Welcome to Author Wednesday. Today Lyssa Layne, the author of the Burning Lovesick Series, starring heroic and hunky firefighters. She’s just published Book 2, Burst Into Flame. 
She stops by Author Wednesday to tell us a little bit about herself and her new book. She sent me a quote to begin her description of the novel:
“In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.” -Albert Schweitzer
Blurb for Burst Into Flame: For Dr. Katy Garrity, life is a whirlwind, and the New York Fire Department is the heart of the storm. After claiming so many people she loved, including her own husband, Katy is left adrift, trying to keep up with a busy career, a baby son, and her loving extended family.
Her only anchor is Jesse O’Neil, her late husband’s best friend. The charming former playboy has put his entire life on hold to care for Katy and her son. It’s inevitable that sparks will flare between them, but all of life seems to be conspiring to keep them apart. Especially Katy’s own heart, which shies away from trusting another firefighter.
Hello, Lyssa. I love the description of this novel. I’m glad you stopped by today so we can get to know one another a little bit better after meeting in the Romance in a Month class. By the way, Lyssa and I are going to be featured in a box set this holiday season with nine other fantastic writers of romance. You’ll be hearing much more about Heroes to Swoon For Box Set in the coming weeks. I couldn’t resist the plug, Lyssa. But let’s get back to you and your roots as a writer. When did you first discover your voice as a writer?
I’ve always been a writer since I was in elementary school. I still remember my first “book” I wrote when I was in fourth grade. The characters were named Tuesday and January. Maybe I’ll have to revisit that story when I have time.
I hope you kept the book in a file somewhere. That’s quite ambitious for fourth grade. Now that you’re an adult, what are your writing rituals?
Put my daughter to bed, find total peace and quiet, settle in to my big brown chair, and start writing. Any time I have a free moment in my day, I’m brainstorming…the trick is remembering all day until I have time to write!
That is a challenge, particularly as a new mother with incredible responsibilities there. I commend you, but you must truly be driven with a passion to write. You’ve recently published Burst Into Flame, so what are you working on now?
Currently, I have two books out in the Burning Lovesick series and two more to write. In the middle of that project, I’m also working to be a part of a steamy stories boxed set with some amazing authors (including you!). Not to mention I have a few other stories I’m trying to edit and get into the hands of my readers as well; these stories include hot, sexy baseball players.
I’m glad to see I’m not the only one to do a little plugging. I think we might be doing a sports-themed boxed set next year. I’m planning to use baseball players, too, but mine will be set in Pittsburgh. Maybe we’ll have a little rivalry between teams going. Your books are all romance so far, but do you have a common theme running through all your books?
The Burning Lovesick series is centered around firefighters and doctors. It’s a fast-paced life that they lead, and they have to find time for love in the middle of their chaotic lives.
Why have you chosen to write about this particular theme?
It’s kind of a mix between my two favorite television shows, and besides, who doesn’t love a hot firefighter???
I agree–it’s a noble profession and one in which they must be in fantastic shape. Good combination. Do you have a favorite character from either of your books?
I love Nick Garrity, and I think most of the people that have read Love is a Fire, the first book in the Burning Lovesick series, would agree. Nick is kind, compassionate, a family man, always thinks about others before himself, and let’s not forget to mention that he’s H-O-T!!!
I’m going to have to meet this dude. Are you planning to continue writing in the same genre?
Yes, I don’t know any other!
What is the message conveyed in Burst Into Flame?
It’s possible to love again.
What’s the best thing said about one of your books by a reviewer?
I can’t think of just one best thing but when readers email me and say they were in tears, and they are mad at me, it makes me feel great because I evoked so much emotion from them!
That is a wonderful moment. But let’s discuss the one thing that is inevitable when we put ourselves out there as authors: the bad review. What advice can you give to other writers about receiving a bad review?
You’ll never please everyone but use their review as a learning tool to improve your stories. But ultimately it’s your story, so if you’re happy then don’t worry about what others say.
That’s perfect. What’s your one sentence pitch for Burst Into Flame?
Burst Into Flame is about moving on after tragedy.
How did you choose the title?
I like to find quotes that fit my stories and use a part of it as the title.
How long do you estimate it took you to take the book from an idea to a finished, published?
About eight months.
That’s phenomenal. Is the book traditionally or self-published?
My series is self-published. I don’t have the time, or the patience, to submit to publishers. I work full-time, teach part-time, write, and chase around a two-year-old!
I certainly agree. I’ve gone both routes, and self-published is definitely better. What is the best thing someone could say about Burst Into Flame?
It’s better than the first.
Without giving us a spoiler, tell us a little bit about your favorite scene.
My favorite scene is when Katy is running her marathon. The story comes full circle; she’s worked so hard to reach this point, not just in her running career, but her life.
I’m almost afraid to ask this question, but what do you do during your down time?
Down time, what’s that???
Exactly. What book are you reading right now?
I’m always beta reading! Just finished beta reading Claiming Carlos by Rachelle Ayala and Unhurt by K.S. Thomas.
Great–both of them are in our Heroes to Swoon For Box Set. Do you set your books in the place you live?
My current WIP is actually set in St. Louis. The characters are definitely NOT my husband and me, but everything they do pretty much is. I’m kind of excited about this story, especially for my friends and family to read, because they’ll know exactly what I’m talking about.
If a movie was made about your success as a writer, who would play you?
Well, there are actually talks of making Love is a Fire into a movie…more to come about that as things get firmed up!
That’s great news, Lyssa. I hope you’ll come back and tell us all about it. Now to get our boxed set out! Here’s to great success both with your writing, movie possibilities, and your life!
About Lyssa: Lyssa Layne is a blogger turned author after being inspired by Rachelle Ayala. She enjoys hot romances and loves to shock her readers right until the final page. Lyssa enjoys chasing after her two year-old-daughter, being a tourist in her own city, and anything involving peanut butter.
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P.C. ZICK 