Lynda Lee Schab got her writing start in greeting cards (Blue Mountain Arts, Dayspring) and from there went on to write articles and short stories (Mature Living, Christian Home & School) and in many places online (including www.Examiner.com and www.wow-womenonwriting.com), but her passion has always been fiction.
Mind Over Madi, her debut novel, is near and dear to her heart. Lynda admits she has a lot in common with the character of Madi. Not only are they both addicted to ice cream, chocolate, and computer games, they struggle with the same types of insecurities and continually require a hefty dose of God’s grace.
Lynda works behind the scenes at FaithWriters.com and is a member of ACFW. She is a regular book reviewer for FaithfulReader.com and is the Grand Rapids Christian Fiction Examiner and the National Writing Examiner for Examiner.com. Mind Over Madi received Runner-up in the 2007 FaithWriters Page Turner contest, was a finalist in the 2007 RWA Get your Stiletto in the Door contest, and won second place in the 2008 ACFW Genesis contest, Chick Lit category. Lynda lives with her husband, Rob, and two teenagers in Michigan.
Mind Over Madi
Madi McCall admits her husband lacks a little in the romance department, but all in all, he’s been a good husband, a good father. Now, though, she suspects Rich is having an affair with Fawn Witchburn, the mother of one of his fourth-grade students. To say Fawn shows of her “assets” more than should be legally allowed in public is an understatement, and Madi’s insecurities kick into high gear. When, in a heated moment, she asks Rich to leave and he complies, Madi is forced to deal with her issues. Issues of love and trust she’s tried so hard to avoid. Issues that trail all the way back to her childhood and make her act like a total moron.
Let's talk with Lynda...
How did FW play into getting published?
I’d had a few non-fictional things published by the time I joined FaithWriters in 2004, but it played a huge part in my fiction. I was addicted to The Weekly Writing Challenge for a couple of years, and built up a library of fictional pieces. I went on to sell several of them to national magazines. I also entered Mind over Madi in the 2008 Page Turner contest and ended up taking 2nd place. FaithWriters administrator, and now dear friend, Deb Porter, showered me with support and encouragement, which spurred me on to finish my manuscript. The writers that make up the FaithWriters community are so positive and uplifting. They truly rejoice over each other’s accomplishments and do whatever they can to help other writers to use their gifts and achieve the calling God has placed on their lives.
What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?
That’s easy: Apply the Butt Glue and just write. Discipline has never been my biggest strength, but that book won’t get written unless I park my behind in the chair and start typing. Even when I don’t feel like it. Even when I have a million other things to do. One of my favorite quotes on writing is “You can fix bad, but you can’t fix blank.”
Share a verse or Scripture passage with us that is special to you.
My favorite verse is Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.” I recite this verse often! Because my mind is always so busy and distracted, I tend to stress out a lot. I need to keep reminding myself that God is God. He’s in control. And everything will be okay.
On the cover photo, “Madi” is wearing a tiara. What is the significance in that?
Madi’s therapist challenges her to think of herself as a princess – the daughter of the King. Madi has never thought of herself this way, and throughout the story, there are references to various Disney princesses as Madi tries to figure out which one she most relates to. I had fun with the theme, even giving “the other woman” the fairy tale-ish name of Fawn Witchburn.
What do you want readers to take away from reading Madi’s story?
An understanding of just how infinite God’s love is. That no matter what we’ve done, God will never stop pursuing our hearts or desiring a relationship with us. His mercies are new every morning and His grace covers our weaknesses, our mistakes, our ignorance.
When is your next book due out and can you tell us about it?
I am currently writing the second book in the Madi series, titled, Madily in Love. Basically, Madi really wants to rekindle the romance in her marriage, so she signs up for a Revitalize Your Marriage with Romance class at church. There, she receives great suggestions on spicing up her relationship with her husband, but when she tries the tips, things don’t go as planned. I’m only a few chapters in, but I’m already having a lot of fun with the storyline.
Looking to enter a book drawing for Mind Over Madi? Swing by the Book Loft for a spotlight and interview and two chances to win the book.
I am so happy for Linda as I have watched her journey along the way starting at Faithwriters:) I love the crown and why that is! I had wondered too!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Terri. I appreciate your friendship and all of your encouragement over the past few years. :-)
ReplyDeleteI am thrilled for Lynda and can't wait to receive my copy of Mind over Madi! Fantastic post!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Rita. I hope you enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteThis book will have you laughing and crying. Buy her book and enjoy all!
ReplyDeletetickled by this. LOVE seeing her succeeding like this. WONderful news!
ReplyDeleteAw...have I told you lately how much I love you guys?? :-)
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