Q&A: Lyn Liao Butler, Author of ‘The Deadly Book Club’
We chat with author Lyn Liao Butler about The Deadly Book Club, which follows a virtual book club who listens in horror when the screen freezes and one of their members is murdered in this twisty and delicious thriller.
Hi, Lyn! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I have had many careers including professional ballet and modern dancer in NYC, personal trainer, yoga and fitness instructor, owner of a gym and fitness studio in NYC for ten years, owner of an Etsy shop, and now an author as well as writing instructor and freelance editor. I also have fostered 45 dogs and kittens since the pandemic started.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I’ve always been an avid reader and used to read 5 – 7 books a week. But I’ve never even considered writing since I have never taken a writing class except what was necessary for school. In 2013, I moved out of New York City into the suburbs and all my friends wanted to know what I was doing in the “country.” So I started a blob and then people kept telling me they loved my writing. I decided to try writing on Jan 1, 2015 and that was it!
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading:I have no idea – I’ve read so many!
- The one that made you want to become an author: Liane Moriarity’s The Husband’s Secret
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
Your latest novel, The Deadly Book Club, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Bad people doing bad things. (and Bonkers if you’ll let me slip in a 6th word!)
What can readers expect?
A bonkers of a book – don’t expect it to be completely realistic. It’s what happens when people can do whatever they want without regard to consequences.
Where did the inspiration for The Deadly Book Club come from?
I was on a virtual book club when someone asked me where I get my ideas from. I said, from real life and what I read or hear about in the world. For example, what if our videos all of a sudden cut out but our audio stays on and we hear one of us getting killed but have no idea who it is or where they are. And they said, OH we’d read that! And I said, OH! I’d write that!
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
The whole book is so different from anything I’d ever written. I keep saying the word bonkers and it really is to me. Yes, all 5 main characters are unlikeable which I really enjoyed writing since I usually write sympathetic characters that readers can connect with.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
I’ve never written a 5 POV book before so nailing each voice was important. But I did that by doing a character sketch of each character – their personality, where they’re from, any accents, pattern of speech, etc. On top of that, since they are book influencers, I gave them each a genre that they loved the most so that it made it easier for readers to identify which character is which (this was my editor’s suggestion!).
What’s next for you?
My 8th book, tentatively titled Under the Ghost Moon, comes out next August. I’m also working on a paranormal contemporary rom-com.
Lastly, what books have you enjoyed reading this year? Are there any you’re looking forward to picking up?
I read so much that my list is long but here are some I read and loved recently:
And I’m looking forward to:
Will you be picking up The Deadly Book Club? Tell us in the comments below!
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