on the right track when plotting, especially mysteries.

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