Today is the release day for Full Count, the first book in the Westland University series by Lynn Stevens. She was kind enough to take some time out of her busy schedule to let us know more about the book and herself.
What was the inspiration for this book?
I love baseball and I wanted to tackle an issue that’s plaguing the game. It original started as a NaNoWriMo novel, and I failed miserably. LOL But never give up, and ever surrender.
To which character do you relate the most?
I relate a lot to Aaron and his desire to live up to expectations, even the ones he’s set for himself.
Is this book a standalone or will it be part of a series?
Full Count is the first in the Westland University, but it is a standalone novel. Aaron and Mallory may appear in future books though.
Did you have a playlist for this book?
It has a theme song: Centerfield by John Fogerty https://youtu.be/04KQydlJ-qc
On what are you working right now?
I’m currently editing Game On, the second book in the Westland University series, and I’m drafting a third book for the series.
What makes you stand out in the genre?
I think one of the things about Full Count is that it is from the male character’s POV. Most romance novels are either dual POV or the female POV. As interesting as Mallory’s story is, this was really Aaron’s tale.
What does your writing routine look like?
I’m a proud member of the #5amwritersclub on Twitter. Even on the weekends, I’m up early to work. If I don’t get up, nothing gets done. LOL.
Who are your greatest writing inspirations?
Bean, my daughter, is the greatest inspiration I could ever have.
What is the best writing advice you ever received?
Don’t give up.
What advice do you have for those who are trying to become writers?
Don’t give up. If this is what you want, then do it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t write, that you’ll never get published. And don’t stop working to improve your craft. Just because you wrote one novel a certain way, doesn’t mean that you should write the next novel the same way. Each story is unique and must be written in its own way.
What can we find you doing when you're not writing?
Watching Cardinals baseball, hiking and camping with my family. I love taking my kayak out on the lake.
What is the last book you read?
The Goddess Wars series by Kendrae Blake.
What is next up on your TBR?
If my TBR pile tipped over, it would kill me.
You live in the Midwest. If someone were coming to visit, what are some must-see destinations?
Ah, there are so many hidden gems in St. Louis. Other than the obvious (St. Louis Zoo, Busch Stadium, Arch), check out the Wild Bird Sanctuary, The Butterfly House, Missouri Botanical Gardens, and City Museum. Make sure you get a milkshake from Crown Candy and a frozen concrete from Ted Drewes. After dinner on The Hill, of course.
What is your dream vacation?
Renting a cabin in the Colorado Rockies. I love the mountains.
What is something on your bucket list that you would be willing to share with us?
Kayaking down the Missouri River.
Describe the perfect cup of tea and/or coffee.
If there’s caffeine involved, they’re all perfect. As long as there’s no dairy.
Thank you so much for your time! And congrats on the new release!
Full Count
Anyone who says they're having the worst day hasn't met me. My girlfriend cheated, I blew out my knee, and probably trashed my chance of going pro. All in one day. Then my jerk professor tells I'm almost on academic probation.
Awesome. Now I get to find a tutor.
Enter Mallory Fine, quiet, a little intense, and my kind of gorgeous. Who also happens to hate baseball and any guy who plays it.
Hello, curiosity.
I tell myself this will be nothing more than a tutoring relationship. I'm a liar. I want this girl. How hard can her secrets be to unravel? It might be a challenge, but so is getting back on the ball field and I'm determined to make that happen—no matter the cost.
Awesome. Now I get to find a tutor.
Enter Mallory Fine, quiet, a little intense, and my kind of gorgeous. Who also happens to hate baseball and any guy who plays it.
Hello, curiosity.
I tell myself this will be nothing more than a tutoring relationship. I'm a liar. I want this girl. How hard can her secrets be to unravel? It might be a challenge, but so is getting back on the ball field and I'm determined to make that happen—no matter the cost.
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