Lyn Cote in spotlight ~ Day 2

Today is day 2 of Spotlight with Lyn Cote and her newest book, Daddy in the Making.  I am so please to have Lyn here for an interview today.  Be sure to read to the end of the post for a chance to win a copy of her featured book, Daddy in the Making.  If you missed yesterday's blurb post be sure to read it for a chance to be added to the drawing.  And now welcome Lyn Cote...

Lyn, I was so honored that you wanted me to feature your newest book, Daddy in the Making on my blog could you tell us a little bit about yourself.

When Lyn Cote became a mother, she gave up teaching, and while raising a son and a daughter, she began working on her first novel. Rejection followed. Finally, Lyn got "the call." Her first book, Never Alone, was chosen for the new Love Inspired romance line. Since then, Lyn has had over thirty novels published. In 2006 Lyn's book, Chloe, was a finalist for the RITA, one of the highest awards in the romance genre. And her Her Patchwork Family was a Carol finalist in the short historical category in 2010. Lyn’s brand “Strong Women, Brave Stories,” always includes three elements: a strong heroine who is a passionate participant in her times, authentic historical detail and a multicultural cast of characters. Lyn also features stories of strong women both from real life and true to life fiction on her website homepage, http://www.LynCote.net. Lyn also can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads. Drop by and "friend or follow" her. Now living her dream of writing books at her lake cottage in northern Wisconsin, Lyn hopes her books show the power of divine as well as human love.

Once I had kids I stopped substitute teaching too.  Been a SAHM for almost 20 years now.  How long have you been writing?

Some days I think too long. :-)

Some days I feel like I've been a SAHM for too long too.  How many books have you had published?

Number 35 came out this April, Daddy in the Making!

WOW!  That's quite the accomplishment.  Do you only write for Steeple Hill?

I've written for several houses, but always come back to the Harlequin Love Inspired lines.

Well, I love the Love Inspired books, you chose well, I think.  What genre do you write?

I write 3 types of fiction: contemporary romance, romantic suspense and historical sagas

I love inspirational romance books.  Who/what has influenced your writing the most?

Reading a lot! My favorite author is still Georgette Heyer whom I think created the modern romance and is the heir of Jane Austen.

My teen daughter and I have been watching a lot of Jane Austen's movies, Emma, Pride and Prejudice, and others.  What is your biggest challenge in the writing process?

Getting started. The first few chapters are like pulling very stubborn teeth.

Do you have web site or blog?

Yes, both. My blog is on my homepage now. Drop by http://www.BooksbyLynCote.com I'm doing something special this year, posting my very first unpublished mansuscript, La Belle Christiane. It's forcing me to revise and polish it once more. I plan on self-publishing it on Kindle and through a print on demand publisher later this year. I only have 2 Love Inspired romances out this year. I wanted to have something historical for my readers.

I was at your web site and noticed your posts of  La Belle Christiane I'll have to go back when I have time and read it.  Do you celebrate when you get a new contract or after the book is published and on the shelves? and How do you celebrate, if you celebrate.

Yes, I usually celebrate a new contract by buying something new--clothing or something for the house.

I love something new. What a nice way to celebrate.  What is your favorite comfort food?

WATERMELON is my all time favorite food. I only eat it in the summer though. I don't trust those little melons from elsewhere.

I love Watermelon, with a sprinkle of salt to bring out the sweet taste.  Oh, yummy, now I can't wait. what is your favorite hobby? (out side of Reading/writing related)

I love to knit and do lunch. And I watch Wheel of Fortune daily.

I like the Wheel of Fortune too, but my favorite it Price is Right.  Now for some questions about the featured book What inspired this story, if anything.

My friend Eunice's daughter has a basset hound, named Ripley who loves to be dressed in costume and posed for hilarious photos. I saw a few of these and decided it would be fun to have a basset hound as a match maker!

I like it when animals and food are intertwined in the story plot.  What is the message (theme) you want the readers to come away with?

Don't let the past or worries about the future destroy today.

Good message:  Who is your favorite character in this story and why?

I love them all, but Mike is a great character. He's the hero's grandfather's best friend who keeps house for the hero. Mike's a straight-shooter and won't stand for mean talk. Quite a guy!

Neat.  Thanks Lyn for taking the time to chat with me and letting my readers get to know you a little better.  I'm so glad you asked me to host this book giveaway.

Readers Don't forget Lyn has offered to giveaway a copy of her newest book, Daddy in the Making to one of my readers.  If you missed yesterday's post click here for the details of the giveaway.  If you entered yesterday and would like a second entry then here is what you need to do.  After you've completed the mandatory entry here,  visit Lyn's site here and tell me which of her other books you might like to read.