Author Interview ~ Lynne Roberts

Today, on the couch here at the Menagerie, we have Lynne Roberts here haning out with us. Let’s all make sure we give her a very warm Menagerie welcome.

Welcome to The Menagerie, Lynne! We’re so glad to have you here, and I’ve loved getting to know you better. So, if you’re comfortable, let’s get started: Where are you from?

I was born in the great state of Utah, but my mother is something of a gypsy and I’ve lived all over the western US. We settled in California when I was in junior high. I love California. An hour drive to the mountains, 2 ½ to the ocean: bliss.

A gypsy huh? Sounds like you have lots of interesting stories to tell. Tell us your latest news?

Well, FIRST DATE, my first ever publication was released on October 9th of this year and my second book AFTER HOURS is coming soon, very soon. Be watching!

How awesome! Congrats on your very first book release. And Good luck on the release of After Hours. How did you come up with the title?

I am horrible at titling my books. HORRIBLE! But this one was easy. Without giving it away, the last line of the book gave me the idea for the title. When The Wilder Rose Press contracted the book, we spent about a week trying to come up with a new title, one that was a little steamier—did I mention I suck at titles? Well, after deliberating and second-guessing ourselves, we all agreed that the original title, FIRST DATE, really did fit the story.

LOL, I’ve heard that story before… but hey, y’all always find a title that works. What book are you reading now?

I just finished Cari Quinn’s Full Disclosure, and now I’m reading Bobby Fayes Very Bad Day by Toni McGee Causey.

Hmmm… I like Cari, but I”ve never heard of Toni McGee Causey. Will have to take a look. Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

It depends on the genre. In erotica my biggest challenge is repetition. I don’t want my love scenes to be similar or boring and there are only so many synonyms for certain body parts or actions! I find myself attempting be very clever, which, especially in the editing process, is a bit of a challenge and leaves me exhausted.

LOL, I sometimes have the same problem! Not many ways you can say it… oh well. When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I was eighteen when I wrote my first book in a spiral bound notebook. It was fan fiction love story for Spock. I should mention at this point that I’ve always had a bit of a crush on Spock. It’s all that restrained passion! What woman wouldn’t want to tap into that, be the one that triggers its release? ; )

--I should have warned you ladies that I tend to go off on tangents from time to time--

Before that, I used to write scripts for my sister’s Barbies to act out. I think writing was always in the cards for me.

Years later, I had a dream about this woman. She would not leave me alone and out of pure frustration, I wrote her story. It’s a full length fantasy and still without an agent, but it’s my baby.

LOL, as long as you knew what you wanted. And… um… I go off on tangents ALL THE TIME! You can join me any time. And now for the “absolutely nothing to do with writing” questions: What animal do you think makes the best pet and why?

Right now, I love my cats. One day I want a dog, but I just don’t have the time. Cats don’t need constant attention and are fine if I ignore them for a day or two. I have twos: Meow and Sarah. Meow is very smart and when he wants attention, he’ll swipe at the keyboard (or my fingers flying across the keyboard) Sarah is beautiful but a bit on the dim side. She also has a meow that sounds a bit like a bird. Go figure.

To each their own. I have a dog and he’s like one of my kids. What were you doing at midnight last night?

Reading. The only time I have to read is at night before I go to sleep. So you can usually find me trying to focus on a book and weighing how much I love the story vs how tired I’m going to be in 6 hours when the alarm goes off. I make up my sleep on the weekends—usually.


I am a night owl myself, so I understand. That’s the only time in the day that the house is entirely silent and I get anything done. What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?

I’m not the most adventurous eater but I did try ox tail in Barcelona and let me tell you, it’s awesome! Oh, I’ve also eaten beaver tail. Trapped it too. Not bad if I remember correctly.

LOL, don’t know if I could bring myself to eat them. You’d have to not tell me what it was at first and let me draw my own conclusions. What is your heritage?

My father is a good part Shoshone and my mother is mostly Irish with some Welsh and Scottish thrown in there for good measure. My grandmother says we are Hines57, which she translates into mutt. ; ) I have quite a bit of family that lives at the Wind River Reservation and, although I don’t plan to live there, my application for citizenship is pending.
I have the Irish facial structure and the Indian coloring; my sister has the Indian facial structure and the Irish coloring.

So, you are an IHOP (international house of people). Don’t worry, I don’ t know many people who aren’t mutts. :-D Do you like thunderstorms?

I love them. I always have! Of course I’d rather experience them inside with a warm blanket and a cup of something hot.

I agree, thunderstorms are great. Nature in all her fury. Can you taste the difference between Pepsi and Coke? If so, which do you prefer?

Yes I can! When I was a little girl, I wanted to find out which I liked best so I grabbed a can of Coke and one of Pepsi and did blind taste tests on members of my family and myself. Turns out I like Coke better and I can still taste the difference.

I don’t drink soda much now and I prefer Root Beer, with vanilla ice cream if possible.

Well, I won’t hold your Coke love against you. LOL Thank you for hanging out with us today at The Menagerie. It was a great pleasure to get to know you better. Don’t be a stranger!

Lynne has always made up stories or rewritten the endings of books. She started writing because she dreamed of a love story that wouldn’t leave her alone. Once she’d written it down, more voices clamored for her attention. She loves the magic involved in meeting that special person and the chemistry of falling and staying in love. There is nothing more satisfying than happy ever after. You can keep up with her online at her website and her blog.

First Date by Lynne Roberts

The real estate market is about to heat up.

When Bret Jacob walks into Jill's real estate office, she attempts to maintain a professional demeanor, but memories of accidental voyeurism in high school, years of what-if's, and Bret's drop-dead sexy grin only serve to ignite her fantasies.

Bret needs a farm for his growing landscape business. When he sees Jill Daniels' picture in a real estate ad, he can't believe his eyes: The shy girl from high school has blossomed into a desirable woman. Ten years ago, she didn't stir his blood and drive away all rational thought; now, he's fighting the urge to take her in his arms long enough to ask her on a first date.