Today, we’re visiting with Lynn Hobbs.  Lynn took up writing in earnest after she retired from the Texas Public school system.  She has published short stories, poems, songs, and novels. She was a finalist in The authors Show.com search for great writers.  She also competed in the 2011 National Novel Writers Month.

Jim:  .Let’s start with the 2011 NaNoWriMo award. What did you have on October 31? An idea or an outline? How did you get started?

Lynn:  I had many ideas of continuing my main character’s journey from my first book, Sin, Secrets, and Salvation into a series and on Nov.1st I began. I wrote and completed the 50,000 word manuscript in 30 days.  Later, I added over 12,000 more words and went back to edit.  This is where the second book in my Running Forward Series, River Town, originated.

Jim:  Worldwide Who’s Who awarded you ”Professional of the Year 2012 in Authorship.” Tell us a little about that.

Lynn:  I am a Life Time member of that organization. With over 500,000 members representing every major industry, it is a powerful networking resource with effective branding and marketing tools. Only a small selection of members in each discipline are chosen yearly for this distinction.

Honorees are distinguished based on their professional accomplishments, academic achievements, leadership abilities, years of service, and credentials provided for membership

Jim:  You’ve written poetry, songs, short stories, and now novels. Which is your favorite venue and why?

Lynn:  I should start at how my writing began and how it progressed. I moved to East Texas from Houston with my family as a young teen. My mother had sixteen brothers and sisters living in the Houston area. I missed all the aunts, uncles and cousins and wrote long, descriptive letters ‘home’ to them. They passed my letters around and loved my descriptions. I was so encouraged by them that I began writing short stories, and then poetry. A natural born storyteller, I soon branched out into songwriting. In 1980 I became a published gospel songwriter with a record company in California. I framed a copy of my first royalty check. Over the years they recorded more of my material. I enjoyed entering my poetry in contests with various publishers and won plaques that I still display today. My poetry is published in many anthologies. Yet, I still wanted to write more in depth. I kept journals, and returned to writing short stories.  When I retired, I immediately jumped back into my passion for writing. Since completing two of the three books in my series, writing novels is definitely my favorite. You are not as limited as with the other venues.

Jim:  What prompted you to start your novel writing career with a series?

Lynn:  I worked for over thirty years and have witnessed many women who were belittled by their husbands, either at the post office, a bank, or in a store. The worse mental abuse I watched was at a grocery store. A husband and wife were shopping. The wife had stopped to read ingredients on a can. A young woman could not get by the wife. The husband jerked his wife by the elbow, yelled “get out of her way” and pulled the wife away. My heart went out to her. It was a passing moment in time, but it stayed with me. I wanted to show how no one has to remain in an abusive situation.

Jim:  Was it difficult going from poetry and short stories to full length novels?

Lynn:  Some of my poetry was almost too long! I enjoyed all venues of writing but wanted the length of a novel to add everything I possibly could to the story. It was like exploring unknown territory. I loved it, so no; it was not a difficult transition.

Jim:  When you started the series, did you have an idea of what the plots would be for books 2 and 3?

Lynn:  Yes, in general. I wanted to give Christian encouragement in many areas and still have intrigue.

Jim:  The second book in the series, River Town, is due out in December 2012. Tell us a little about it.

Lynn:  Here is the blurb: Action-packed, inspiring, full of suspense; a powerful faith and family saga. Susan Penleigh relocates to Texas during the worst drought in history, with terrifying wildfires, a new job at a high school, and many people to challenge her faith. From troubled teenagers to an arrogant boss, follow a woman’s journey through scripture with modern family issues. A compelling page turner that will enthrall both men and women!

Jim:  What’s your goal for publishing book 3 in the series?

Lynn:  I am writing book three now, and am on chapter five. It will be presented to my publisher for publication in 2013.

Jim:  How do you promote your books?

Lynn:  My website: www.LynnHobbsAuthor.com, advertising on events, my author page on Amazon.com, Goodreads.com, Barnes and Noble, Kindle, Nook, and LinkedIn.  Also book signings at libraries, restaurants, speaking engagements at churches, Women’s Retreat’s, Lions Clubs, etc. Twitter, Facebook (timeline and author page). Walgreens in Marshall, Texas carries my book, as does Back To The Books bookstore in Manitou Springs, Colorado, and through amazon.com I am selling my book in Europe.

Jim:  Do you have a suggestion for fellow writers?

Lynn:  Yes. Sign up at TheAuthor’sShow.com for an interview. I did for The Christian Author’s Show and I was approved. I was also in their contest and made the finals in the “50 Great Authors You Should Be Reading in 2012” contest. I was honored to be in the company with 112 other finalists. Voting was then done by the public and although I didn’t make it into the top 50, I am still so honored to be a finalist! This program is heard nation- wide and is a great way for your book to be marketed.

I encourage all writers to attend workshops and conferences. We can all learn something new each day!

Jim:  Thanks, Lynn, for visiting and for sharing many of the key points in your writing life.  Christian fiction is very popular now and you seemed to be poised to take advantage of that. Good luck with River Town, which should be released within the next few weeks.

You can find out more about Lynn Hobbs by visiting her website at:  www.LynnHobbsAuthor.com.  Her books are in paperback and e-book formats.

And I encourage you to leave her a comment.Just click on the “Replies” link just below and on the right, or click on the little balloon at the upper right of this post.  Thanks.