Brenda Lyne is the pseudonym of author Jennifer DeVries. Jennifer lives just outside Minneapolis, Minnesota with her two busy kids, two cats, two fish, and probably a partridge in a pear tree. She is living, breathing proof that it is never too late to follow your dreams. Sister Lost is her second novel. - Tell us about the featured book. What is it about, and why did you choose to write this story?
Sister Lost was inspired by the true story of Latanisha Carmichael, a New York City toddler who was killed by her own mother in 1979 and her body hidden in a closet for twenty years. The story captivated me, leaving me to wonder what it would be like to live in that house -- and to be the twin brother the little girl left behind. It’s a fast-paced, spine-tingling story that also explores timely topics such as family dysfunction, domestic violence, trauma, healing, personal growth, and redemption. I like to write flawed female protagonists who find their way to their own personal happy ending – maybe because that’s the journey I’m on myself!
- Tell us a little about your writing process. What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching, outlining, or planning before beginning a book?
I might take a good month or two to get to know my characters, plot out their stories, and then sit down and write the outline -- but I’m learning that while the outline provides a solid foundation for a story, it’s never static. It often changes as I write, because no matter how hard I try to know everything that will happen in my story, sometimes events pop up that I didn’t anticipate. Sometimes that requires me to go back and tweak the outline so I can make sure the story stays on track. I’m in the same camp as my hero Stephen King when it comes to research: because I’m writing suspense fiction, I usually need just enough information to write authentically without getting too bogged down in details. I typically do my research as I go, and Google serves me well. I don’t know how authors ever did this job before Google!
- Are there any writers or authors who have influenced your writing? If not, who are some of your favorite writers?
Stephen King is my hero, and is a very strong influence on my writing. Not the super-gory horror stuff (although I do love to read that; “It” is my favorite of his books), but more the psychological and paranormal explorations of life and death (“Bag of Bones is my other favorite of his novels). I also appreciate a good crime thriller/police procedural along the line of John Sandford, P.J. Tracy, and Kathy Reichs.
- When you’re not writing, what do you like to do in your spare time?
I have two kids, ages 14 and 12, who keep me very busy with their sports and other activities. I also grow a mean vegetable garden and am a world-class thrift shopper.
- Do you have a website or social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc.) where readers can learn more about your work? Please feel free to list or link them below.
Website: https://brendalyne.com
Facebook: Brenda Lyne Books
Twitter & Instagram: @akabrendalyne
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