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Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Jennifer DeVries, I am a Minnesota-based independent author of six mystery/thriller novels, written under the pseudonym Brenda Lyne: Charlie's Mirror; Sister Lost; the Raegan O'Rourke Mysteries series: The Thirteenth Cabin, Angel Baby, and Fool's Gold; and my newest novel, Ripple Effect. I was an Anoka County Library Featured Author in 2022 and 2023, I am a Teaching Artist at the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis, and five of my novels are Readers' Favorite Five-Star Review recipients. I live in Coon Rapids, Minnesota with my two busy teenagers and two furbabies.
Where did your business name come from? Is there an interesting story behind it?
I do write and publish under a pseudonym, and the story behind my pen name is pretty cute. It goes all the way back to when I was in the second grade and was tasked with caring for an egg for a week. Check out the full story on my blog: https://brendalyne.com/blogs/put-that-in-a-book/to-pen-name-or-not-to-pen-name
Is this a full-time business for you?
I wish! I balance my author business with my grown-up job in marketing for a local financial services company. Someday I hope to take the leap and make it my full-time job.
What motivates you to create?
For me writing is a compulsion. An absolute necessity. An outlet that helps keep me sane in these crazy times. I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t write.
What has been your favorite moment since creating your art/business?
Any moment that involves interacting with my readers is my favorite. That’s the biggest benefit to being an independent author.
What are some inspirations for your work?
Stephen King is my favorite author and hands-down my greatest inspiration. I read my first King book at age ten and haven’t stopped since. Check out my blog for the full story of how Stephen King his influenced me as an author: https://brendalyne.com/blogs/put-that-in-a-book/my-greatest-inspiration-or-why-im-an-author
What do your customers love most about your product(s)?
My readers tell me that once they start reading one of my books, they can’t put it down. That is the ultimate compliment.
What is the latest thing you have been working on?
My newest novel, Ripple Effect, dropped on Sept. 9! Come to the Gift & Art Expo to pick up your signed paperback!! Here’s the blurb:
When the skeletal remains of a teenage girl are found in a Wisconsin forest, Detective Mike Franklin becomes obsessed with identifying her. But the case goes cold and the girl’s restless spirit remains tethered to him with no memory of who she was. The investigation reignites fifteen years later, uncovering shocking family secrets and revealing a killer much closer than anyone imagined.
What will you be bringing to the Gift & Art Expo for attendees to purchase?
I will have paperback copies of all six of my books to sell. Author signature free with purchase!
https://brendalyne.com
Facebook: Brenda Lyne Books
Instagram: @akabrendalyne
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