I’m
delighted to welcome Lynne
Shelby to my blog.
Hello Lynne, It was great to connect with you through the Romantic Novelists’
Association. Over the years, I’ve found the RNA to be a wonderful group in
which to meet lots of fellow authors and affiliate members, all of whom are
eager to share exciting news about books.
Here are a few questions which will hopefully give your readers an
insight into some of the things that matter to you.
Arabella: Authors can release
books, making them available to readers in various ways…via an agent, or
working directly with a traditional publisher, or they can even go the
self-publishing route. Which method of publishing do you prefer, and why?
Lynne: I’m
traditionally published by Accent Press. I have every admiration for authors
who self-publish, but I prefer to work with a publisher rather than go it
alone. I simply wouldn’t know where to start with self-publishing, and while
every author expects to do some promoting of their books these days, the
thought of doing it all myself is, for me, far too daunting!
Arabella: Who or what inspired you
to write your latest release, There She Goes?
Lynne: My
latest release, There She Goes, is one of a series of stand-alone novels set in
and around London’s Theatreland. I’ve never wanted to be a professional
actress, but I have many relatives and friends who work in film and theatre,
and I find their world fascinating. The plot of There She Goes, with its aspiring
musical theatre actress heroine, Julie, and actor hero, Zac, was inspired by my
memories of the time when my daughters, both now professional musical theatre
performers, had just left drama school, and they and their friends were working
at various ‘day jobs’ while auditioning for their first roles on stage or
screen. Their anecdotes about auditions inspired the castings that Julie goes
to in the book. Acting is often seen as a glamorous profession, but in There
She Goes, I hope I’ve shown the hard work behind the glamour.
Arabella: If the person of your
dreams, (husband/wife/partner/or superstar), were to take you out for the
night, where would they take you and what would you do?
Lynne: If
my husband were treating me to a special night out, we’d go up to London for a
pre-theatre meal and then to a musical – with seats in the dress circle.
Arabella: Currently, what is your
most favourite T.V. programme, and why?
Lynne: My
favourite TV programme is Game of Thrones. I think the depiction of the
imaginary world of Westeros and its various locations is so well done, and the
talented cast portray their characters brilliantly – and just as I imagined
them from reading the novels.
Arabella: When writing a book or
chapter, which do you concentrate on first: plot, character, or setting?
Lynne: When
I first start writing a book, I know the beginning and the end, but have very
little idea of what is going to happen in the middle. I do, however, know my
characters very well, not only things like their appearance, age, personality and
job, but the sort of books they read, where they grew up, or where they like to
go on holiday. I start writing by introducing my hero and heroine to each other
and seeing what happens – hopefully, sparks will fly!
Arabella: A slice of Chocolate Cake, a piece of Fruit, or Burger and Fries?
Lynne: Fruit – especially summer fruit like strawberries or peaches.
Arabella: How do you research your novels
and characters?
Lynne: I
write contemporary romance, so I don’t have to do as much research as, for
example, a historical novelist. If one of my characters has an occupation that
I don’t know much about, I try and ask someone who works at that job what a
typical day would be like for them. Fortunately, most people are very happy to
talk about their chosen profession! I also like to thoroughly research the location
of my novels, preferably by visiting the place where the book is set, to make
sure that I haven’t accidently moved a famous statue half-way across a city or
described a view that has been blocked by a newly-built high-rise. I’m often in
central London, and I know it well, but when I was writing There She Goes, I walked
through Theatreland, just as Julie does in the book, so that I was sure I was
seeing it through her eyes.
Arabella: What advice would you
give to someone who is starting out on their writing journey?
Lynne: If
you can, try to write every day, even if it’s just for ten minutes, as this
will keep your story flowing and fresh in your mind. But don’t beat yourself up
if other commitments stop you writing as often as you’d like – if writers spend
all their time in front of a laptop, they won’t have anything to write about. And
never give up your dream of becoming a published author, because dreams can and
do come true.
Thank you for joining me on Arabella's Blog and Chit-Chat, Lynne. It was great to learn how connected you are in real life with the film and theatre world. Perhaps your book "There She Goes" is a stage play in the making...
All the best, and wishing you lots of happy-ever-after writing.
About Lynne Shelby
Lynne Shelby writes
contemporary women’s fiction/romance. Her debut novel, ‘French Kissing’ won the
Accent Press and Woman magazine Writing Competition, and her latest novel,
There She Goes, is one of a series of stand-alone books set in the world of showbusiness.
When not writing or reading, Lynne can usually be found at the theatre watching
a play or a musical, or exploring a foreign city, writer's notebook, camera and
sketchbook in hand. She lives in London with her husband, and has three adult
children who live nearby.
Twitter:
@LynneB1
Facebook:
facebook.com/LynneShelbyWriter
Instagram:
lynneshelbywriter
Book Blurb: There She Goes by Lynne
Shelby
When
aspiring actress Julie Farrell meets actor Zac Diaz, she is instantly attracted
to him, but he shows no interest in her. Julie, who has yet to land her first
professional acting role, can’t help wishing that her life was more like a
musical, and that she could meet a handsome man who’d sweep her into his arms
and tap-dance her along the street…
After
early success on the stage, Zac has spent the last three years in Hollywood,
but has failed to forge a film career. Now back in London, he is determined to
re-establish himself as a theatre actor. Focused solely on his work, he has no
time for distractions, and certainly no intention of getting entangled in a
committed relationship…
Auditioning
for a new West End show, Julie and Zac act out a love scene, but will they ever
share more than a stage kiss?
Release
Date: 6th June 2019
Thank you so much for having me as a guest on your fab blog, Arabella. I very much enjoyed answering your questions :)
ReplyDeleteLynne Shelby
It was fun having you on the blog, Lynne.
ReplyDeleteAnd if "There She Goes" ever becomes a "Theatre Stage Play" box-office best seller, do let me know, so I can buy front row tickets...
Best wishes, Arabella Sheen