The South has never sounded more appealing than in Mia's new series...or maybe it's not the south but the men down there that are the attraction.
Who is Mia Mae Lynne? Tell me a little about yourself.
I am a creative author who loves to write romance novels. I like socialization with diverse crowds but I also enjoy spending time in solitude perfecting my work. I take classes to develop my mediumistic abilities and consult spirit on numerous personal matters. I am an advisor to many including my grown children and envision my first book becoming a motion picture with a major studio.
So you lived in Atlanta for a time, which is where the title of your Book comes from?
Yes, I lived in the metro Atlanta area for most of my adult life.The inspiration for the book originated there.
Why did you choose to set your story in your old hometown?
Atlanta has recently become a mecca diverse cultures. I love the warm weather, exciting places to eat and shop, as well as car and air travel to many destinations. Atlanta has great areas to raise families and also a night life for singles.The cost of living is manageable for working class families compared to other large cities.
What was the inspiration for your first book? Your series?
I was inspired by the late Leslie Esdaile’s The Sistahood of Shopaholics. In the book with three other authors, her novella was titled "Shameless" which was a story about a pilot who met a woman three times in the same day. I wondered what it would be like if the characters in my book met every day in different places around Atlanta.
As far as the series title, it was originally copyrighted in 2010 as “The Chronicles of Fate” with different titles for the books. I renamed the series for marketing purposes. I was inspired by the manners of true southern gentlemen and the women that they love, hence the title of the series “Southern Men Don't Fall in Love.”
Can you talk about your process at all? How did this series come about?
The series started over the Spring of 2008. I was awakened by spirit every morning around 4:00 a.m. to add more and more to the story until the entire series developed. I had eight books completed by Christmas of the same year. I now have the time to polish and share their stories with the world.
Why did you choose self-publishing rather than working with a traditional publishing agency?
I wanted control of my destiny. There is a lot of waiting on agents, submissions, etc. and you end up never getting published or paid. I control the contents, timing of releases, marketing and the finances. I also wanted to leave a legacy for my children Carlos and Marcus to have an option of a business to run.
Carlos is working with me as a business partner for the two Spanish version of the series, Spanish of the America’s and European Spanish. Carlos majored in Spanish and graduated from Creighton in 2014. He has translated “Atlanta’s Most Eligible Bachelor” into Spanish and has friends that are editing both versions. He will also assist with the marketing in the Hispanic community in his free time. Currently he plays professional soccer in Germany and has a part-time job in a hostel.
Marcus is in college at Ohio State and I would love for him to participate in the business once he is finished.
What's in store for Atlanta's Most Eligible Bachelor?
“Atlanta’s Most Eligible Bachelor II” is coming next so stay tuned. More adventures of Doug and Lisa and introduction of new characters.
Where can we find you and your books?
Right now, take a look at my website: www.MiaMaeLynne.com. My first book will be available for purchase on November 4, 2015 on my website and online. I'll also be doing a book signing on November 17th, 2015 at Swirl Wine Bar in Solon. But that information is all on my website!