Today, I am pleased to share an interview from across the pond with Author, Lynette Creswell. She is the author of six novels, and the newly released short story collection,
Cat Thief. If the recent state of the world has your attention span bouncing off the walls, this is sure to keep you entertained! Read on to learn more about Lynette, and how to grab a copy of her fabulous work.
Tell us something about yourself.
I’ve been married to my husband, Andy for twenty-seven years
and we have five sons and eleven grandchildren.
Where do you live?
I live in a small town called Immingham, near Grimsby, North
East Lincolnshire in the UK. It is close to the coast and not too far from
Scarborough and Whitby. Two of my favourite places to visit.
When did you first realize that you were a writer?
At junior school. I wrote a story about a penny that
travelled the world. The teacher was so impressed she read the story to the
entire class. When I saw my friends listening to every word, I realised I
wanted to write more.
What inspired you to write your latest novel?
I’ve written six novels so far and fancied writing something
different. Last year I entered a short story competition and won first prize.
Naturally, I was elated, but this gave me the confidence to write more. Before
I knew it I had a further two stories published in magazines and a third
shortlisted for the Floella Benjamin Trophy Cup. I enjoy writing short stories
and within eight months I had enough for a collection.
Who is your favorite author?
Oh, I have many. Charles Dickens will always be in my top
five alongside the Bronte sisters and Jane Austin. Their books are beautiful,
using captivating, figurative language. Victorian literature had an impact on
society and subtly affected the world.
In the twenty-first century I enjoy Jojo Moyes (Me Before
You), Barbara Erskine (Lady of Hay) and Margaret Atwood (Handmaiden’s Tale).
Have you ever written a “real life” person into one of your
books?
Oh, yes, hasn’t every writer? Of course I changed their name
otherwise I would get sued, especially if I turn them into a cold-blooded
killer.
Tell us more about the collection.
My new collection is diverse, dark-humoured, and deliciously
bite-sized. A compelling collection of 7 thought-provoking and humorous short
stories to keep the reader reading long into the night. You’ll find some of the
stories have been previously published in magazines and anthologies. The
collection is engaging, the characters linger in your mind and are the perfect
companion for any fiction lover.
Cat Thief and other Short Stories:
- Cat Thief: A Witch’s Tale: When a love potion goes wrong, Evie doesn’t want to put it right. But why? (First published in Scribble Magazine - 2020).
- Forty Years Too Late: We all keep secrets from loved ones but sometimes skeletons don't lay hidden forever.
- Seventeen Pound and Thirty-Four Pence: An act of kindness from the last person you expected.
- Lonely-Hearts: Love hits you when you least expect it.
- Glimpse into the Future: A young Romany gypsy has foresight. After dreaming the murder of a young woman, can Rosa decipher the clues in time to save her life? (First published with Hammond House Publishing – 2019).
- Close Call: A duty firefighter is called to a house to coax a jumper down off a roof.
- Orange Truffle Surprise: Revenge is a dish best served cold. Especially when your husband is caught having an affair.
Who is the one character you are most proud of/favorite
writing and why?
In this collection it has to be Evie. She’s the witch in the
story Cat Thief. Her love potion goes haywire and things don’t go to plan but
she doesn’t get ruffled under pressure. I admire her for that. Most of us would
suffer a meltdown.
Describe the worst criticism you ever received as a writer,
and how you overcame it.
In the early days when I wrote my first book I couldn’t
afford an editor. Like most writers, I was just starting out and honing my
craft. Once the book was published, I received a couple of negative comments
stating that the editing could have been better. I wasn’t ruffled because I was
aware of my limitations. I still received glowing reviews from readers and
that’s all that matters to me. I find readers are more forgiving than those who
work in the publishing industry. Readers simply devour the story whilst those
with a critical eye enjoy pulling grammar, punctuation and storylines apart.
Nevertheless, you’ll always find typos in books, even bestsellers.
Remember to be kind to authors. All they want is to share
their story with you.
How do you stay motivated to write?
Writing is in my blood. I can’t stay away from the computer
for too long. My mind likes to create new characters which readers can connect
with. That alone is motivation enough.
What are you currently working on?
I’m working on four children’s stories about hedgehogs. The
first story is called Hoglets Christmas Magic and should be published by the
end of the year.
What is the most interesting part of being a writer?
I think the best part is meeting so many amazing people.
Ever since I published my first novel back in 2012 doors have opened which
allowed me to meet many people from all walks of life. Since becoming a
novelist I hold creative writing workshops in schools and I’m the team leader
of a local writing group.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Believe in yourself and your ability to write because if you
don’t nobody else will.
Where can readers connect with you?
Website: www.lynetteecreswell.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Creswelllyn
Facebook: Lynette Creswell Author
How can we grab a copy of your new short story collection?
The ebook is available from
Amazon. If you don’t have a
Kindle you can still download a copy by using the Kindle app on either your
phone, tablet or computer. Just go to your app store on your phone and look for
the boy sitting under a tree reading a book.
You can find Lynette Creswell's complete collection on Amazon here.
Thank you for joining us, Lynette! Wishing you all the best on your new release, Cat Thief.
