Interview with Lyn Cote

I’d like to welcome our guest today, Lyn Cote. It’s a pleasure having you come visit us at Much Cheaper Than Therapy, where chocolate is plentiful and advice is free. So grab some chocolate and a lounge chair. Your therapy session has begun.

I understand you have a new release out called Her Patchwork Family. Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?

Her Patchwork Family is the 2^nd book in my "Gabriel Sisters" series for the new Love Inspired Historical line. The Gabriel sisters are Quakers who believe that God has given each of them special gifts and missions to use to heal America after the Civil War. These books are coming out one each December from 2008 to 2010.

Felicity Gabriel has inherited a large house, a mansion really, in a town along the Mississippi River in Illinois right across from St. Louis. She plans to open an orphan's home there. Her neighbors are horrified. They don't want riffraff in their neighborhood. But the real challenge to Felicity is Ty Hawkins' little traumatized daughter. How can she reunite this good man with his child?

Her Patchwork Family is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

My editor. I'm not very good at romance titles.

What made you decide to write in this genre?

I love history and historical fiction. And I love to write about strong women. My blog is http://strongwomenbravestories.blogspot.com/ If you want to read stories of strong women in fiction and in life, drop by!

Are you a plotter or a pantser and how did it affect the writing of this book?

I was going to say a little of both, but I'll amend that to a LOT of both. I plan some and then start writing. When I need something, it just comes.

Did you have to do a lot of research for the book? What are your favorite research books or sites?

I did some research, especially on 19^th century law and the crusade to enact laws that would deal with children offenders differently than adults. My brand is Strong Women, Brave Stories. I love to write stories of strong women who are ahead of their times, stories with a multicultural cast of characters and stories that include authentic history.

Where did you get your idea for this particular book?

I always look for a historical period with a lot of social change. It's easy to find conflict enough for a story there.

Which character did you like writing about the most, and why?

Felicity is a delight. She just never takes no for an answer and is fearless in her zeal to protect and help children. And the hero finds her irresistible too.

Tell us about how you develop your characters. Do you create character sheets, do interviews, that sort of thing? How does your research affect your character development?

I always use Tami Cowden's Archetype book, Kathy Jacobsen's Conflict Grid and a character interview. And of course choosing a name is key.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

Georgette Heyer, Mary Stewart, and Phyllis Whitney.

What do you feel is the most effective promotion you have done for your book?

Writing a book people want to buy is a good idea.

What do we have to look forward next?

The final book in my Texas Star of Destiny series will come out in early 2010. It's title Her Abundant Joy and features a heroine who has just immigrated to Texas in time for the Mexican American War.

Thanks, Lyn!

To win books by Lyn Cote and more!

There are 4 ways to win books which include Lyn’s.

1-Enter the quarterly drawing at http://www.loveinspiredauthors.com

2-Drop by Lyn’s blog http://StrongWomenBraveStories.blogspot.com in a month that she has a new book released. She will give out several copies in a drawing of those who comment during the weeks. In 2009 that includes August, September and December.

3- Drop by my website http://www.LynCote.net and click Meet Lyn Page and scroll to the bottom to join the ChapterAWeek Club. Several times a year, this group gives away a prize of 10 lbs. of autographed books by notable Christian Authors, including Lyn.

4-Join www.goodreads.com and then click on Explore and then Books, there you will find scores of book giveaway drawings which you can sign up for. I give 1-2 copies of each of my new books here.

She will be around all day today. I'm sure some of you have questions or comments for her, so please ask away...

Check out author’s website at www.booksbylyncote.com

Buy www.booksbylyncote.com.