Q&A With Lynette Theisen

When did you start writing?
I’ve always been able to express my thoughts, feelings, & emotions better through writing so that was how I preferred talking about serious things to friends & family.  However, it wasn’t until my mid-thirties while being a stay-at-home mom that I discovered a passion for telling stories through writing, whether they were my own stories or someone else’s.  I was blessed to get the opportunity to do just that writing for a local paper when I was 36.

When writing, what motivates you?
People, God, struggles I am facing at the time, what’s going on in the world around us.  There is inspiration in everything and everyone!  I really want to help others who may be going through the same struggles so they know they are not alone and there is hope.

What goes into writing a novel?
LOTS of time and for me LOTS of prayer!  Your emotions are on a constant roller coaster going up and down and it’s so easy to get distracted or confused.  If you go into it with a clear purpose and decisive heart, you will get through it.  You have to be 100% committed unless you are simply writing for your own pure pleasure.  For me, I believed I was writing with a purpose, and I had to make sure to always persevere through the frustrating moments.  People are always anxious to knock you down.  To write something that has meaning and worth, you have to get over the fear of criticism and realize not everyone is going to like your work.

Are there certain authors that you look towards for inspiration?
I think all authors in general are an inspiration because that person took the time, the heart, and the dedication to produce a story.  I am constantly reading all sorts of books and finding inspiration in their writing.  Because I never had any formal education in writing or English, I am constantly learning by studying how they wrote a particular sentence or how they used a particular word.

When did the story “Through the Night” first go from idea to written word and where did that idea come from?
As an inspirational columnist, I was often told I should think about writing a book. It took a lot of encouragement to actually consider the idea.  Once I did, I wrote in my prayer journal asking God if this was His will to give me a clear sign. That sign came 3 days later via a phone call from one of my readers who said God had placed a message on her heart to give me, which was that I was to write a book.  I knew now I had a new purpose, I just wasn’t sure what it was supposed to be about.  After 3 failed attempts, and deciding to go to work for Barnes & Noble to learn more about the book industry, the idea came to me while putting away some books in the teen section.  My mind became flooded with the characters and storyline.  About a week later, I finally committed to sitting in front of my computer, praying to God and giving it over to Him, and began to write.  I had the first four chapters written that first sitting.  That was in November of 2008. I knew I was on the right track when I constantly had parents coming in and asking me if there were any good books with good messages that weren’t about vampires, warlocks, dragons, etc…that I could recommend.  I would always respond with “If you give me a few months, I hope to have one!”  With the constant requests and demand for such a book, I knew I was definitely on the right track and understood why this was the kind of book God wanted me to write.

Are any of the events based on real-life experiences?
Absolutely!  While there is much “fantasy” in the book for the excitement of it all, I believe the temptations and tribulations that the characters face are true to so many people’s real life experiences.  I want to put the characters through things that most all of us have faced or will face in our life and show that through family and faith, they can get through them.

Written from the perspective of Renee, a 16-year-old girl, do you feel that males will have a hard time relating to the experiences had by her?
I have gotten a lot of feedback from male readers and while the “older” males could see the value in such a book and had a real sense of appreciation for it, my younger males (14-30) have said that they had a hard time reading it at first, but then once they would get past the “girlie” parts in the beginning, they really liked it, especially the battle scenes. I had one guy tell me that even though he had a hard time at the beginning of the book, once he finished reading it he had an appreciation for how I set the characters up from the very beginning and it helped him to understand what young girls go through. Some said they liked it as much as they liked “Twilight” because they thought that book was too girlie at first but then it got good.  So I consider that a compliment I guess!!! Also, I think it’s important for guys to see that they have such a huge role in this.  We need more “good” guys out there that are gentleman, that give respect to girls and not pressure them into something they aren’t ready for, and to also understand the expectations God has regarding sex.  Yes, it may be hard to relate to at times, but they should go into with an open mind and realize the impact they have on girls!!

What do you want readers to take away from this book?  
I believe there are so many different messages throughout the book for different people.  I pray that the reader will receive whatever God is trying to reveal to them in their lives.  For Christians, I hope this book gives them an exciting and fun story to read that is an alternative to some of the other secular books out there.   For those struggling Christians, I hope it gives them a sense of hope and to stay steadfast in their faith because we ALL face hard times or temptations that we don’t think we can get through.  For nonbelievers, I hope that the scripture included throughout will inspire them to read the Greatest Book of all and begin a relationship with our Heavenly Father.  I used scripture in various situations so people can see that God has provided us with a Life Manual and it can help us get through anything we face while here on earth!

Any plans to revisit the town of Westcliffe and the Lewis family in the future?  
I plan to visit there literally on July 17 & 18 as I will be doing a book signing there and speaking to the youth group at Hope Church which is mentioned in the book.  I have also begun the sequel with a working title of “Blinding Darkness.”  I’m VERY excited about this book so far.  I think it’s going to be even better than the first one with a lot more excitement and various battles for Renee and her family & friends to face. I hope to have it out by March of next year or so.

Who is your goal audience for “Through the night”?  
I would say it’s targeted for young girls and their parents.  In tying in question 11, I have gotten a lot of feedback from both genres saying it has helped open up communication for them to discuss some serious and tough subjects.  That is such a blessing to me!  I’ve heard from older ladies saying everyone teen needs to read it and that it helped them to understand the youth of today more.  So far, with the exception from some guys who said it was slow at first for them, it has had a tremendous response.  I think if young people can read this, it may help them realize that God has many expectations for us regarding sexual immorality and that even giving another person a “simple kiss” isn’t all that simple; you are giving a part of yourself to that person.  It’s very serious and I want them to know the seriousness of it early on.

Do you feel it has cross-over potential, the potential to reach non-Christians as well?  
I pray for a cross-over to happen!  I want for this book to be a tool to reach nonbelievers.  I believe our ministry has to change with the seasons.  What was able to get the attention of our youth 60/40/20 years ago will not work for them today.  We have to change our books, movies, and music to be attractive to today’s society if we want any chance at all to witness to them.  I think this book holds enough excitement to capture the attention of a wide audience.  I keep hearing people tell me that it should be made into a movie.  If that were to happen, I think the movie definitely has the potential to cross-over!

What are your plans for the future?
To minister to churches across the US.  I believe this is what the Lord is calling me to do and the book is my key to get into the doors.  I spoke to a congregation in Amarillo, TX and I was so at ease and comfortable up on that pulpit that I knew this is what I am supposed to be doing.  And when the pastor told me he was bombarded with phone calls from his congregation regarding my sermon, and asked me to come back in July, it was my confirmation that I am definitely doing the will of God!  I have so many wonderful “God Inspired’ messages to deliver to as many people that I can reach.

For those wanting to read this book you can pick one up at:
The Maryville Daily Forum
111 E. Jenkins in Maryville
or online at:
www.lynettetheisen.com
& (in the near future)
BN.com (Barnes & Noble)