Welcome to Author Wednesday and an interview with Rebekah Lyn, the author of several Christian novels. Her stories are filled with faith, hope, and adventure. Today, she’s here to tell us a little bit more about her latest release, Jessie, the second book in the Coastal Chronicles. Jesse, a young adult coming-of-age story, is set in the 1960s in Indian River City, Florida, near Cape Canaveral where the race to the moon captured the hearts of and minds of young and old. As a result, Rebekah scheduled the release of the book to coincide with the forty-fifth anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing mission.
Welcome Rebekah. I love meeting new authors and finding out how they discovered their voice as authors. When were you first able to call yourself a “writer” or “author?”
I’ve always considered myself a writer, but I never really talked to anyone about my writing until 2001 when I met another friend who enjoyed writing. The conversations we had, coupled with some difficult times I was going through, really sparked me to write more. It took ten years for me to decide I had anything I wanted to publish, but without that friendship, I may never have pursued this path.
I know that you write Christian fiction and have two series. Are there any special themes or messages that you try to convey to your readers?
I write inspirational fiction because I want people to have hope and know joy. I’ve been through dark times and struggled with my faith, so I understand how others can lose hope. I want my stories to be entertaining and, in the case of Jessie, mixed with humor. My characters are overcomers, and by the end of the book, I want my readers to feel that way, too. When a reader lets me know how a book touched their heart I feel like I’ve done my job well.
Yes, that’s a very important aspect of being an author. It can keep us going for a long time. Tell us a little bit about your current projects.
My new release, Jessie, is my first foray into historical fiction, as well as what may be considered young adult fiction. The main characters are teenage boys, but the message is something everyone from age five to ninety-five can benefit from. I am also starting to work on the third book in the Seasons of Faith series
What’s your one sentence pitch for Jessie?
From tide pools to technology, follow Jessie’s emotional journey from a young boy enthralled with the United States race for the moon taking place just a few miles from his home to a young man overcoming many obstacles to pursue his dream.
How did you choose the title? Has it been the title from the very beginning?
The first book in the Coastal Chronicles was Julianne so I decided to keep all of the books the name of the lead character. I’ve toyed with the idea of making all the leads in the Chronicles start with J, but I don’t know if that will pan out. The characters usually tell me their own names.
That’s true. It might be difficult to pin yourself down. I’m always asked about how long it took me to write a book so I’ll ask you the same question. How long do you estimate it took you to take the book from an idea to a finished, published?
I don’t remember when exactly the idea first came to me, but I started research in October 2012, and the book was finally completed in April 2014. I chose to release the book to coincide with the forty-fifth anniversary of the moon landing since that event is a crucial element of the story.
That’s an excellent idea. Tell us about the antagonist of the book.
Jessie’s father, Eugene, would probably be considered the antagonist. He’s an alcoholic and has abused both Jessie and his older brother Max. Even though Eugene isn’t a very active character in the story, he is always present in Jessie’s mind.
If you listen to music while you’re writing, what is it?
I tend to choose music that fits the storyline of the character I am working on that day. For Jessie, I listened to music from the 1950s and 1960s. For my Seasons of Faith books, I have different bands for each character that I listen to when I am writing in their point of view.
That’s interesting. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a writer doing that before, but it makes perfect sense. How does your immediate family feel about your writing life?
Since I am a single lady, my parents are my biggest supporters, and I couldn’t do this without them. My mom helps with marketing and brings me food when I’m in a really good writing groove. My dad is handy and has made me some beautiful easels for my book as well as a prize wheel I can take with me to the variety of festivals in my hometown where I’ve started selling books. I have also enlisted my teenage niece and her friend to make signature jewelry to give out at teas where I meet with readers and talk about books. I think my cat gets a bit annoyed when I am in the zone and don’t take time off the computer to give her attention. She gets over that pretty fast when I fill her treat bowl, though.
How wonderful to have such a supportive family. If a movie was made about your success as a writer, who would play you?
Connie Britton of Friday Night Lights and Nashville. She is a fighter and never gives up, but most of all I love her Southern Exasperation, the way a southern woman can say more with facial expressions than most can with words, a tilt of the head or a pat on the hand.
She’s a good choice. Rebekah, it’s been wonderful having you visit today, and I wish you tremendous success in your writing career. The world needs as much hope and inspiration as possible.
About Rebekah Lyn – Rebekah is a popular Indie Author with a strong following of loyal readers who enjoy her inspirational novels of faith, adventure, and hope. She is a Christian with a heart for new beginnings, and her desire is to reflect that in each of her books. Rebekah writes character-driven novels, which she hopes will engulf the reader in a great story and leave them stronger in their faith. One Summer Storms reviewer said, “Something about this author’s writing style reminds me of Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove series.” Her first published novel was released in October, 2011, and three of her current books have received solid ratings in the Christian Fiction category on Amazon.com. She has two distinct series developed, with further books planned for each series.
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