Interview with Lyn Cote

In 1996, Lyn Cote's first inspirational historical manuscript was a finalist in the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Contest. This became her first historical novel, Whispers of Love, in her "Blessed Assurance" series, to be issued this October by the new Avon Inspire line. Most recently, Chloe, the first novel in Lyn’s “Women of Ivy Manor” historical series was a 2006 RWA Rita Award finalist for Best Inspirational, as well as a finalist for the Holt Medallion and the National Readers Choice Contest. Lyn also writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense. Lyn lives in the lovely northwoods of Wisconsin with her husband and three cats. Aside from writing, she also likes to knit, crochet, read, and do lunch with friends.



Thanks for joining us at PASTimes, Lyn.
Tell us a little about your path to publication.

I started writing my first novel when my daughter was 13 months old. My first manuscript was acquired the year she started high school. Yes, I was an overnight success!

Your brand is: “Strong Women, Brave Stories.” Why did you choose that and what is its significance?


My brand reflects the fact that my stories whether light romance, romantic suspense or historical sagas all feature heroines who aren't the average woman of her time. My heroines are all actively working toward some goal whether they realize that or not. So my stories are stories about strong women being brave.

What would you like us to know about your latest book?



I'm very excited about my first work with a brand new imprint--Avon Inspire of HarperCollins. Blessed Assurance (ISBN 978-0-06134994-2) debuts in October. It is an omnibus edition with all three stories in one book. Three generations in one family face and conquer the challenges of their times and plumb the depths of human and divine love. This is a reissue of my first historical series published originally in 1999-2000 and which has been out of print for several years. The stories are the same but my new publisher Avon Inspire gave me a chance to spruce up the stories and bring them out with a new look and improved quality.

That’s wonderful! What a great opportunity. Was there one historical novel that inspired you the most?

Well, of course, Gone With the Wind. I fell in love with it in eighth grade and must have read it over ten times or more! And Georgette Heyer's Regency romances and also Sabatini who wrote Scaramouche and Captain Blood, one of my favorite Errol Flynn movies!


What books are on your night table?

Oh, I always have a TBR pile and do many endorsements for other authors. I just finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows--what a read!! I love fantasy and this was such a rich story with so much Christian symbolism and meaning. I also read a lot of mysteries.

You are a prolific writer. How do you do it?

Come back tomorrow for the answer and Part Two of the interview with Lyn Cote. Don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of Blessed Assurance.