Where He Leads – Author Interview

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Where He Leads by Lynn Lanning, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Where He Leads
Series: Desires of the Heart #1
Author: Lynne Lanning
Release Date: January 24, 2021
Genre: Christian, Historical/Western Romance

By the age of 11, Lilly had suffered more horrific circumstances, than any adult should have to bear.

She lost both of her parents and the only home she ever knew, then was forced to move away from her brothers and sisters. Why had God allowed all of this tragedy? Pa had found the perfect home for her before his death. Through her new family’s loving care and instruction, Lilly grew into a beautiful young lady, filled with compassion, intelligence, and having a strong faith in God.

When she met Tommy, her heart flipped! How could she make all of the life lessons she had learned, her faith in God, and Tommy fit into God’s plan for her life? Was Tommy truly part of God’s plan for her? Tommy and his mother’s past brought possible danger to anyone close to them. Could Lilly put her family through that? Should she abandon Tommy and the feelings she had for him? Could prayer be the answer? With more circumstances beyond their control fighting against them, it seemed their troubles would never end. Would God allow her the Desires of her Heart?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR OF WHERE HE LEADS

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Author Interview with Lynne Lanning

Which of your Published or Unpublished books is your favorite, and why?

My favorite so far is my third in the Desires of the Heart series – Trust and Obey.

It deals with so many intense, heartbreaking issues that we can identify with, which causes my readers to actually relate and share the emotions of the characters.  This book was actually written about a true mystery that took place in my family that I always found intriguing.  Writing Trust and Obey allowed me to fill in the missing pieces of the mystery with my own creative ideas, and of course dwell on the heartbreaks they must have endured.

How do you pick your character’s personalities or looks?

I look around at family and friends and I pick one of their dominant personality traits.  Then I imagine how that trait would have been a help or a hindrance to society in the era of time I am writing.  For example; headstrong, independent women are well accepted today, but they stood out and were sometimes looked down upon, a few generations ago…but they helped to pave the way for us.

Their looks?  Well, of course they are all beautiful and handsome, right?  It’s fiction!  But their voices are what’s in my head.  A lot of my men sound like Sam Elliott!

What is your favorite genre to read? What is your favorite genre to write? And why are they your favorites?

My favorite to read and write is Romance, especially Christian Romance, that is down to earth rather than fairy tale.

What inspires you the most?

I draw inspiration from everything, and I never know when something will strike my fancy.  I have even found that during church services, the preacher will say something about a Bible verse that would fit so well in my book or would be helpful to one of my characters!

Once an idea takes root, how long does it take you to write it down? Do you use outlines?

Most of the time I will churn an idea around in my head for a few days to a week, thinking of several possibilities, then I start writing.  I don’t use outlines and I usually write from the beginning to the end.  If a fantastic idea hits me for later use in the book, I either jot down notes or just skip down a few lines in the book and type it, so it’s there when I’m ready for it.

Do you have a favorite author? Or someone whom you would say has influenced your writing style?

I love Mary Higgins Clarke, but I can’t see myself writing that kind of mystery, (maybe one day I will try).  In my late twenties I fell in love with Jannette Oke.  Her style, the era, everything.  The last few years I found (and fell in love with) Mary Conneally.  They both write romance, family life and drama, and Mary adds humor.  They are my main influencers.

What are your hobbies other than writing?

I am an artist/crafter.  I enjoy learning how to do most any craft, from Bob Ross style painting to quilting, crocheting, macrame and everything between.

Do you have a genre that you would never write?

Science Fiction  I’m just too down to earth, I suppose.

What is one thing you would say has had the greatest impact on your writing?

God.  How He changed my life and has blessed me beyond all measure, absolutely boggles my mind.  I am so unworthy, but He loves me anyway!

Lastly, what was your favorite book growing up?

The Bobbsey Twins by Laura Lee Hope  They were such relatable characters; I loved them.

TOUR GIVEAWAY FOR WHERE HE LEADS

(1) winner will receive a print copy of the Desires of the Heart series!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 14, 2021 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 21, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

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