Good afternoon, Everyone! Today I’m interviewing an author whose work really touched my heart. She is Emma Elliot aka Emma Lynn, author of Darkness Reigns, a story about a trapped woman who discovers who she really is. Emma is here to chat and answer questions.
Recently, I had the honor of beta reading her upcoming novels, Dare, which is now available for purchase. It and the second book of the Love series, Marko, will take you down a path of love, courage, and determination. Dare, especially is touching and the author really lays out the foundation of the story well.
“This is the way the world ends; not with a bang or a whimper, but with zombies breaking down the back door.”
Amanda Hocking
Who is Emma Lynn? Tell us a bit about yourself and your background.
I’m from Washington State, so when I’m not writing or reading the latest romance novel, I’m cheering on for my team, the Seahawks! I’ve been writing for the past four years but daydreaming about story ideas since I was little. On days when I don’t feel like getting words down on paper, I head outside with my camera to get some cool shots.
What is your favorite thing to do on the weekends – during this time of year?
Because it’s cold here, I like to sit in my comfy chair with a blanket, cup of hot chocolate and a good book, or catching up on TV shows.
What is “Dare” about?
Dare is about the journey a young woman goes through as she tries to forget her past. She has rocky times, many secrets come to light, and a budding romance she isn’t sure she’s up for. It’s heavy in romance and light in mystery.
What was the deciding factor for your book title?
I wanted a short title, something catchy but made sense. I had many ideas but they all seemed wrong, and at the time, Dare’s name was actually Austin. I just couldn’t see that name as the title, so Dare came to mind. It sounds more dangerous and alluring.
What traits were you looking for when you were creating the main characters?
Although I try not to do it, a lot of my (female) characters take after me. Either their quirks, sarcastic remarks (those were fun to write), and the way they think. Physically, just an image of someone-usually someone famous-and make my characters that way.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
As I’m starting out in this industry, it’s a lot harder than I anticipated, so I just really want to thank those who take the time to read my stories and grow attached to the characters that I myself am fond of. I love hearing from you guys and reading comments are really great. So thank you!
What is your favorite venue to see live classical music? Can you share a bit about your favorite composers?
Oh, I haven’t actually been to see live classical music be played, but I love Tchaikovsky! Nutcracker is my favorite to listen to.
Can you share a bit about your love for the Seattle Seahawks and how you became interested in football?
No matter what, win or lose, those guys are winners. I haven’t met any (unfortunately) but they really can be selfless. I love hearing stories about them helping out, volunteering, or visiting children at the hospital. As for how I became interested? Football in my house is a staple! I grew up with it on, so it only makes sense to love the sport!
Let’s give a shout out to Seattle, Washington. What places are fun to visit and can you share something about them?
I love going down to Pike Place Market! There are so many cool shops there, some quirky that are adorable. I always love watching the men throw and catch the fish, or walking around and checking out the vendors. There are some really cool places to visit in Seattle, the Underground tour being one of them. I’ve gone so many times, yet it never gets old.
What other authors do you follow? Can you recommend some books?
I follow a lot! I can recommend anything by Shelly Crane, Richelle Mead, Abbi Glines, Sarra Cannon, and Colleen Hoover.
Author Richelle Mead and Emma
I understand that you are a ‘Star Wars’ fan. Have you seen the latest installment? If so what was your experience?
Not yet! I’ll hopefully be going to see it soon, I’m dying with anticipation!
What is your favorite part of being an author?
Being able to write! It’s a lot of hard work, but in the end it’s rewarding because it means I get to do what I love.
Me: One thing Emma enjoys is her blog. This you have to check out and Emma has included fun things about herself.
What are you currently working on?
I’m working finishing up with the second book in the Love series, Marko and it will be published soon. Currently, I’m working on books 3 and 4. Both stories branch out with more adventure and love.
Emma has provided a few excerpts for us.
Dare:
“Why are you staring at me?” he asks, breaking me out of my trance.
I clear my throat. “I didn’t realize I was. Just lost in my thoughts.” A few seconds later I ask, “Is your name really Dare?”
He chuckles humorlessly and turns to me. “That’s been bothering you, hasn’t it?” he leans down, getting close to me and my heart stutters. “If it weren’t my real name, I wouldn’t tell you. Know why?”
Swallowing over the lump in my throat, I shake my head, eyes wide. “No. Why?” I ask hoarsely.
His eyes slowly move down, pin pointing directly on my lips as I lick them. “Because that would mean you’re close to me, and I don’t let people in. I won’t let you in, Jennifer. So I won’t answer yes or no. I’ll let you think on it, let it push into your thoughts late at night and drive you crazy because you’re thinking about me.”
Darkness Reigns:
I smile, watching the fireflies flicker and zoom around, little beacons shining in the air as their backdrop is the orange and pink sky from the setting sun. The day went by fast as I’ve been preparing for school to start up tomorrow. The last day of summer is filled with familiar rituals, always managing to keep the anxiety of first day jitters down and buried. I may be a senior now, but the first days are always the hardest.
Stretching my legs out, I shift on the porch steps and pick my book up, setting the place marker on the page before closing it with a sigh. The backyard is my favorite spot here at home. Our house sits on a hill, a direct view of Puget Sound in our backyard and if I squint just right, I can make out the Space Needle, standing proud in downtown Seattle.
The weather is always changing here and for once it’s nice and sunny. A gentle breeze picks up my hair, twisting it around. No doubt I’ll have troubles brushing the long black strands later on.
The fireflies are slowly subtracting, becoming a tiny group of three before, they too, disappear. Looking at my watch, I realize dinner will be soon and decide to stand up, stretching my back side to side. Before heading inside though, I lean against the railing and watch the sun disappear into the Sound, the water a mesmerizing glow.
I would like to thank Emma for stopping by. For more on her work please check out her links below.
Purchase ‘Darkness Reigns – Amazon
Until Next Time,
Lynn
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Printed With Permission 2016
Lynn Lawler's Creative Artists' Blog 
Go Hawks!
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