Interview with Lynda Lee Schab

LYNDA LEE SCHAB got her writing start in greeting cards (Blue Mountain Arts, Dayspring) and from there went on to write articles and short stories (Mature Living, Christian Home & School) and in many places online (including www.Examiner.com and www.wow-womenonwriting.com), but her passion has always been fiction.

Mind Over Madi, her debut novel, is near and dear to her heart. Lynda admits she has a lot in common with the character of Madi. Not only are they both addicted to ice cream, chocolate, and computer games, they struggle with the same types of insecurities and continually require a hefty dose of God’s grace.

Lynda works behind the scenes at FaithWriters.com and is a member of ACFW. She is a regular book reviewer for FaithfulReader.com and is the Grand Rapids Christian Fiction Examiner and the National Writing Examiner for Examiner.com. Mind Over Madi received Runner-up in the 2007 FaithWriters Page Turner contest, was a finalist in the 2007 RWA Get your Stiletto in the Door contest, and won second place in the 2008 ACFW Genesis contest, Chick Lit category. Lynda lives with her husband, Rob, and two teenagers in Michigan.

Back cover copy:

Madi McCall admits her husband lacks a little in the romance department, but all in all, he’s been a good husband, a good father. Now, though, she suspects Rich is having an affair with Fawn Witchburn, the mother of one of his fourth-grade students. To say Fawn shows off  her “assets” more than should be legally allowed in public is an understatement, and Madi’s insecurities kick into high gear. When, in a heated moment, she asks Rich to leave and he complies, Madi is forced to deal with her issues. Issues of love and trust she’s tried so hard to avoid. Issues that trail all the way back to her childhood and make her act like a total moron.

Lynda, congratulation on your first published novel—and for joining us today! Can you tell us how do you feel preparing for writing contests prepared you for this Novelists journey?

I take motivation to write wherever I can get it, and the idea of possibly winning or finaling in a contest, and getting my work in front of editors and agents who judge those contests was excellent motivation for me. And, of course, the feedback—both positive and negative—I received from the judges helped so much. What prepared me the most, though, were the disappointments. I finaled three times and semi-finaled once in the ACFW Genesis contest, but never took first. Always a finalist, never a winner became my motto. LoL. But I believe God was working on my pride and teaching me how to lose gracefully. It also prepared me for all of those manuscript rejections.

Tell us how you handled the call from your agent that Mind Over Madi would be published by Oak Tara Publishing?

When I heard my agent’s voice on the other end of the phone, I’ll admit I suspected. He’d never called personally before, so I knew it had to be something big. But when he said the actual words, I think I lost my voice for a couple of seconds, then let out some sound resembling a squeal. When I hung up, I hugged my husband and cried.

I am so excited for you! So, what’s your biggest challenge in balancing writing time with your other responsibilities?

That there aren’t enough hours in the day. Seriously! One of these days, I hope to take a “spinning class.” No, not the exercise kind. I am in awe of the woman who can keep all of their plates spinning, especially when those plates are loaded with heaps of food. I can manage a couple of plates at a time, but often find myself with a mess at my feet. When so much is going on, unfortunately, my writing plate falls first. But now that I’m published, with two more books contracted in the series, I have no choice but to keep that plate spinning.

Well, never enough time makes me think of a fun question . . . You are alone and stranded on a desert island and can have ONE food product and ONE drink, what would they be?

Easy…ice cream to keep me cool during the day and coffee to warm me up at night.

I must admit I am surprised chocolate didn’t make it in there . . . Tell us how your faith and spiritual life play into the picture and affect your storytelling?

I can’t imagine writing without my faith. Even though I sometimes write stories and articles that aren’t really considered “Christian,” I try to project a Christian worldview. God has opened so many doors for me and has blessed me in ways I never dreamed possible. It’s because of Him that I write and I want my readers to experience Him in some way as they read my work. Most of the time I try to use humor and light-heartedness to touch the reader and leave her with a smile on her face and in her heart.

Your stories have such humor in them, that is true. Lynda, thanks for sharing with us today!

Thank you, Heidi, for the opportunity to talk about my book. I hope it’s a blessing to you!