Lynne Stringer has been passionate about writing all her life, beginning with short stories in her primary school days. She began writing professionally as a journalist and was the editor of a small newspaper (later magazine) for seven years, before turning her hand to screenplay writing and novels.
Lynne currently works as a professional editor and proofreader. She lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her husband and young son.
I first came into contact with Lynne when she edited an article I’d written for the publisher she works for. She struck me as being efficient, honest and very good at what she does. I then met Lynne two years in a row at a writers’ conference in Queensland. Each time we met, I found her her to be one of those dynamo people who bristle with energy and are always smiling.
I was very excited to read Lynne’s first two books in the The Verindon Trilogy, and I’m looking forward to the third.
Lynne recently visited my library and shared some background to her writing.
1. Is there a quote that sums up how you feel about writing?
“If you have any young friends who aspire to become writers, the second greatest favour you can do them is to present them with copies of The Elements of Style. The first greatest, of course, is to shoot them now, while they’re happy.” This quote, from Dorothy Parker, pretty much sums up the struggles that writers often go through.
Writing the book is the easy part. Then there’s the difficulty of finding a publisher, going through edit after edit, then having to deal with some people who trash your book, as well as having to become a salesperson … so much more goes into it than just writing a manuscript!
2. What was your process of becoming a writer? Was this something you set out to do?
I have always written stories. It was something I did for fun. During my twenties, some people at work encouraged me to write a few down, then encouraged me to do a journalism course. I wrote for a small newspaper for a while, which helped honed my writing and editing skills. When I left that job I started writing stories again and this time I took it more seriously.
When I wrote The Heir in 2010, some friends who read it encouraged me to try and get it published. I thought it was worth a shot. Lo and behold, it worked!
3. The writing life requires the ‘Three Cs’ — Craft, Community and Conversation. Where do you go for these things in your own writing practice?
Craft: I’ve always been the kind of person who learns best on the job, rather than in a classroom. I work for my publisher now, doing editing and other work for her. This brings me in touch with a lot of different styles of writing and helps me understand more about how people write and what publishers are likely to accept and the difference between these two things.
Community: I am involved in several different writing groups online where support and help is given. ‘Conversation’ also comes under this banner.
4. Was there ever a book that inspired you to become a writer?
I wrote my first book when I was eight, after reading a book called Sparkle the Pony. I’ve always been inspired by movies and other books. It was Twilight that reawakend the writing bug in me.
5. What is your favourite environment for writing?
Sitting at my computer at home, preferably with no distractions.
Lynne’s new novel, The Reign, is due out on 1st May. The Reign is the final book in The Verindon Trilogy.
For more information visit www.verindon.com
