Meet Erica Lynn | Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Lynn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
In May 2019 I was diagnosed with a grade 2 astrocytoma in the right side of my brain. My neurosurgeon was able to remove about 90% of it, and I then chose an aggressive treatment plan of chemotherapy and radiation. My daughters were 4 and 8 at the time. My youngest doesn’t remember much besides my hospital stay, but she is aware of what happened and the lingering effects afterward. My 8 year old, however, remembers it all. She saw me at some of the lowest points, and while it guts me for her to have witnessed those moments, I think they are the most impactful. We’ve discussed how life isn’t fair, and how sometimes it’s incredibly hard, but that our family moves forward. We hold onto our faith, our love for each other, and we do what we have to do to keep going. So, even though she saw the bad, I hope she and my youngest saw the good as well. They saw their mom grab that walker and walk around the neighborhood until she could do it on her own. They saw their dad care for their mom and know what it looks like for a husband and wife to lean on each other. They saw friends and family and their church community reach out and offer prayers and meals and visits. At the end of the day I don’t know whether the impact of the cancer will be positive, negative, or maybe a little of both. For my part, I’m hopeful it’s at least a small layer in what will make them true forces of nature one day.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Books have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. From elementary into adulthood I’ve always found an escape in them. Yes, that’s an incredibly cliché thing to say, but it’s the truth. So cheers to being cliché! After having my children I decided to try my hand at writing a book. Specifically a novella. I love the freedom of a great story in the form of novellas. Sometimes life is insane and I don’t have the time to commit to a full length novel. Novellas allow me the time to get sucked into a great story that doesn’t take too long to complete. I’ve also found I like to write a variety of stories. So far I’ve only published romance novellas and novels, but I’m currently working on a collection of short stories more in the horror realm, and I cannot wait to put it out into the world. I think the most important thing I’ve learned is I won’t be happy trying to be anything but myself. In life, in my writing, in anything. Life is too short to play by the rules that have worked for others if they aren’t making you happy. Writing is such a great creative release and I’m so happy I’ve found it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We would absolutely have to go to my favorite restaurant in the world, Grotto. There are a few locations in the area, but the one in Downtown Houston is hands down the best. The atmosphere is incredible. Sleek and very industrial chic. It’s perfect to get a little dressed up for a date (my husband and I will soon be going for our anniversary), or a fun night out with some girlfriends. Incredible food with some wine? Maybe, and by maybe I mean obviously, follow it with their desert sampler? Yes, please! Then we’d have to go to Murder by the Book, the cutest little indie bookstore in Houston. They have awesome author events and I’m not bragging, but my best friend and I got to chat with the one and only Erica Spindler. Just sayin’. Spending some time on the Kemah Boardwalk or The Strand in Galveston is a must.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Everything I do in this world will always be dedicated to my husband, Billy. He is my forever motivator and a constant champion of my work.

Website: http://msericalynn.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ms_erica_lynn/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EricaLynnAuthor/?ref=hl
Other: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Erica-Lynn/e/B01DC2Q3DA?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1603129151&sr=8-2