Get to know Lynda…

Lynda Mullaly Hunt is the author of middle-grade novel, ONE FOR THE MURPHYS (Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin), winner of The Tassy Walden Award: New Voices in Children’s Literature. She is also a former teacher and Scenario Writing coach. Lynda has been Director of the SCBWI-NE Whispering Pines Retreat for six years. Lynda lives with her husband, two kids, impetuous beagle and beagle-loathing cat. For more info, check out her site and blog. And don’t forget Twitter and Facebook! For info on purchasing ONE FOR THE MURPHYS, click here. To view the book trailer click here.

Let the conversation begin!

Can you share a nugget of wisdom?

Readers and writers often try to define “voice.” I think “voice” is the soul of the author seeping out of the fingers and onto the page. It is this vulnerability—our being willing to share our strengths, short comings, fears, secrets, and quirks, this helps to create characters that step from the page. The difference between a lack of voice and a strong one is like the Velveteen Rabbit before and after he becomes real.

Is the glass half empty or half full? What is in the glass?

Always half full. Optimism is a vital part of resilience, I think. (And you know what?! I think that answer is going to be really swell!) 

Where do you see yourself in ten years? 

I hope that I am a children’s author with several books out and a wife and mother with a happy, healthy family—just ten years older. Also, I presently have a thin file of notes from teachers and kids who’ve told me that my new book, One for the Murphys, has made a difference to someone. I hope that file is a thick one in ten years. 

What do you miss about being a child? 

Seeing the people I love more often. Actually…seeing some of them at all. 

What is the best part of writing? Worst part?

Deadlines. These are the best part—and the worst part. 

If you could only write one more book, what would it be about? 

It would be a memoir. 

How long have you been writing? Does it feel like yesterday?

If you include songwriting—forever. In one sense it feels like yesterday and in another sense my younger days feel like a different life all together. 

If you could snap your fingers and appear anywhere, where would you be?

Anywhere but the state of confusion. Okay, seriously…I’d go to Hawaii. I’ve wanted to go there since I was about six years old. Not very creative but truthful. 

If you could only wear one color for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Blue. Boring I know, but I could never live without blue jeans. 

What super human power would you want? 

Toplay with time—move within it at will. Not too much to ask, right? (Can I buy this online? Seems like you can find anything online these days.) 

What is the craziest (or stupidest) thing you have ever done?

I drank about a half of a cup buffalo sauce to “show off.”  A memorable lesson there. 

What is your favorite season? 

Summer! It tends to be carefree—lots more time to play with than the rest of the year. Lots more time to see my kids and travel as a family. 

What’s the best dinner you ever had? 

When my then-boyfriend (now husband) took me out to Avon Old Farms Inn for my sixteenth birthday. That story will get into a book some day!  

Who is the biggest inspiration in your life?

My brother, Ricky, who is eleven years older than me. He has always been good to me—a protector. But, he has also set an exemplary example. I remember going to his college graduation and thinking I would do the same because he did. Also, Ricky has always put the people he loves ahead of all else—I have known this first hand many times. 

Which of the seven dwarves describes you best? 

Lately?  Sleepy.  

If you were attending a Halloween party, what would your costume be?

I would be a gypsy who could “read fortunes.” I would not be recognizable, so I could go from person-I-know to person-I-know and tell them about themselves and watch their looks of shock. I did this once, actually. SO much fun!! 

Why do you write?  

Because I feel like my best self when I do. 

When are you the most productive? 

Generally, mid to late morning—after the coffee starts to kick in. 

Daily word count? 

I shoot for 1,000. Sometimes get more, sometimes less. 

What was the first live concert you ever attended?

The band,Journey, with some “nobody” named Bryan Adams as warm-up. Great concert! 

What have you done that impressed yourself? 

I broke the cycle.