Interview
Lynn Isenberg
Producer, Media Developer, Author and Entrepreneur
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Lynn speaks at venues across the nation about her novels and the role of storytelling in entertainment and new media. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and NELP with a B.A. in English Language & Literature, a minor in Film Studies, and an MBA and Entrepreneurial Studies audit. Through her company Focus Media, Inc. (Finding Opportunities Creating Unified Success), Isenberg designs and produces cutting edge narrative marketing strategies for select clients. Biography courtesy of Lynn's official site:
Read the Press Release for THE FUNERAL PLANNER
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How old were you when you saw your first work published? Did you tell all your friends? When did you first discover how to market yourself?
I was thrilled when I became a published author and yes, I did tell all my friends. I discovered how to market myself at the age of 8 when my story "The Tall Tale of King C" was chosen to represent my elementary school at Oakland University's Young Authors Conference. I immediately called the newspapers and told them how proud I was of my accomplishment. The local paper was called The Birmingham Eccentric and according to the paper and my mother, I called information asking for the number of "The Birmingham Excedrin."
Does comedy writing come naturally to you, or is it a skill that needs to be mastered?
I never thought I was particularly funny or quick. I did take an Improv class once to overcome my insecurity of thinking that I needed to think faster on my feet in business, as a writer, and in everyday life. . . but I believe that the voice I have developed has come naturally from the point of view of the characters and the situations they find themselves in and how they perceive life in those situations by attempting to make lemonade out of any lemons thrown their way.
When you write your novels do you block out scenes, follow an outline, or let the characters guide you?
I work off of a general outline that keeps the theme and sub-theme in mind. After that, the characters do most of the work. They get to play in the play pen that I have built for them (i.e. that particular world). Then I become the typist making sure they stay in the playpen and not jump ship into another genre or tone.
As a business woman, how would you describe yourself? A goal setter? Organized? Experimental? Do you go with the flow?
Unstoppable. Determined. Unconventional. A solution provider. Looking for ways that will be win-wins for all parties concerned.
Have you ever grappled with an inner critic that told you not to try something new? If so, how did you face your fears?
I like to go for the new and untried and challenge convention. So the only thing that stops me is either 1) my editor who provides good enough reasons for me to do otherwise or 2) the dictates of the story itself.
Tell us about the TV series that's in the works. How much will you be involved with the creation of the series?
THE FUNERAL PLANNER is being made into a television series for the Lifetime Television Network. I wrote the pilot script and am onboard as Co-Executive Producer.
Are you comfortable with your novels being labeled Chick Lit? Have you ever been concerned that the term might limit your audience?
I don't believe my novels are traditional "chick lit" because I challenge that convention by creating what I call "entrepreneurial comedies" where the girl gets the career first and the guy second. I also like to bring in world views that push the characters to think outside their personal spheres.
I understand that the term may be limiting, but I have faith that good stories rise to the top no matter what category or genre they may be in. So I'm thrilled to be published and happy to be in this category and grateful to be with Red Dress Ink who are tremendous publishers.
The indie film and indie music industries have achieved a cult status in our society, but it is taking longer for self-published authors to gain the same respect. How do you feel about aspiring authors epublishing their own work?
I don't believe self-publishing has the same stigma it used to have. There's no shame in publishing your work. Why wait for a publisher to give you the go-ahead. It's about getting your story out there. I've heard stories where authors self-publish, do very well, and then attract the attention of a publisher who picks up the book and creates a second printing.
What do you enjoy most about Web technology?
Instant. Accessible. Limitless.
How did your novel, THE FUNERAL PLANNER, inspire your company Lights Out Enterprises?
While writing the novel, I realized the business my character was creating was in fact a really viable business idea and so when I finished the novel, I immediately launched the real life business.
Do clients who work with Lights Out enjoy planning their funerals since they are able to concentrate on their own creativity? Is this trend only for the rich and/or famous, or do you see this becoming widespread?
This is more than a trend. And it is for everyone from all walks of life. People want personalized end of life celebrations and baby boomers are dictating this transformation in funeral service.
Tell us your favorite aspect of the Hollywood Retreat.
Creating a community of friends and colleagues with mutual respect and enjoyment for good storytelling.
How do you get away from it all? Do you have any personal hobbies?
I get away from it all by taking trips to visit family and friends back east during the summer months. I also love to take on "projects" that add beauty to my life and my environment, such as remodeling my kitchen and bathrooms, learning how to cook and throwing dinner parties. I also get away from it all by taking long walks with my best friend, Tao (who inspired the four-legged character of Siddhartha in THE FUNERAL PLANNER).
The client list at the Focus Media site is admirable. Tell us about that business.
Focus Media, Inc. is the parent company for Lights Out Enterprises and The Tribute Network. My work in branded entertainment is limited right now to one project as my focus (no pun intended) is now on the third novel (another Funeral Planner story), TV pilot, working with strategic partners on Lights Out Enterprises, and speaking engagements (I am now a Celebrity Partner to the National Hospice Foundation).
You juggle so many careers. How do you manage your time?
I manage my time by juggling projects, for example, the network may take 4 – 6 weeks to give me notes on the pilot script, so while they're doing that, I'm switching gears and continuing to write the next novel or speech, etc. I also have a wonderful producer and director in charge of production at Lights Out Enterprises so that I can write the tribute film scripts and act as an executive producer.
What do you enjoy the most: being a producer, screenwriter, novelist, speaker, marketer, or an entrepreneur?
All of the above, I think I'd get bored doing only one, plus they all feed each other.
What do you believe is the key to your many sucesses?
Believing in my vision, tenacity, open-mindedness, and being an opportunist.
What is your next novel? How do you plan to conduct your research? Do you foresee another business evolving from that book?
The next novel is THE FUNERAL PLANNER TAKES ON THE NATION. I spent time in Washington DC doing research; White House tour, breakfast with Senator Boxer (and 100 other constituents), Senate tour, etc.. I combined one research trip with a press conference I set up during Book Expo which happened to take place in DC this year and another trip with a speaking engagement at GWU. I also use the Internet for research as well. No new business on this one. . . (at the moment) but the extension and further development of the existing Lights Out Enterprises (www.lightsoutenterprises.com) and the launch of The Tribute Network (www.thetributenetwork.com).
When people ask you details about an unfinished novel, do you tell them your basic plot ideas, or are you secretive until it's published?
I don't like to discuss a work-in-progress because I feel it diminishes my need to write it.
If you wanted to add to your long list of life accomplishments--what would be next?
Next on the list would be having/raising children, building a green home, and starting a philanthropic foundation.
Any advice for those who also dare to be different?
Follow
your intuition, think through your vision, then go for it.
Relevant Links:
Books:
at Amazon.com
at Amazon.com
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Copyright (c) by Catherine Tudor, 2006. Catherine Tudor founded One Woman's Writing Retreat in 1996 in order to create a network for writers at all stages in their careers. She is the managing editor and webmaster of One Woman's Writing Retreat. Read more about her here. |
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