What are some day jobs you have held?
I have taught English and drama in high school and college, directed community theatre, been a caregiver for my mom, worked in adult literacy, written for a number of publications, been the editor of Writer Advice since 1997, and been a wife (not a job—more like an avocation) since 2012.
How do you think you’ve evolved creatively?
I’ve evolved by trial and error, by confidence, by rejection, by having a message, by writing almost every day, by opening my mind, and by opening my heart. I don’t know if this is the kind of answer you are looking for, but I sure like your question.
What have you written so far?
I have written You Want Me to Do WHAT? Journaling for Caregivers (Tate Publishing) and Talent (Eternal Press). I’ve written articles, reviews, and interviews for Writer Advice for 19 years. My work has also appeared in Voices of Caregivers; Hip Mama; Small Press Review; Dramatics Magazine; The Sun; Good Housekeeping.com, Purple Clover.com and elsewhere. I have owned and edited Writer Advice since 1997. I am working on a memoir about getting married for the first time at 62.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Read, write, revise, and remember that no one can tell your story but you. Write about your process and your problems. Trust your process and your voice, but be open to advice.
Can you share with readers a little bit about your latest book?
In Talent, fifteen-and-a-half-year-old Sandee Mason wants to find her talent; get her license; and stop living in the shadow of her brother, who disappeared while serving in Afghanistan. She tries out for the school’s production of Oklahoma! and before the show opens, she finds her true talents.
What did you enjoy most about writing this book?
I enjoyed Sandee’s journey and the memories she brought back. I used to teach drama in high school teaching, and directed Oklahoma! with a wonderful cast. None of the characters are based on any of my students. I never had a Sandee in a cast or working on a show. She has parts of many people in her.
What is your next project?
I’ll follow up Talent with more of Sandee’s adventures and experiences, but right now I’m about to start shopping a memoir called Never Too Late: From Wannabe to Wife. It’s about getting married for the first time at age 62 to a 2-time widower seeking his 3rd wife on … gulp … Craigslist. (You can’t make this stuff up.)
How successful has your quest for reviews been so far?
So far I’ve gotten over half of the reviews I’ve requested from friends, colleagues, and those online who are interested in reviewing YA. Maybe more. Many people who don’t even know me have been surprised and pleased by Talent. I have 53 reviews on Amazon right now. Would you be interested in writing review #54?
How can you connect with B. Lynn Goodwin?
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Linkedin | Goodreads | Pinterest | Amazon Author Page
Waking Writer 