The common wisdom is that only about 1 percent of a novelist's research ends up in his or her book. In my experience, it's even less - closer to a tenth of a percent. Gayle Lynds bookclosecommon Change image and share on social
For a decade, I was a stay-at-home mom. I sent my husband to his law office, sat on PTA boards and baked cookies - great cookies. All of a sudden, I had no husband, no job, few prospects, and two small children who had grown accustomed to eating. Gayle Lynds accustombakeboard share on social
I've always looked upon research as an opportunity to satisfy my curiosity. But the other side of the coin is one must not be so caught up in it that one never gets the book written. Gayle Lynds bookcatchcoin Change image and share on social
You don't have to resolve every problem of the book at the end, but you do have to resolve some. Gayle Lynds bookendproblem Change image and share on social
Writers sometimes ruin a book by adding a lighthearted mood at the wrong moment. Gayle Lynds addbooklightheart Change image and share on social
'Mosaic' is about what we see and what we don't see. I learned how people can develop other senses to compensate for a missing one when I was a child. My best friend, Carol, who is profoundly deaf, saved me from an approaching car that she 'heard' when I didn't. Gayle Lynds approachcarcarol share on social
I've seen unpublished manuscripts where the writer doesn't know they are making fun of the villain - but they are. If you aren't afraid of your villain, how can your hero be afraid? Gayle Lynds afraidfunhave Change image and share on social
Be wary of cutting and pasting research nuggets directly into your manuscript. Gayle Lynds cutdirectlymanuscript Change image and share on social
In 1996, when my first novel, 'Masquerade,' was published, I knew international thrillers - or spy novels, if you prefer - had been the domain of male authors for decades. Gayle Lynds authordecadedomain Change image and share on social
