Lynn Viehl Interview

Publication Date: October 1, 2007

Lynn Viehl

Lynn Viehl is author of the popular Darkyn vampire romance series whose bibliography features a number of titles in other genres, including science fiction.
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Upcoming Title

Night Lost
Release Date: January 2, 2008
Publisher: Signet Eclipse, New American Library

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The Questions

Give us an update on yourself. What's your latest news?
On the career front, Night Lost, the fourth novel in my Darkyn series, did quite well this year. I held some virtual writing workshops at my blog this summer, which were a lot of fun. Other than that, I've been working books for my two series.

What's your upcoming or latest book/story about?
Evermore, the fifth Darkyn novel, tells the story of Jayr, the only female seneschal among the Darkyn. Jayr made cameo appearances in Dark Need and Night Lost.

How did you come up with the title?
I took it from a poem that I wrote for the novel.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer, and what inspired you to start writing?
I started writing stories when I was about eight years old. I never gave much thought to being a professional writer – writing was just something that I did for fun.

When did you write your first book?
I was thirteen when I started my first novel. I actually submitted the finished manuscript to Avon a year later, in 1975. They didn't buy it, but they let me down gently.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
Not a writer! I think I went from wanting to be ballerina to a fire fighter to a doctor.

What projects are you working on now?
The sixth Darkyn novel, Twilight Fall, a nonfiction project for a private client, and and the eighth StarDoc science fiction novel, Drednoc. I'm also putting together an e-book that I plan to give to my readers as a gift this holiday season.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?
When I'm not hanging out with my guy and our kids, I spend a lot of time in the garden and kitchen. I also like to sew and paint.

What does your family think of your writing?
I think they're proud of what I've accomplished, and they've always been very supportive of my work.

How long does it take you to write a book?
It depends on the project – generally, anywhere from ten days to six weeks.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
It's very regimented. I have a daily writing and editing schedule which I adhere to faithfully.

Do you have an interesting writing quirk?
I can't write barefoot; I need to wear socks or slippers. I always thought that was a little odd.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
People, music and nature inspire me most. Information comes from the internet, the library, research trips, personal experiences and interviews with interesting folks.

What do you think makes a good story?
The ability of the storyteller to engage the reader's emotions. Without that, a story is lifeless.

What was one of the most surprising things you've learned in creating your books?
No matter how many books I write, every book is a different writing experience

Do you have a specific writing style?
I write in many different genres, so I have several, but I think my own natural voice comes through a bit in all of them.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Protecting the work is a huge, daily challenge.

How many books have you written? Do you have a favorite?
I have published thirty-seven novels. My favorite to date is probably Blade Dancer.

Who or what has influenced your writing?
The single greatest influence on my writing was the public library. Books were my only writing teachers, but for many years I couldn't afford to buy them. My library card gave me access to thousands of books that I would never have read otherwise. They taught me everything I know about writing.

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I don't have one favorite author, but at the top of the list are Robin Donald, Linda Howard, Mark Kurlansky, Sara Donati/Rosina Lippi, Holly Lisle, Stuart MacBride and Martin Cruz Smith. All are very intelligent, engaging writers for whom I have a great deal of respect and admiration.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Holly Lisle. I've learned so much from her, and she's helped me become a better person and writer in countless ways.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Off the top of my head, Rob Thurman and Sasha White. I'm keeping my eye on both of them; I think they're very talented.

Who designs the covers of your books?
New American Library's production team.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Many of my readers do write to me, and let me know what they think of my work. Most of the time the feedback is positive and encouraging.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you. Without your loyalty and support, I wouldn't be here.

Do you have any advice for other writers?
Make your first priority protecting the work. Make your second having fun with it.

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