Interview With Author Lynne Myszkewycz
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
This is my first, new territory for me. I am using my maiden name as searching for my married name may prove difficult.
In a prior chapter of my life, I held the mantle of a physiologist, a role that bestowed upon me the privilege of sharing the intricacies of human physiology with countless inquisitive minds. Guiding aspiring Level 3-degree scholars through the labyrinthine process of crafting their theses was a duty I embraced with utmost dedication, propelling them toward the triumphant culmination of their academic pursuits.
I have written and contributed to many scientific journals during my years working at the University of Wolverhampton.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
IRENE “BREAKING BARRIERS” The pioneering journey of Lancashire´s First Policewoman CID
People Inflence me I am facinated by their stories. This particular Journey began in 2007 when I had the privilege of owning a beauty salon in the village of La Marina, Elche, Alicante, Spain, and first encountered Irene. Over a decade, Irene became a regular visitor to my salon, and our interactions grew into cherished moments of camaraderie and genuine friendship. Captivated by the incredible stories Irene shared during our pampering sessions, I sought her permission to write a biography about her life, promising to protect the identities of those involved, including Irene’s. This is the untold story of Irene, an extraordinary woman whose life was filled with moments of inspiration and strength.
In the quaint village of La Marina, our paths converged – Irene, with her rich life experiences, and I, the owner of the beauty salon. From our first meeting, an inexplicable connection sparked, and Irene’s frequent visits to my salon soon blossomed into much more than beauty sessions. As time passed, Irene gradually opened up and shared the profound stories of her life, tales of bravery and resilience. love, and resilience that left me captivated and in awe. Each pampering session turned into an opportunity to delve into her life’s journey and the events that shaped her into the person she had become.
Enthralled by Irene’s captivating narratives, I felt compelled to capture her life in a biography. Seeking her approval, I asked Irene for permission to write her story, promising to safeguard the identities of all involved, just as she wished.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Wouldn’t you like to know! Joking apart No, this is all so new but I’m sure I will aquire some along the way.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I like true stories such as The Tattooist of Auschwitz, and Cilia´s Journey both by Heather Morris. I also love Driving over Lemons by Chris Stewart and Biographies such as Running up That Hill, 50 Versions of Kate Bush by Tom Doyle… I’m a huge Kate Bush fan, she has influenced me a lot over the years with her creativity in music, writing, directing etc.,
I am also very inspired by many of the fantastic chefs we now have in the UK.
What are you working on now?
I will have a short break and then I will be working on a cookbook, this is something I have wanted to do for many years! I have many recipes and photographs all ready to go… And then maybe another biography of another person who has so many wonderful and funny stories to tell.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This I am still learning about. I’m on Amazon KDP and hopefully here too on AWESOME GANG! I may try others in time. Lets see how everything goes I will be learning on the job as we say.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes, Udemy is a marvellous tool that guides you from first draft to publication and beyond; Including planning your timetable to writing, formatting, marketing and eventually publishing. It also has a writer´s guidebook with templates etc. This is how I discovered Awesome GanG.
You can find it here; https://www.udemy.com/course/novel-self-publishing-and-marketing-masterclass/learn/lecture/30903100#overview
If you are a Word for Windows user, the software Atticus; https://www.atticus.io/ Is very useful however using new software is a big learning curve, but the team are very helpful and usually replies quickly.
There are lots of great videos on YouTube too, for example, Dane McBeth Publishing has some great videos to help you along your journey.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Plan a self-publishing timeline, and make sure you include rest and recuperation time for yourself. It will help you to reach those goals set out on your timeline more efficiently with less stress.
If you possibly can hire a professional book cover designer, I used Flintlock book cover designs, They were fantastic, but there are others.
Formatting a book is very hard work however, Atticus will be invaluable as it has templates already set up for you. Even if you have started your draft in another program you can import it into Atticus, this will save you a lot of time and stress, please watch the videos that are there to guide you. Another program if you have a Mac computer is Vellum.
What are you reading now?
A Woman´s War by S. Block, it´s fiction and has a good story. I’m enjoying it
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have pre-ordered James Martin -Chef’s new book Spanish Adventure. I have timed myself a short break in which I will divulge into new recipes, from this book and others, which I hope will inspire me to create new recipes of my own ready for my next book! Watch this space…
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?
I escaped from Auschwitz maybe to give me hope 🙂 Definitely Running up that Hill 50 Visions of Kate Bush, to keep me inspired, and One Flew Over the Cuckoo´s Nest.
Author Websites and Profiles
Lynne Myszkewycz Amazon Profile
Lynne Myszkewycz’s Social Media Links