Recently, I had the privilege of attending the She Speaks conference in Concord, NC. I had never been to this particular conference, but because I am starting to get requests to speak at various events, I thought it might be a good idea to take the speaking track. On Friday, we had a three minute presentation and on Saturday, we had a five minute one. I thought I would share with you my three minute one. It went something like this:

Hello, I’m Lynette Eason and I’m a writer. Which is why I’m taking the speaking track. Yeah. Right. Go figure.

Now, I’ll be honest. When I first started writing, I had no idea what getting published would entail. But apparently people think that if you can write and get published, you can speak. And while I’m sure that’s true for a lot of writers, for others, like me, it’s not so true.

Speaking is not where my comfort zone is. But God didn’t call me to stay in my comfort zone. And I’ve always believed Him when he said, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” I was willing, But I wasn’t sure how I was supposed to do that. I mean, I was married now, with other responsibilities. So what was my role now in furthering the kingdom of God? At first I thought that maybe I was supposed to volunteer at church or ride on the tail of my husband’s ministry.

You see, about 14 ½ years ago, I got married to a guy whose job entailed a lot of travel. He was doing praise and worship music all over the country and I thought that I was just supposed to do whatever I could to help him in his ministry. Which was not a bad thing at all. I was willing to do that.

So, at first, I went with him as much as possible, but then we had our first child and I stayed home. A lot. Alone. The only adult in the house for days on end. Sure, I did MOPS and play dates and that kind of thing, but the nights were the worst. I was lonely. Crying myself to sleep didn’t seem like a really good way to end the day. So one day, I was trying to figure out something I could do to ease the loneliness. And something inside me – God? said, “Why don’t you write that book you keep saying you want to write?”

I thought, yeah, why don’t I do that?

So, in 1999, I pulled out an old laptop my husband had and started writing the great American novel that I just KNEW was going to be a best-seller, glorify God and make me rich, too. Ministering to others through my books and glorifying God was the most important part, of course, but if He so chose to bless me financially then by all means I would graciously accept that.

Thirteen books later, I still live in the same house, I don’t own any beach front property or have an amazing stock portfolio. Or even a mansion on a hill. But I’m so honored to get emails from readers who say that my books have touched their lives, that God became real to them through the characters and words He allowed me to create and have published. And I’m thrilled to say that I DO have a mansion waiting on me. And it’s in heaven where I’ll spend eternity praising my King. And I pray that one day, my Savior will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Happy Monday to all, hope you have a great week!

Threat of Exposure Interview

Today we're welcoming Brock Martin, the hero of Threat of Exposure (book 5 in the Texas Rangers Justice continuity series) by Lynette Eason, released May 2010.

Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.

1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense. After Gisella rescued my hide, I found out we were going to be partners. Her captain, Gregory Pike, had been killed and his killer was still out there. We figured out a clue we needed to track down and ended up in Boot Hill, TX. We were decidedly unwelcome in this little town, but we were determined to find the answers we were looking for in spite of the danger that dogged us constangly.

2. So, during the book you met Gisella Hernandez. Tell us a bit about her. What was your first impression? My first impression of Gisella was that she had perfect timing. She saved my life when an informant sold me out and tried to kill me. I thought she was just beautiful and I was mad a the powers that be who would send a woman into this kind of situation. I mean, I respected her position with the Rangers, but this was a highly sensitive dangerous thing she was involved in. It scared me.

3. What strengths/skills do you have? I’m good at my job. I can be patient when needed, but also act when it’s necessary. What is your greatest weakness? I’m a bit of a rogue. Up to now, I’ve been kind of a one man show. I need to slow down and realize having a partner is a good thing. I need to learn to think about others and how my actions will affect them.

4. What scares you? At first, I was really afraid to put my heart out there. I’d seen first hand that the job and relationships don’t mix well. But Gisella was just irresistible. And now I’m scared to death I’m going to lose her.

5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I wouldn’t be so influenced by my past.

6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story? Not really in a good place. I believed in God, but had a hard time believing he really cared about me. I’ve been so busy rescuing other people, I didn’t realize that I was one of the ones in need of rescuing.

7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story? Gisella showed me the way back to Christ. Watching her, listening to her share her faith, all made me realize what I was missing. I wanted what she had.

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant. Psalm 7:6 – “Arise, O Lord, in your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies. Awake, my God; decree justice.” This book was about justice. Finding justice for their captain, putting away one more bad guy in the name of justice. It’s also about God’s justice, that in the end, he will rise up and defeat our enemies. Justice.

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why? Chocolate. Everyone loves it.

MISSING INTERVIEW

Today we're welcoming Lacey Gibson, the heroine of MISSING by Lynette Eason, released January 2011.
Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.

Indeed I have. It’s amazing how you can plan everything so carefully and then life throws you a curveball like you never imagined.


1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense. I’m Lacey Gibson, a mom first and graphic designer second. My fifteen year old daughter, Bethany, and I just moved back here to Spartanburg, SC. I was a teenage mother. My father was a strict, hardnosed man with a congregation that wouldn’t understand the pastor’s daughter turning up pregnant. So, they sent me off to a home for unwed mothers. Yes, they still have those. I had my baby and carved a life for us, barely scraping by, but we made it. With God’s help and the help of the people He put in our paths. Before long, I knew I needed to move home and take care of things from the past. One of those things was to make amends with my parents. Unfortunately, just as we started doing that, Bethany disappeared.

2. So, during the book you met MASON STONE. Tell us a bit about him. What was your first impression? When did you know it was love? Mason was my first love back in high school. In fact, you know those things from the past I moved home to take care of? Well, Mason was one of them. He’s Bethany’s father only he doesn’t know it. Somehow, I’ve got to find the courage to tell him about her. And beg his forgiveness for waiting so long to do so.

3. What strengths/skills do you have? What is your greatest weakness? Strengths? I’m a bulldog. I get my mind set on something and you might as well not bother trying to get me to change it. Which can also be a drawback, a weakness. Stubbornness gets me in trouble a lot.

4. What scares you? Life sometimes. I get overwhelmed, wondering if I’m doing enough, if I’m a good enough mother. It’s hard raising a teen alone and I’m scared I’m going to mess her up permanently.
5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would learn how to ask for help. It’s so hard for me to do that because I’ve been on my own for so long.
6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story? I’m a relatively new Christian who wants to do what God wants even when I don’t understand why He’s telling me to do something.

7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story? Still a new Christian, but definitely a stronger one. One who’d faith was tested—and came out true. I learned God is exactly who He says He is.

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant. “My Son,” the father said, “you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” – Luke 15:31-32. I’ve always loved the parable of the prodigal son. The child who took his inheritance, squandered it, and then returned home willing to be a slave in his father’s house if only he could live there once again. Instead, his father welcomed him home and threw a party for him. In MISSING, Bethany was making a lot of bad choices. One of those choices put her in a bad position and even played a role in her best friend’s death to a small degree. However, while she wasn’t necessarily a prodigal, she was a lost child trying to find her way home again. When she finally did, she found out how truly special she really was in the sight of her parents and her Lord and how much they loved her.

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why? Anything chocolate because everyone LOVES chocolate.


Thank you Lynette for sharing Lacey with us today. This sounds like an exciting story!

NANOWRIMO

Hi all, Lynette Eason here.

Today is the first day of Nanowrimo. I just finished up NovelTrack where you set your own goal. I set a goal of 50,000 and only made 36,000. BUT, I have an excuse. I had emergency gall bladder surgery and that knocked me for a loop and off my word count for several days. Very disappointing.

Anway, I’ve moved past the month of October and decided to go with Nanowrimo for the month of November. With Nanowrimo, the goal is set for you. 50,000 words in one month. The idea is to write a book in a month.

I decided to take it seriously this year and do it. One reason is because I have a book due on January 2, 2011 and think this will motivate me to keep writing even when I want to procrastinate or quit for the day. To do 50,000 words in one month, you have to write 1,667 words a day. I set a goal of 2,000 a day simply because I like round numbers. Ha.

How about you guys. Are any of you going for the 50,000 word goal?

If so, best of luck to you.

Lynette

Protective Custody Interview

Today we're welcoming Nicholas Floyd, the hero of Protective Custody, by Lynette Eason, released in August 2010. Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.


1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense. Apparently, I made some pretty powerful people mad. I’m a judge and refused to recuse myself from an important case that’s getting ready to go to trial. Because I don’t believe in giving in to threats, I need the Marshal services to protect me and my familiy.

2. So, during the book you met Carly Masterson. Tell us a bit about her. What was your first impression? When did you know it was love? Carly is an amazing woman. I first met her two years ago before my wife was killed. She struck me as a very caring person, but she’s also stubborn and bull-headed. I knew it was love when I started seeing the more vulnerable side of her. As I learned more about what made her Carly, I started falling in love more every time I was around her—which was a lot considering she was one of the marshals assigned to protect my family.

3. What strengths/skills do you have? I’m stubborn, I have very strong convictions about what’s right and wrong. What is your greatest weakness? My greatest weakness would have to be my desire to be in control. I don’t like to be threatened and I refuse to give in—no matter the cost.

4. What scares you? Loving and losing. I’ve already lost two women who were very important to me. Loving and losing Carly would just about be the end of me. But I’m willing to chance it.
5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I can’t seem to relax anymore. Now that I’m raising two children, I need to learn to laugh more. Carly brings that out in me occasionally.
6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story? I’ve learned the hard way that God is who he says he is. My faith is strong, but throughout the adventure I had to really dig deep for every ounce of trust in me—especially after my nephew is kidnapped.

7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story? Stronger in it. God really showed up in a big way and I’m so grateful for his faithfulness.
8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant. Psalm 27:5 – “For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.” I had to rely on that. We were hiding from the bad guys and it just seemed like they found us no matter where we went. God protected us through that and was faithful to keep us in his shelter.


9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why?
Probably a chocolate brownie – nothing fancy, nothing complicated. Just straight up chocolate. I’m pretty much a “what you see is what you get” kind of guy. I like that about chocolate, too.

Wow, intriguing story. Thank you Lynette for sharing Nicholas with us.

FEATURED BOOK: PROTECTIVE CUSTODY BY LYNETTE EASON

Guarding witnesses? All in a day's work for deputy U.S. marshal Carly Masterson. Protecting the judge who was indirectly responsible for her mentor's death? That's another story. Still, she won't let harm come to Judge Nicholas Floyd, or the niece and nephew in his care. She's determined to do the job right, and not let her emotions take over—no matter how wonderful it feels to be accepted by the little family. Can she let go of the past and learn to trust again before danger finds them once more?

Interviews from My Deadly Valentine

Today we're welcoming Eli Brody, the hero of Dark Obsession (one of the novellas in the My Deadly Valentine anthology) by Lynette Eason, released February 2010.

1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense. I came home to help take care of my dad who was hurt trying to break an ornery horse. He’d been trying to get me to come back to help him on the ranch, but I was living in New York and working as a detective with the police force. But once I came home, I was shocked to discover how much I actually missed it—and Holly Maddox.

2. So, during the book you met Holly Maddox. Tell us a bit about her. What was your first impression? My first impression of Holly was when we were in elementary school together and she punched the class bully for stealing my lunch money. I thought she was the greatest thing ever. When did you know it was love? Honestly? Not until my partner died from cancer. I watched his wife stay by his side, support him, love him right to the very end. It finally hit me that Holly was that kind of woman and I’d been a very stupid man for leaving her behind.

3. What scares you? Losing Holly forever. I used to be scared of commitment, but finally came to my senses. Only now, with Holly, it might be too late. I’m praying that I can hold on and be patient and show her I’m really a changed man.

4. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story and at the end of the story? ? I’ve just come to realize that God is who He says He is and that I need to trust him fully for all things in my life. On my knees thanking God for sparing Holly from a horrible death—and for instilling forgiveness in her heart.


5. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant. Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge him and he will keep your path straight.” I just think this says it all. Trust is very hard for some people and it sure was for Holly. I’d really messed things up with her and wasn’t sure if she’d ever forgive me, but she did. She followed God’s directive and forgave me. As a result, we found ourselves falling in love all over again and now are very happy together.



Today we're welcoming Rachel Hollister, the heroine of DANGEROUS ADMIRER, part of the novella, MY DEADLY VALENTINE, by Valerie Hansen, Feb. 2010.

1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense.
Hey, it wasn’t my fault. I was just minding my own business and running my little shop when somebody started doing crazy things to me.

2. So, during the book you met Deputy Jace Morgan. Tell us a bit about him. What was your first impression? When did you know it was love?
I had problems accepting him because of his profession, at first. After all, my dad was a cop and he was the bossiest human being on the face of the earth. Still is.

3. What strengths/skills do you have? What is your greatest weakness?
I admit it. I’m a softie. I really love others. Which is why it bothered me to have to admit that someone had a grudge against me. I had no idea that my father’s interference could be making the problem worse.

4. What scares you?
There was a time when I would have said, NOTHING. That all changed when creepy things began to happen to me and I realized that it was the unknown element of the attacks that was the most frightening. If I hadn’t been a Christian and been able to rely on my faith, I don’t know what I’d have done!

5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Right now, I’d probably wish that I didn’t have such a vivid imagination. Between the type of ongoing threats and the fact that Serenity is a small town, I figured I must know my stalker. That made me wish I were a better judge of character. If it hadn’t been for Jace…. I don’t even want to think about what might have happened to me.

Thank you Lynette and Val for sharing Eli and Rachel with us today. What an exciting collection!

A Silent Pursuit Interview

Today we're welcoming Gina Santino, the heroine of A SILENT PURSUIT by Lynette Eason, November 2009.

Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.

You’re not kidding! I thought for sure I was going to die before it was all over with. Fortunately, God was watching over me and it all worked out.


1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense. I was engaged to a man who was in the special forces. He was an Army Ranger. Before he died, he managed to steal something very important to some very dangerous people. After he was killed, those people decided to come after me because they couldn’t find what they were after. I didn’t have it, but they didn’t believe me. I managed to escape an attempt on my life and reluctantly called my fiance’s ex-best friend, Ian Masterson to help me out.

2. So, during the book you met Ian Masterson. Tell us a bit about him. I met Ian when I was engaged to Mario. They were in the same Ranger Unit and were tight friends until something happened to send Ian transferring to another unit. It shocked me when I found out why. But it also showed me his strength of character and the depth of his incredible integrity.

What was your first impression? First impression? I didn’t really have one when it came to Ian. I was engaged to Mario so didn’t look at other men. But when Ian showed up just in time to rescue me from a killer, I definitely looked twice.

When did you know it was love? When I realized the risks he took for me—and realized he loved me like no one else, not even my fiancé—did.

3. What strengths/skills do you have? I’m a real estate agent. I’m good at talking to people and reading body language to find out what makes people tick. I’m also creative and loyal to a fault.

What is your greatest weakness? I’m impatient and tend not to listen when I’m told to do something—especially if someone tells me it’s for my own good! And I’m not real good at asking for help. Fortunately, that fault didn’t get me killed.

4. What scares you? The feeling of being disloyal, of not having the courage to move on with my life. I don’t want to be stuck in the past, but sometimes the future just seems so overwhelming.
5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I wouldn’t be so eager to jump into the middle of danger. I’d listen to those with more wisdom than I have. I’m learning though!
6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story? God was my one constant. I knew that without him, I wouldn’t make it through what all was happening in my life.

7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story? Grateful to God for bringing us through. I won’t say I didn’t have a few doubts along the way, but I made the choice to trust him no matter what and he was faithful to see us through.

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant.
I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. Psalm 61:4
While on the run from the killers, Gina took shelter in the refuge of God’s love and held on to God’s promises.

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why? Anything chocolate…just because what is life without chocolate???

Thank you, Lynette for sharing Gina with us today. Can't wait to read this book.

A Silent Fury Interview

Today we're welcoming Catelyn Clark, the heroine of A SILENT FURY, by Lynette Eason, September, 2009. Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.


1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense.
I’m a homicide detective with the local police department. When someone dies, I usually get the call. Only this time I was caught off guard when the killer decided to come after me!

2. So, during the book you met Joseph Santino. Tell us a bit about him.
Joseph is an FBI agent who was in New York. He can be quite infuriating, I’ll tell you that right off.
What was your first impression?
That he hadn’t changed one bit than the last time I saw him—which was two years ago. When did you know it was love? All right, time for some honesty, I suppose. I’ve always been in love with Joseph. From the time I was a teenager up until I saw him again at the murder scene. We’d almost gotten engaged two years ago, but I…um…sort of messed that up and he left. After I sort of told him to. I didn’t really want him to go, but didn’t know how to tell him that at the time. So he left…and took my heart with him.

3. What strengths/skills do you have?
I’m tenacious. I’m good at what I do, which is catching killers and I’m loyal to a fault. What is your greatest weakness? I jump to conclusions sometimes and can hold on to a grudge better than any pit bull. A stupid thing to do in my profession, I know. I think I was really disillusioned there for a while and just had to find a way to deal with the pain in my life. But God is good and He brought me through it.

4. What scares you?
Loving and then being left.

5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wouldn’t be so cynical. I hide it pretty well in some instances, but I don’t trust easily. I want to be more open, more willing to accept people at face value instead of looking for their bad side.

6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story?
I’m mad at God and don’t even really know it.

7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story?
I’ve come to realize that God is who He says He is and I’ve changed on the journey to that understanding. I like myself and the fact that I can love and trust Joseph in a way I never thought I’d be able to.

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant.
Psalms 37:8-9 – “Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.” I had to learn to deal with my anger in a way that was honoring to the Lord. I had to turn away from bitterness and unforgiveness and that was a hard lesson to learn, but God is good and because I was obedient to Him, he blessed me in ways I never imagined.

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why?
Probably a lemon meringue pie. Because I can be sweet and tart all at the same time!

Thank you for sharing Catelyn with us today. This sounds like an intriguing story.

A Silent Terror Interview

Today we're welcoming Ethan O’Hara, the hero of A SILENT TERROR, by Lynette Eason, March 2009. Wow, you've just had quite an adventure.


1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to be in the midst of such suspense.
I’m a detective with the local police force. My partner and I were out when we got a call about a 911 emergency. When we got to the home of Marianna Santino, we found that she had come home from work and discovered her roommate had been murdered.

2. So, during the book you met Marianna Santino. Tell us a bit about her.. What was your first impression? When did you know it was love?
Wow, where do I start? Marianna is such a vibrant, beautiful woman. Absolutely incredible. When I first saw her she was sobbing at the side of her murdered roommate and friend. I also realized she was deaf. But she pulled herself together and was determined to help us find out who killed the girl. That takes strength and that was impressive to me. As for love, I think I knew the moment I looked into her dark brown eyes. But I wouldn’t admit it for the longest time. My partner, Catelyn Clark, knew though. She still hounds me about that fact to this day.

3. What strengths/skills do you have?
I’m confident in my job for the most part. I have the ability to spot trouble and ward it off most of the time.
What is your greatest weakness?
Marianna. I care about her too much and it scares me. All the people I care about seem to either die or disappear out of my life. I suppose I have low expectations of people so I won’t be terribly disappointed when they meet them.

4. What scares you?
Going to sleep at night and having the nightmares press in on me.

5. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Probably my sense of extreme responsibility. Because of my past, I don’t want to be responsible for anyone again. And when I end up having to protect yet another person I love, it scares me to death.

6. Where are you in your faith at the start of your story?
Questioning God. Frankly, I’m just mad at Him for allowing tragedy to strike for no reason. I don’t like things I can’t explain and tragedy is one of those things that complete confounds me.

7. Where are you in your faith at the end of the story?
I realize God has a plan in everything. He’s sovereign and just and He loves us more than we can ever comprehend.

8. You've got a scripture at the beginning of the story. Tell us why this scripture is significant.
Psalms 17: 8-9. “Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings, from the wicked who assail me, from my mortal enemies who surround me.” I think this is a fitting scripture as we needed God’s protection throughout the story. Without Him “hiding us in the shadow of his wings” we never would have made it through the whole ordeal. We had some very wicked people who were willing to do whatever it took to get what they wanted, so God’s protection was a vital part of keeping us alive.

9. If you could be a dessert what would you be and why? LOL! Um, probably something chocolate. Because it reminds me of Marianna’s eyes.

Chocolate is always a hit! Thank you Lynette for sharing Ethan with us today. This sounds like an exciting read!

Killing me softly - with words

Killing me Softly – with words—

I love words! The way they sound, the way they go together, what they mean –the stories they become. I began reading at a really young age and as a child I remember being fascinated by the suspense stories, the who-dunnits, the mysteries. Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys were favorites. I loved the danger and the scary music.

With that kind of background, I suppose it was only natural for me to turn to suspense when I started writing. The thrill of building a story, the background for the characters and writing a bad guy…wow! Just the other day I sent my editor a thank you note for letting me have this job…LOL.

But one thing that seems to come up on a regular basis is the question – “Why do you write Christian Suspense?” Sure, I could write a book, focused on the mystery, the characters, and the plot, but to me, when you leave the faith element out, your characters become two dimensional. Why? Because we’re not two dimensional beings. God made us with a spirit so in order to have characters that don’t fall flat, it’s my opinion that an author must include the faith element.

I’m so blessed that I get to write about my Lord. Each book is like a devotional for me because as I’m writing all the action and suspense, I get to call on God for help, I get to thank Him for his faithfulness and goodness, I get to tell Him how awesome He is on each and every page of the story. It’s like one ongoing conversation with my heavenly Father. How incredible is that?

So, that’s why I chose Christian suspense—and why I like to kill my readers softly with a story that rocks and a God who loves.