Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Only the great one memoir with Mister B, though I’m collecting continued stories on Facebook and in my journal folder for a sequel. He is now a healthy 102. He’ll surely outlive me. I must hurry.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Living With a 98-Year-Old Rocket Scientist: Mister B. He did that all by himself. That is, Mister B is the inspiration, and he continues to hold my admiration so long as he continues to refer to me as “Sweet Pea.” Maybe I’m picky, but nothing smells so sweet as those innocuous leggy blooms. At my age, I prefer a nosegay and a reference to the leggy years.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Well, I do love to write on my patio, but we also have a conversation room just inside the main house where four recliners face one another forming the shape of a diamond. Often, after a conversation here, or in the breakfast room, I’ll have to rush to my computer to record the events, the facts, the measurements and the physical experience of a lucid, mind-blowing moment with the man.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Before Long, the business of discontent by Auralee Arkinsly, Gilead by Marilynne Robinson. Surprised by Joy, the diary of the young C.S. Lewis, Melody of the Mulberries by Tonya Jewel Blessing, Holes, by Louis Sachar, Bird by Bird by Anne Lamont, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard, and Paris in the Present Tense by Mark Helprin.
What are you working on now?
I have a stack of twelve novels to read, and I’m working on the title and opening page to a sequel, but a recent confession by Mister B has sent my world spinning into the possibility of a thriller.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Goodreads, Kindleprenuer, used to be Amazon ads… now, personal emails.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep at it. Don’t forget to learn marketing and publicity while you are learning to write. Be nice to your editors. They’re probably write. I mean, right.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Learn to laugh at yourself. I was in a very sad situation when I decided to use Mister B as my muse. I learned to laugh at myself, and that made all the difference.
What are you reading now?
The Life We Bury, Red Mountain, Where the Crawdads Sing, Sold on a Monday.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Compiling another book, and deciding what it will be. Maybe it will decide for me as I write.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Yikes! My journal, the good Lord’s Word, and whatever book I happened to be reading when the boat sank. Wait. How is that even possible? See, this is what I have to contend with- cognitive dissonance all the time. Sorry. Did I spoil your question?
Author Websites and Profiles
Lynn Byk Website
Lynn Byk Amazon Profile
Lynn Byk’s Social Media Links
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