Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.
Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?
Lynnse: Hey Y’all! My name is Lynnse Merfert and I am 27 years young.
Fiona: Where are you from?
Lynnse: I originally hail from West Virginia, but currently live in New Jersey.
Fiona: A little about your self (ie, your education, family life, etc.).
Lynnse: My life has been sort-of a whirlwind. I have delved into many career fields to include Ocean Lifeguarding, EMT, and most recently as a Police Officer. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and an Emergency Medical Technician Certificate. My husband is a police officer and we have two kids: a dog named Oakley and a cat named Lillie!
Fiona: Tell us your latest news.
Lynnse: I am super excited to announce that the second book in my, “Pawl the Police Dog Series”, will be in print in less than a month!
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
Lynnse: I first began to write in just the second grade. For so many years, I dreamed of stories and conjured up ideas in my head. I just couldn’t contain my fingers from writing down these ideas and turning them into novels. It is my greatest passion in life.
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Lynnse: As said above, I have been writing since just the second grade, however, I didn’t really consider my self a “true writer” until I published my very first book just 4 years ago.
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
Lynnse: In second grade I had a wonderful teacher named Mrs. Aliveto. She always encouraged us to be creative by giving us really thoughtful writing topics. She inspired me to write my first children’s book, “The Magic Writer”. I remember we all invited our parents into class and got to share our work. Mine was a hit!
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
Lynnse: I think I dreamed the book, honestly. Many of my novels come from dreams that I have so I think that’s how I came up with the name, “The Magic Writer”. The book just focuses on this amazing magic that helps a child write.
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?
Lynnse: I like to think that I don’t. I have published children’s books, horror books, romantic books, ect. I just write what I am feeling in the moment. There is no particular genre for me … I just write.
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Lynnse: Most of my novels take place in a particular town that I have either been to, have roots in, or have grown up/lived in. I like to focus around areas that I truly know by heart .. that way, the reader can relate to the environment if they have ever been to that particular place.
Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?
Lynnse: No, I have already been to the places that I write about (unless they are completely made up towns in my children’s books, of course!)
Fiona: Who designed the covers?
Lynnse: All of my book covers have been designed by me besides my new book, “Pawl the Police Dog: Catching Clawse”. That book cover was designed by my lovely publisher: Mascot Books.
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Lynnse: Oh, yes!! In my “Pawl The Police Dog” Series books I have taken up a platform that focuses on police relations. It is extremely important for children in our communities to have good relationships with police officers and vise versa. In this series, I hope to bring together officers and children to develop lasting friendships and connections.
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest? Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?
Lynnse: There is a new author that has emerged in the last year. Her name is Miranda Middleman and she writes the series, “Paws and Think!” I think it’s such a great way to connect with children in a fun way.
My all-time favorite writer is Stephen King. His work is absolutely genius and it scares the lights out of me! I aspire to be like him every single day.
Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.
Lynnse: My really good friend Chris Godwin has supported me since the 2nd grade. He even bought my books to put in the library at the school that he works at! So awesome.
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
Lynnse: I absolutely do. I truly wish that I could do it full-time, and maybe one day I will be able to!
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Lynnse: Nope! I love every single page!
Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?
Lynnse: I always strive to learn something about myself when I write new books. When writing something new, you have to dig deep down into your own heart and bones and that always reveals new things about yourself! I have learned truly how much love and passion that I have for many things in this life while writing my most recent book. It was a great awakening!
Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?
Lynnse: If “Pawl The Police Dog” was made into a film, I would definitely have my dog, Oakley, play the lead. The lead dog in my book and Oakley totally have the same personalities! (At least I like to imagine so!)
Fiona: Any advice for other writers?
Lynnse: JUST WRITE! Ignore what anyone else has to say about your work. Do it for YOU and for the love you have! NEVER QUIT!
Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?
Lynnse: THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for reading the words that I write. It means the world to me.
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
Lynnse: I am reading “It” by Stephen King.
Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
Lynnse: Yes! It was called, “The Goblins In The Castle”. Such a good book.
Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?
Lynnse: So many things make me laugh and not many things make me cry. I love to see other people happy and smiling … I think that is my favorite.
Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?
Lynnse: Yes! Stephen King and Jesus. Stephen King because he is my utmost inspiration and Jesus because he is the sole reason why I am here.
Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?
Lynnse: I have many hobbies. I love to exercise, kayak, hike, explore the world and eat delicious foods.
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
Lynnse: I don’t really watch a whole lot of T.V., but when I do I am watching the Bachelor.
Fiona: Favorite foods, colors, music?
Lynnse: Oh these are tough ones. Lets see … my favorite food is a big eclair (my mouth is watering right now!). My favorite colorsare pink, yellow and burgundy. My favorite music is country.
Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?
Lynnse: My brain would most likely explode from all of the stories running around in my head!! I just simply cannot imagine a future like that!
Fiona: You only have 24 hours to live how would you spend that time?
Lynnse: I would spend it with family by my side, laughing and reminiscing on my life with them.
Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone?
Lynnse: Do not mourn for I am not here. I am with Jesus.
Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?
Lynnse: I sure do! My blog is: https://coffeesassandalotofclass.wordpress.com/ ,
my author page is: https://www.amazon.com/Lynnse-Elisabeth-Spencer/e/B01DTM6TYQ
and my facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/TheMagicWriter/ .
Thank you for your time!!
Reblogged this on Coffee, Sass, & A lot of Class. and commented:
My author interview!
You seem to have a strong desire to protect and serve others – something we could use more of in this world. Best of luck to you.
Thank you so much!