Return to The Questions Page General Information Frequently Asked Questions   When did she begin writing? How long does it take to write a novel? Where does she get her ideas? What does she want her readers to experience from her writing? Does she use an outline when writing? Will she accept story ideas or review manuscripts from others? Does she care what the critics say? Will she sign books? Will she be coming to my area for a book signing event? Does she answer her fan mail? What are her hobbies? When did she begin writing?      T. A. Llynn began writing when she was in elementary school and participated in many writing related activities throughout her years. However, she did not begin writing to be published until after her marriage. How long does it take to write a novel?      Writing a novel is not exactly like sitting down and writing about what you did on your summer vacation. While the actual typing part may be the same, it involves quite a bit more. The first part of the process is to conceive an idea that would be interesting to the intended audience. It can take several months before the writing part even begins.      Once the work has begun, it can take several months of actually working on the book and developing the story and its characters. And then there's the editing and review process which can add several weeks or more.      When it's all said and done, writing a novel while maintaining a nursing career is a challenge. It can take up to a year to finish and have it ready to publish. Where does she get her ideas?      Generally, some inspiration comes from real life, either from her own personal experiences or the observation of life around her. Some of it comes from pure imagination, which adds unique and interesting aspects to the story. Another portion comes from the message that she is trying to weave into the story. What does she want her readers to experience from her writing?      Her goal is to produce a well written, easy to read and interesting book. She wants it to generate real emotions so the reader becomes immersed in the story. She wants her work to grab the reader from the very first paragraph and keep their attention until they turn the very last page. Does she use an outline when writing?      Yes and no. She doesn't write an outline or any other notes on paper. Instead, she begins by outlining the basic story in her mind from beginning to end. This involves considering the story in many different ways and from different angles, plots, characters, etc. Once the main story is solidified in her mind, she begins writing. She fills in the details as she works along in the book. Will she accept story ideas or review manuscripts from others?      Because of the legal ramifications, she does not accept story ideas or review manuscripts that have not already been accepted by a publisher. Does she care what the critics say?      No. There is an old saying that she learned when she was young, those who can, do and those who can't, criticize. There is a lot of wisdom in that. She writes what she enjoys and what she hopes others will enjoy. It's a great way to get a message or idea out. Those who enjoy her work will continue to read and tell others. There will never be a shortage of critics. Will she sign books?      Not only will she sign books, but she will personalize them for you as well. If you take a look in The Market Place (one of the links at the top of the main pages on this web site), you will find an option to purchase an autographed book with a custom message of your choosing if you like. If you already have a book and would like to send it to be autographed, first consider what it will cost you to ship it both ways - it may be cheaper to order a book from this web site. However, if you want to send in your book, contact her and she will try to accomodate your request. Will she be coming to my area for a book signing event?      Because of the demands of her nursing career and family, it is extremely difficult to tour the country and sign books. That is not to say that it will never happen, but at the present time, the only way to get your book signed (and personalized if you would like) is to order it from this web site or contact her (see previous question). Does she answer her fan mail?      The only medium with which to contact her is through email. Email is virtually instant and doesn't require any paper, envelopes or stamps. And yes, time permitting, she answers all her fan mail. She looks forward to hearing from you. What are her hobbies?      With a full time nursing career and writing books in her spare time, she doesn't have much time for hobbies. She loves to spend time with her husband, their two daughters and two dogs. They spend a lot of family time playing games together. They occassionally go camping with her parents and siblings.