Get ready to learn more about the book An Inappropriate Affair in this discussion with sapphic author Lyn Denison.
Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes as we quiz Lyn Denison about An Inappropriate Affair, writing, reading, and more.
This book is part of the No Strings Attached category in the 2025 IHS Reading Challenge.
Why did you write An Inappropriate Affair?
I read an article about our feelings of ‘not being good enough’ and how they manifest in our lives. A hazy character with a lack of self-worth began in my mind. Why does she feel like that? But what if she soul-searched and decided to change her attitude. How and why would she do that? And so Gian came into being.
Who is your favorite character in the book?
I really like both MCs as they ‘fight’ their demons. Perhaps Gian. She’s the youngest and her five siblings are high achievers. She’s been badly hurt, in her opinion attracts the wrong type of woman, and decides she’ll forego her search for Ms Right for Forever and try Ms Right for Now.
What inspired the idea for An Inappropriate Affair?
Some random swirling thoughts about what might happen if ‘feeling not good enough’ became ‘changing being good to trying being bad’.
What was the biggest challenge writing this book?
Letting Gian and Flynn be themselves and not trying to tell them what to do. I especially wanted Gian to learn to love herself, for herself. And Flynn also needed that but in a different way.
What part of An Inappropriate Affair was the most fun to write?
It’s always fun… until… oh no… someone gets hurt. Actually, the interaction between Gian and her best friend was fun fun.
How did you come up with the title for your book?
I decided An Inappropriate Affair was, well, just appropriate.(Although if I’d known how I’d have to hesitate over the spelling of ‘inappropriate’ every time I typed it I might have reconsidered.)
If you’re planning a sequel, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?
Not a sequel exactly but some of the cast reappear in the next book in the series, My Road Found You.
What is your writing process like?
I used to be a plotter but I’m more of a pantser now. I love it when I feel my character/characters are stepping cautiously through a ‘muddy area’ and suddenly find ‘stable stepping stones’.
If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose?
Difficult choice as all authors are fascinating. I think I’m fascinating but unfortunately the jury’s still out on that one. Years ago I read and loved Catherine Cookson’s books which were set in Northumberland in the UK. My father’s family were also ‘Geordies’ and Catherine Cookson’s characters reminded me so vividly of my grandmother. When Visiting the UK I mentioned this to my Dad’s cousin and she said that Catherine Cookson lived down by the bridge and we could go down and see her. I was shy back then and the thought of actually talking to Catherine Cookson overwhelmed me so much I just couldn’t. So wish I had.
What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?
Anzac biscuits (see recipe in my book My Road Found You)
How do you celebrate when you finish your book?
Usually on the couch with a damp cloth on my forehead. (Tee hee)
Do you have any odd writing quirks?
Don’t think so… although it’s been said I drift away quite regularly.
Do you have a pet who helps/hinders your typing?
No pets at the moment but I’m often hindered by my arthritic finger. That’s what happens when, for years, you write your books with a pencil and paper. It makes typing interesting some times. Ouch!
What are three words that describe your personality?
Hilarious (I think so. Seriously!) Considerate. (Just don’t back me into a corner.) And lately someone said I was lovely. (See. There are still kind people in the world.)
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing, and by whom?
I keep telling myself to write what I’d like to read.
What has helped or hindered you most when writing a book?
Ensuring I read reviews, mine and other author’s, with the right attitude.
When you’re writing an emotional or difficult scene, how do you set the mood?
You simply have to get into the mind-space. I find coffee and a biscuit (cookie) helps.
If you could be mentored by a famous author (living or not), who would it be?
I know I’d be too intimidated to take anything in.
Have you ever cried when writing an emotional scene?
Regularly. Probably cried the most when writing Past Remembering and For All Time.
Do you feel bad putting your characters through the wringer?
Not really, but what brasses me off the most with characters is they get to have days, weeks, to think up a good retort while I just have mental blocks.
Have you ever hated one of your characters?
In An Inappropriate Affair I heartily dislike MC Flynn’s disreputable brother and her sanctimonious father.
What type of books do you enjoy reading the most?
Although I read some mysteries and an occasional fantasy or science fiction if it’s recommended, I’m basically a reader of romance.
What books did you grow up reading?
I read most things as a child. In my early teens someone gave my father a heap of paperbacks. My memories remain quite vivid when it came to the covers of the westerns. Now, the women on those covers… oh, wow!
What books have you read more than once in your life?
I have ‘comfort’ books for when I can’t seem to find something to read. The books remain with you for many reasons, mainly because they touch an emotion in you that you want to cling to and experience again.
What book do you wish you had written?
Heaps. There are lots of great books out there. Jo Havens’ The Piano in the Tree for instance. Talk about clutching your heartstrings and not letting them go.
Describe your favorite reading spot.
Usually my favourite reclining chair, but in bed works too.
Have you ever thought you’d hate a book, but ended up loving it?
Yes. Maybe something in the blurb might put me off but when I read it it grabs me. Usually it’s good writing. Can’t beat that.
