IndieView with Erin Lynne, author of About that Pact

My best friends from college and I have all started having children. I thought, wouldn’t it be wild if our kids one day got married? It spiraled from there to the About That series. I need to add, none of these characters are based off our kiddos. That would be gross.

Erin Lynne – 2 July 2021

The Back Flap

Anyone have that one person, that colossal mistake, who just won’t stay in the past?

Charlotte Madison did and his name was Rafe Bianchi. Unfortunately for her, the only life she knew had Rafe in it. Their parents were best friends, so they saw a lot of each other whether or not they liked it. That’s right. Family vacations, BBQ parties, birthday celebrations – every family function he was there.

Rafe wasn’t always a nightmare. There was a time when they were friends. As kids, they played all summer, getting into trouble, racing on their bikes, and making pacts. It was all fun and games until the innocence of their promises turned a bit sexy. One deal they didn’t shake on, but happened anyway?

Heartbreak.

Charlotte and Rafe crossed a line and their friendship vanished as they turned on each other. Their relationship slipped from friends to enemies. Whenever they saw each other, an argument happened. Charlotte and Rafe fighting was the new normal, so when he hustled her into owing him five favors, she was expecting war. Just like when they were kids, Charlotte owed him and he wouldn’t let her forget about it.

Owing him was something she was used to. What was the worst that could happen this time around?

About the book

What is the book about?

My latest romcom, About That Pact, is a story that follows Charlotte Madison and Rafe Bianchi, two people who have grown up together. They used to be friends until they made a pact that changed everything.

When did you start writing the book?

I started writing this book in August 2020 and it was published in March 2021. Yikes, that seems like a long time.

How long did it take you to write it?

It took eight months to write!

Where did you get the idea from?

My best friends from college and I have all started having children. I thought, wouldn’t it be wild if our kids one day got married? It spiraled from there to the About That series. I need to add, none of these characters are based off our kiddos. That would be gross.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

I always struggle writing the flaws of my characters that emotionally hurt another character and if they will be forgiven.

What came easily?

The comedy, always the comedy. Rafe and Charlotte have the best banter.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

They are all 100% made up.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

I love Claire Kingsley, Vi Keeland, Julie James, and Lauren Layne. They each have a unique writing style and they have influenced me to not be afraid to write the good and bad of romance. From the scenes that make you blush to the scenes that make you angry, they still maintained strong female leads. This is something I hope always comes across in my writing.

Do you have a target reader?

Anyone and everyone who loves to read.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

My writing process needs to be refined since it took eight months to write my last book! I do sprints for hours at a time, but I need to schedule more time for this to happen.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

Great question! I do outline, but by how I am expecting each chapter/scene to go. However, I don’t outline the end. This may seem bizarre, but I like to see where the story and characters take me.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I finish a draft, then re-read/edit multiple times before I give to my editor. She is a doll and is super patient with me and my lack of when to use a comma, hehe.

Did you hire a professional editor?

I do! Word Nerd Editing is a great partner.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Hmm, this is always based off what scene I am writing. Normally some Taylor Swift song when it comes to the break up. She is a badass.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Not with About That Pact, but I have in the past.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I decided to go Indie because I felt like I had a strong story, but the process for traditional publishing wasn’t working for me. I learned while it is more work going Indie, I love having all of the control.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I am not talented enough to create a cover! I used E-book Cover Designs and they are fabulous.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

The thought of winging it gives me anxiety out the wahzoo. I make sure to partner with other writers and bloggers, post when I can, and do advertisements on Facebook and Amazon.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Get an editor. If you don’t listen to anything else, listen to that. Get an editor.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. I do this on Facebook. If you join groups on Facebook, you can learn the start to finish writing tips, find new readers, and advertise. I am most successful with Facebook advertisements.

About You

What would you like readers to know about you?

Erin Lynne is a romantic comedy writer who lives outside of Philadelphia with her husband and two sons. When she is not chasing after her two boys, you can find her writing. She loves going on adventures with her family, drinking wine, and reading.

What are you working on now?

I am writing About That Rule, the next standalone in the About That series. You’ll love it!

End of Interview:

For more from Erin Lynne, visit her website and like her Facebook page.

Get your copy of About that Pact from Amazon US or Amazon UK.