Interview With Author Lynne Golodner
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing since I was six years old, and I’m now the author of 9 books and thousands of articles and essays. My first novel-WOMAN OF VALOR-debuted in September 2023. Before that, I wrote six nonfiction books and two poetry collections. I love writing and teaching writing, and I lead retreats, classes and workshops around the world. I’m based in Detroit, Michigan, and am the mom of four young adults.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
WOMAN OF VALOR, my first novel, debuted in September of 2023. It was inspired by my decade spent as an Orthodox Jew and though I left that community in 2008, I wanted to write a story that showed the beauty and inspiration of that world.
Here’s the synopsis: Sally Sterling never intended to embrace the Judaism of her ancestors, but after her first love and Catholic college sweetheart broke her heart, the surprising salve for her sadness appears when she stumbles into the Orthodox community of Skokie, Illinois. Ten years later, Sally is a mother of three, married to Barry Lieberman, the love of her life, and enamored with the routine and beauty of her religious lifestyle. But when her eldest son suffers abuse at school, she is jarred by her husband’s response. And that’s exactly when her lost college love finds her online, providing a convenient escape from her troubles. Suddenly, everything is falling apart, and Sally can’t find any reprieve, or resolution – not even hitting the trails for her favorite runs along Lake Michigan.
Will she lose the happy life she’s worked so hard to build, or could this shakeup be just what she needs to finally define her life for herself?
Woman of Valor is a story about the courage to love the ordinary and seek satisfaction where you are, while shedding the need to please others.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I light candles, and I love to listen to Gregorian chant – no idea why!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
So many!! I love stories by Chaim Potok, Herman Wouk and Naomi Ragen, and also contemporary novels by Rochelle Weinstein and Rosina Lippi/Sara Donati. I’m also a huge Outlander fan and love the way Diana Gabaldon writes.
What are you working on now?
I just finished my second novel, CAVE OF SECRETS, which will be out in August 2024. I’m just beginning to outline and plot my third novel, which will be a second book in the Woman of Valor series. I’m aiming for a 2025 debut for THE SABBATH BRIDE.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m a big fan of speaking to book clubs and meeting in person with people, to build relationships and have a dynamic conversation about my books. I speak a lot to Jewish community outlets and universities.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t despair! And find a writing community. Every writer, at every stage of their career, faces self-doubt. That’s when you need fellow writer friends to remind you to keep going!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Expect a messy first draft. Every single time.
What are you reading now?
Honolulu by Alan Brennert
What’s next for you as a writer?
A book a year for the rest of my life!
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?
Oh my – that is a hard decision!!!! Maybe I’d reread the Outlander series, but there are 9 books so far, and I don’t know how I’d choose 3 or 4…
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