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Author Lynda Schab |
Today I am delighted to have author Lynda Schab visit. She is answering some questions about her writing journey and about her book, Mind Over Madi. I even asked Lynda’s character, Madi, a couple
questions regarding Hawaii. Enjoy!
What is Mind over Madi about?
Tell us a little about the plot.
Madi McCall is a 38-year-old mom of three whose insecurities are
destroying her marriage. When she suspects her husband Rich is cheating with
the mother of one of his fourth grade students, she kicks him out of the house
and he moves in with his bachelor brother. Madi is then forced to take a deeper
look at herself and her insecurities. She does this with the help of a
counselor, her best friend Sylvie, and a few cartons of Edy’s Dibs. At a 20-year
get-together with former high school classmates, Madi runs into “the other
woman” and things come to a head. It’s a lighthearted story about taking a true
look at ourselves and accepting God’s grace when we think and do dumb things.
What is your favorite and least
favorite part of being a writer?
Favorite: The creative process. Thinking a story through from
beginning to end and then seeing my vision come to life through the characters
and situations I create.
Least favorite: Definitely the self-discipline it requires. Time
management is something I’ve always struggled with. Making myself sit down and
focus when I know the basement needs cleaning, laundry is piling up, my office
needs to be organized, or I want to watch the episode of Survivor I missed the
night before is my biggest challenge.
What’s the best piece of writing
advice you’ve ever received?
That’s easy: Apply the Butt Glue
and just write. Discipline has never been my biggest strength, but that book
won’t get written unless I park my behind in the chair and start typing. Even
when I don’t feel like it. Even when I have a million other things to do. One
of my favorite quotes on writing is “You
can fix bad, but you can’t fix blank.”
On the cover photo, “Madi” is
wearing a tiara. What is the significance in that?
Madi’s therapist challenges her to think of herself as a princess –
the daughter of the King. Madi has never thought of herself this way, and
throughout the story, there are references to various Disney princesses as Madi
tries to figure out which one she most relates to. I had fun with the theme,
even giving “the other woman” the fairy tale-ish name of Fawn Witchburn.
What do you want readers to take
away from reading Madi’s story?
An understanding of just how infinite God’s love is. That no matter
what we’ve done, God will never stop pursuing our hearts or desiring a
relationship with us. His mercies are new every morning and His grace covers
our weaknesses, our mistakes, and our ignorance.
These last three questions are
for LYNDA’S CHARACTER, MADI:
Madi, have you ever been to Hawaii?
Unfortunately, not yet.
Do you dream of going someday?
I would love to go to Hawaii. In Madily in Love,
the second book in the Madi series, my best friend Sylvie tells me she is
planning to go to Hawaii for her honeymoon, and I am so jealous. In fact, it's
too bad I weigh over 50 pounds, the luggage weight limit. I would definitely
hide away in Sylvie's Samsonite.
What attracts you to the islands?
Hello! Pretty much perfect weather, sun-kissed beaches,
luaus, romance, and an escape from the chaos and stress of my everyday life. It's
a no-brainer. Plus, learning the hula is on my bucket list!
Nice idea about the luggage, Madi! Unfortunately I weigh over 50
pounds too. Thanks, Lynda for sharing with us today, and I hope someday both
you and Madi make it to Hawaii.
In the meantime, check out Mind
Over Madi. You can order the book by clicking this link: Amazon.
I am so excited for Lynda and honored to have had her visit my
blog! I just finished her novel and am delighted to tell you what a wonderful read it is. I love the princess theme she carries throughout the book. I identified with Madi in many areas, as I think many women would. Linda includes quotes at the beginning of each chapter--I enjoyed them as much as the story itself. Treat yourself this Christmas with Mind Over Madi, or give it as a gift. You can connect with Lynda on
her website www.lyndaschab.com. Blog www.on-the-write-track.blogspot.com. or Facebook and Twitter.
Mahalo for visiting!
Cheryl