The Writer's Megaphone shouts out author Lynn Bruce

Introducing author Lynn Bruce

Author Lynn Bruce

There are many stories on the market of unfaithful men.  There are stories that are told from the point of view of the man as well as his unsuspecting (or sometimes suspecting) wife.  Very rarely do you hear the story told from the perspective of the "other" woman.  Now admittedly, many of us don't want to hear what the "other" woman has to say because we have already formed our opinion of her.  We call her everything from a man-chaser to a home-wrecker, laying blame for the demise of a marriage that was probably in trouble long before she came along.

In her debut novel, "Rock to Diamond", author Lynn Bruce tells the story of the other woman, painting the picture of someone who needs help, support and love as opposed to demonizing her as she so often is in these circumstances.  I have not had the privilege of reading and reviewing "Rock to Diamond", but I would hope that Ms. Bruce would allow me the honor.  Below is the synopsis of the story:

"My book, Rock to a Diamond introduces you to a woman who finds herself on a road of self-destructive behavior, always accepting the worse, when she knows she deserves the best. She's so hungry for love, largely due to the love she lost from a daddy who wasn't there, that many times she finds herself with someone elses man. In this work, I tried to provide understanding for the "other woman," the woman who too often gets the bad rap, labeled a home wrecker, Jezebel and other choice words I won't mention. No one ever cares to hear her story or try to understand how insecurity, low self-esteem and the feeling of unworthiness can lead you on a path of destruction, but I had to tell her story. I explore the struggles, heartbreaks, heartaches and lies. The abuse and torment she endures in breaking a rock to expose the diamond that she truly is."

I sit down with Ms. Bruce to ask some questions about her work.  Her answers are honest and forthright.  At the conclusion of this interview, please visit her website to find out more about the author and her work.

JLW:  Your debut novel tells the story of the "other woman" who is often accused of pursuing someone else's man.  What do you think is the percentage of women who could relate to your character and why?

LB:  I don’t have a percentage but I believe that more women than not can relate to being the ‘other woman.’ You’re right she is often accused of pursuing the man when it’s so far from the truth.  She gets caught up in that relationship because the man pursued her. Now she’s living this secret life, trying desperately to break free but it has now become a heart condition that could last for years.

JLW:  Self-esteem is so important in our youth's development.  What do you think is the reason why self-esteem is lacking in our youth of today and what would you suggest as a means to change it?

LB:  I truly believe that the home is our foundation. It’s what shapes and molds us, positive or negative. Self-esteem starts with the ones who raise us, and in my book, rock to a diamond, Denise’s self-esteem was shattered when her dad left and then she had to endure the verbal abuse from her grandmother. I think our youth today are not hearing positive words like they’re beautiful or being encouraged on a daily basis mainly because the dynamic on the home structure has changed. Mom is either working around the clock to make ends meet because dad is no longer around or both parents are trying to keep their heads above water leaving the child to learn about self from music videos or violent games. The only way to change it is to start with us. We can’t depend on outside influences to build our youth. The important moments in their lives start when they’re little girls and boys, what they see, how we interact, or words spoken over them.

JLW:  Besides writing, what is your passion? 

LB:  Acting.

JLW:   What do you hope to accomplish in the next five years? 

LB:  I want to open an Entertainment Dynasty, a one stop for everything entertaining. For those desiring to act, model, sing, write or direct.  I also plan on writing, producing and starring in my own movies and stage plays. 

JLW:  What was the most challenging thing that you had to overcome once you entered the literary industry?

  

LB:  So far when my book went to editing, it was very challenging to go through the book and make the changes suggested because I thought everything was good but some parts weren’t. I had to learn to take the constructive criticism and do what was necessary, being pushed and stretched to what I felt was the limit but it was so good for me and actually pulled out creativity that I had no idea was there.

http://lynnbruce.brandyourself.com/

~ J.L. Whitehead