Thank you so much for hosting me today at Joyfully Interviewed, I’m very pleased to be here. – W. Lynn

What is your most current work out?

My latest release is Breaking Delia’s Rules available from Breathless Press.

Tell us a little about Breaking Delia’s Rules, what inspired you to write Breaking Delia’s Rules?

Delia has just three rules for dating. First a man should never assume he’s the only one. Second, he must stick to his scheduled date and time. Third—and most important—no sex. Enforcing the rules has never been a problem until she meets the hottie from the pool.

Jace has five days to make every moment count. The more time he spends with Delia, the more he realizes she may be The One. With the clock ticking, he realizes there is only one course of action left to take if he wants Delia’s heart. Can he convince Delia that rules are meant to be broken?

When you start writing, do you already have the story plotted out or do you let the characters dictate what will happen?

I have a general idea of where the story is going, but as far as how I get there, the characters dictate.

What inspired you to write in your genre? Is this the genre you started writing in or have you morphed to this one?

It was reading one too many Harlequin novels as a teenager. I was tired of seeing the same cookie cutter plot. I wanted to see something different, something to which I could relate. So I put pen to paper and have been writing romance ever since.

Do you have a favorite character you have written?

It seems no matter how many stories I write, my favorite still leans towards Trisha, a character who has not yet seen the public spotlight, but I’m hoping she will.

Who was the toughest character for you to “get right” that you have written so far?

I’d have to say Matthew Sinclair the hero in Seducing His Wife. He started out a little rough and unlikeable according to some of the feedback I received. After a few rounds with my CP, Matt turned into a pretty nice guy.

Do you draw inspiration for your characters from real life? Any fun stories you could share?

I do. So traits are just too good not to immortalize on paper.

What do you find the hardest part of writing?

Lately the hardest part has been going through the editing process. I find I want to create, not trim more from the story.

Name one thing that your readers would be surprised to know about you.

I hate shopping.

Do you have a guilty pleasure?

Gene Simmons’ Family Jewels. Just love that show.

What do you need before you start writing? Anything that is just a must have or the creative juice don’t flow?

Chocolate. I must have chocolate. Peanut M&M’s work pretty well, but now I’ve learned about chocolate covered pretzels. (aren’t they just amazing? – interviewer comment)

Does music influence your writing?If so, do any of your stories have a theme song?

Yes. I write many of the love scenes to R&B hits from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s.

If your story was optioned for a movie, who would play your characters?

Funny you should ask, I was thinking about this very question the other day. I think I would like Kerry Washington to Delia and either Morris Chestnut or Mykai Phiffer to play Jace.

Where were you when you got your first contract? Who did you tell first?

I was sitting in a hotel room in Columbus, OH. Do you know how hard it is to not squeal and jump up and down when you’re in a semi-public place? I called my sister, but she didn’t answer. Then I called my dad and once I calmed down enough to tell him he was just as excited.

How old were you when you read your first romance book?

I think I was at least nine when I read my first romance and from there I was hooked. I read any and everything I could get my hands on.

What author causes you to “go fan girl”/squeal over/anticipate upcoming books?

I’ve met so many wonderful authors on my journey. Anytime I hear Emma Lai or Mari Carr. I know I have to buy their latest work.

If you still have one of those pesky non writing jobs what is it?

I miss my pesky non-writing job. I was a cake decorator and a pretty good one too.

What are you currently working on, and what else is in the wings?

I’m currently working on a couple of manuscripts for upcoming anthologies. My short sensual erotic Mistletoe Mambo will release in Still Moments Christmas Treats Anthology in December. I have another short story due to released from Whispers in January and that one in titled Decadent Seconds.

If you could co-write with another author who would it be?

I honestly don’t know with whom I would co-author a novel. I’ve never given it any thought. Well unless you count the round robin I’m writing a free short story with three other amazing authors and quite frankly I’m terrified.

How do you pick your characters names?

I build a picture of what they look like in my mind and try to come up with a name that fits. Although I tend to stay away from many of the usual names unless it fits the story.

Do you prefer the love at first sight approach or a steady growth throughout?

It really depends on the characters and the plot. Some have a love at first sight, while others take a moment of two to cultivate the love.

What is your reaction to people who say one of the following…”Oh you write romance, I thought you were a real writer”, “Romance isn’t a real writing career” or the ever popular “Oh, one of those books”.

To be honest I haven’t gotten those reactions, and because of what my hubby does, I only tell a few people what I really do. Although many people know I write, just not what genre. However when I do tell them their reaction is “How cool is that?” or “Have you written anything else?”

Where can readers find you?

My Blog
Email
Twitter
Facebook
My Website

And for the silly side – What is your favorite type of chocolate?

I simply adore milk chocolate. Throw nuts, toffee, or caramel in the mix and I’m a friend for life.