[Author Interview] Jennifer Lynne – Pandora’s Gift

Jennifer Lynne writes contemporary erotic romance – occasionally with paranormal elements – from her home in Melbourne, Australia. Before our interview with Jennifer, here is the book description for Pandora’s Gift: Flint McCallum is a man on the edge of darkness, Pandora Paige a free spirit who helps guide troubled souls toward the light. Flint doesn’t believe in magic, but the mystical Pandora challenges the very beliefs on which his life has been built. These polar opposites are destined to join together in a blaze of passion that Pandora hopes will blast away the darkness keeping Flint captive. But as she becomes more deeply ensnared by his magnetic personality, how will she protect her own heart from the dangerous lure of the dark? Interview with Jennifer Lynne.

1.            What was the key theme of Pandora’s Gift, and how did you emphasize it throughout your story?

Hope is the key theme in this story, hence the title centred around the Pandora myth. When I started developing Pandora’s Gift I had a clear vision of the hero, Flint, a returning war veteran who has lost faith in life and is struggling with inner darkness. When I thought about the type of person he would need to help him overcome the darkness in his soul, my heroine, Hope, came to life. But as I delved further into the myth of Pandora and that box, I began to discover many different versions of this legend. Was it Pandora who opened the box and lost hope for mankind? Or was she, in fact, the keeper of hope in the face of great adversity? Hope morphed into Pandora, a name with many different layers that I felt better reflected the mystery and complexity of my heroine’s personality and her promise. The whole relationship between Flint and Pandora is centred around the struggle between dark and light – between despair and hope.

2.            Do the main characters in Pandora’s Gift change or evolve throughout the course of the story, and if so, how and why?

If my characters haven’t evolved by the end of the story, then I wouldn’t consider it a successful book. I believe, especially in a romance, that the relationship between the hero and heroine should enrich their experience to an extent that becomes life-changing for each of them. They should be receiving something from each other that they couldn’t get from anyone else, something that will help them grow as individuals. Flint starts this story as a broken man, unable to connect with others, even his teenage son. His relationship with Pandora offers him the chance of redemption. She, with her unique gift, is probably the only one strong enough to offer him that chance. Yet in doing so, she also could be irrevocably changed when she is forced by Flint to face her own personal demons.

3.            What was unique about the setting of this book?

I think many books set in Australia use more glamorous places such as the tropical beaches of Queensland, picturesque Sydney harbour or the magnificent Outback as a setting. But I live in Melbourne – grew up here in fact – and I just love my home town. I felt very comfortable setting this story in a place I know well – the fern-studded, mist-shrouded hills above the city. It is a place steeped in culture, gourmet foods, coffee, crafts and of course, the arts, so it was a perfect setting for artist Pandora in that regard. There is also a sense of brooding timelessness in the temperate rainforest of the Yarra Ranges that I felt suited the magical feel of the story. I’ve included a picture for those who’d like a glimpse of this location – isn’t it perfect for romance and mysticism? Mist among the trees, trickling creek, cozy log fire, a glass of red…

4.            Why erotic romance? What is the difference between that style of writing and erotica?

I have had comments along the lines of, “oh, so you write porn for chicks.” My answer (the polite one!) is “No, I do not. I write love stories. Romances. Full stop.” For me, the developing relationship between hero and heroine is key, and I think that is the main difference between erotic romance and erotica. Erotic romance is all about the romance and the potential for a happily ever after ending. To have a successful relationship, in my view, the characters must have a connection that transcends the physical to include a spiritual and emotional element too. The heat level is almost incidental to the story in that it will vary greatly depending on the characters and their particular needs. More love scenes in some stories, less in others. It is the burgeoning romance that is important!

5.            What is your preferred method for writing a book? Do you tend to place more emphasis on plot or character?

I am definitely not a plotter. When starting a new story I tend to have an idea of the hero and heroine and perhaps their first scene together, maybe a general idea of their conflict, then the characters lead me by the nose, I’m afraid! There are times when I plan to write one thing, but the characters insist the story goes in a different direction. They are usually right, too! In terms of my writing day, I don’t have a typical routine. I work by day in admin, and I have teenage children who require a lot of ferrying around. So I snatch moments to write, usually at night when everyone else is in bed. I live in hope (yep – its something we all need!) that I can one day write full-time!

Visit Jennifer at her website: http://www.jenniferlynne.com.au/

Jennifer Lynne on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/JenniLynnAuthor

Jennifer Lynne on Facebook: http://en-gb.facebook.com/people/Jennifer-Lynne/100000294978736

Book Links:

Pandora’s Gift at Amazon

Seducing Serena in Secrets Volume 28 at Amazon

Tags: Romance