Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know.
I’m adopted! I went no contact with my adoptive parents and my feelings about the topic aren’t usually in line with the popular opinion, so I don’t talk about it much. It’s definitely shaped my entire life, though.
What’s your favorite scene in your latest book and what makes it a favorite?
It’s definitely a scene towards the end where Ashton displays his finished enchanted tattoo (his wings) for the first time, but under some very surprising and dramatic circumstances. There’s unexpected action and suspense at play; it’s one of those scenes where, as an author, you hope that your readers will be cheering and gasping along with every beat, feeling the emotions that the characters are experiencing at the same time. Plus, it happens in the single-chapter POV swap to Link, which naturally creates an unexpected and interesting perspective on the moment.
Would you care to share an excerpt from the scene with us?
I would! But this is an extremely climactic scene and almost any excerpt is going to be very spoiler-y, so I’ll just pull out a tiny snippet that hints but doesn’t reveal. Interestingly, ninety percent of the book is Ashton’s POV, but this chapter only switches to Link, for reasons. I think that provides a really interesting perspective on this scene.
“As the lights disappear completely, Link feels a crackle of electricity skitter across his skin. He might think it imagined—maybe from the sheer volume of adrenaline and tension permeating the air—but the hair on his arms stands on end and remains that way, so he wonders. Across the room, he sees the dark silhouette of Ashton’s shoulders rising and falling as he takes a deep, stabilizing breath.
You got this, Ash, he thinks.”
If you could spend some real-life time with one of the characters in the book, who would you choose and why?
Link, for sure! He’s the ultra-competent tattoo artist Ashton enlists to fix his body art (and then inevitably falls in love with along the way). I love Ashton to pieces, and I’d pay a lot of money to see his wing tattoos in real life, but he’s too much like me. Link is sunshine in a person, he’s almost preternaturally selfless and giving, plus he’s irresistibly charming (and handsome). Link is the kind of guy who makes whoever they’re with feel like they’re the only other person in the universe—who wouldn’t want to spend time with someone like that? He also plans a great note-date, as Ashton finds out!
On the flipside, which character would you probably least get along with? Why?
Whittaker, but that’s likely a given, since he’s the antagonistic, abusive ex. I think I would probably go running if Whittaker walked into the room. Or get arrested on Ashton’s behalf!
Let’s take off your author cap and put on your reader cap for a moment: what do you look for in a book, what sort of protagonists do you love, and do you have a favorite genre?
I just want to be swept away! I find that type of immersive and engrossing worldbuilding is easiest to find in fantasy and magical realism stories, so I would say those are my favorite. I strongly prefer a book to have some lgbtq+ representation and romance, as well. I definitely write what I want to read! Aside from fantasy, I also really enjoy apocalyptic and dystopian fiction, I’ll read pretty much anything in that realm. Give me a lonely gay finding their happily ever after once society has disintegrated—let’s not look too closely at why that’s so appealing.
What books and authors would you say influenced you to become a writer?
I’ve always written stories, but never thought I could craft something worth sharing. If I’m being honest, it was joining a fandom and reading a lot of my friends’ fanfiction stories—some of which were over two hundred thousand words, better written, and more intoxicatingly brilliant than any novel I’ve ever opened—that made me want to create the same type of experience for others.
I am aware that some literature aficionados look down on fanfiction, but I would counter with the fact that a lot of published books and media are transformed versions of something else, and that doing so with respect and love for the source material is the greatest compliment a fan can give. Aside from that, fanfiction creates accessibility and builds both skill and confidence in aspiring writers. I want more amazing and empowered authors in the world—I don’t care for the gatekeeping.
What are your least and most favorite things about being an author?
Favorite is probably a pretty standard answer—when readers go out of their way to contact me and say that my work touched them. That it made them feel something or helped them through a hard time; that really makes all of the hard work feel worth it.
Least favorite is marketing! I have a terrible time selling myself and even condensing my works into taglines and quick summaries and such. I started using TikTok because it’s easier to see what people respond to and what they don’t, which helps course correct when it comes to paid marketing. I just want to write! Haha.
What’s the best piece of writing/author advice you’ve ever received that you’d pass on to someone just getting started in the business?
Rough drafts are not final drafts. No, seriously, go back and edit. Then edit it again. And one more time. Now send it to your editors, get it back, and do it again. Yes, I’m serious. No, you can’t just move on to the next book. Go edit. Buy stock in tissues.
What’s the one genre/sub-genre you haven’t written yet, but would love to? What’s kept you from it so far?
Post-apocalyptica! Dystopian settings are my favorite, but I just haven’t had time or the right idea until recently. I have one in the works now, but it’s early. I only have about a chapter. It’s a tough one to bring together, but the basic premise involves an adopted man fighting to discover his roots and identity in the wake of a massive, society-decimating event that obliterated the entire U.S. Government and ninety percent of the population. We meet him as he’s entering the largest “rebuilt” community, through the eyes of a former soldier-turned-social-worker, a man who ultimately decides he has to accompany this new friend on his journey, rather than let him venture out into the dangerous remnants of the former world alone. There’s a lot to work in—the story tackles disability and neurodivergence in a pretty direct way, so it’s a lot!
Let’s talk tropes: do you have a few favorites that you enjoy both writing and reading? If so, what are they and what makes them your favorites?
I love switching up the tropes I write and tackling different subjects, settings, and genres. I’ve written about fifty stories and none are the same. The only true consistency I really have is the featuring of centralized queer characters and romance. The ONE single trope I refuse to relinquish and will never not utilize in anything I write is, “Happily Ever After.” I want to see relatable, imperfect characters simply existing and living the lives they deserve, people who mirror me getting to fall in love and ride off into the sunset. I will say that the hurt/comfort trope is one that pops up a lot in my writing and is easy to work into that theme—comfort and healing are a lot more satisfying with a little bit of pain. But I won’t ever leave it unhappy!
If you could choose one of your books to be adapted for the silver screen, which would you choose? Why do you think it would translate well to film?
It would for sure be my wilderness survival book and its sequel—my friends call it, “Gay Hatchet,” which is the highest compliment I think I could ever hope to receive. If I’m choosing one, the first book is the winner. The majority of the story takes place in a remote Alaskan national park after a devastating plane crash. It’s incredibly scenic and would have amazing visuals, as the story follows the main characters while they traverse the unspoiled stretches of mountainous wilderness in an effort to reach civilization and save their own lives. It’s a wild but emotionally-satisfying ride.
If I were to interview your main characters, what would they say about you?
“Who hurt this girl?”
Let’s pretend you’re taking a road trip, and you can choose any three of your characters to go with you. Who would you want on the ride-along, and why them?
I can tell you that I would absolutely NOT go on a road trip with Tripp and Lee from my debut novel, Fire & Ice. Those two can’t go an hour without wanting to slip into their Dom/sub roles, they don’t play well with others, their brains are brimming with unprocessed PTSD, and I am not spending days on end trapped in a car with that kind of messy tension! A shift at the firehouse with Tripp or on Lee’s ambulance? Sure. Not a road trip.
If you had to choose between becoming a superhero or supervillain, which would you choose and why?
Supervillains are so much more interesting, and they can always have redemptive arcs! I also think it’s interesting to explore that psyche—how many villains recognize and understand that they are the bad guy? Everyone’s the hero in their own story.
If you could be any animal in the world, what would you choose? Why?
One of my own rescue dogs. I adopt senior shih tzus with health issues who are at risk of being put down due to lack of interest or otherwise. I find a lot of joy in caring for these souls and giving them the happiest and most comfortable golden years possible. Having said that, I would love for someone to carry me around like a baby, brush my hair, put eye drops in my eyes, feed me top-tier food, and clean my copious bedding—essentially, better than the royal treatment.
If you were to sit down and write your autobiography today, what would the title be?
“Well, that was probably not the right move.”
It’s the zombie apocalypse. It’s up to you and 5 other uninfected humans to save what’s left of humanity. Which fictional characters would you want on your team, and why?
Unfairly pointed question for a Supernatural fan, lol. Dean Winchester, Castiel, Optimus Prime, Sarah Conner, Buffy Summers, Butcher from The Boys.
Thanks so much!
Book Title: Enchanted Ink
Author: Robin Lynn
Cover Artist: Art by Gio Guimaraes, Design by Katie Marlin
Release Date: June 1, 2023
Genres: LGBTQ Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Fantasy
Tropes: Fantasy/Magic/World-building, Tattoo artists, Hurt/Comfort, Meet-Cute, Secret Identities, Celebrities, HEA, Queer romance
Themes: Self-acceptance, trauma recovery, transformation, Demisexual representation.
Heat Rating: 3 flames
Length: 60 000 words
It is a standalone book and does not end on a cliffhanger
Buy Links – Available in Kindle Unlimited
Blurb
In a world where an artist’s magic brings tattoos to life, ink gone wrong can spell lasting heartache for those unlucky enough to experience it. Jaded and cynical on both life and love, tattoo artist Ashton is about to find out that even the most deeply-etched scars can be transformed into something beautiful when the right person is holding the pen.
“Enchanted Ink” is a ground-breaking romance that showcases how, with a bit of ink, some love, and a whole lot of trust, even the ugliest scars can be transformed into something impossibly beautiful.
Using the art of tattooing as a metaphor for life, “Enchanted Ink” makes it a mission to show even the most cynical and scarred of us that it’s possible to heal, to find love, and that it’s never too late to start all over again.
The twelfth annual “Enchanted Ink” Tattoo Convention has been in full swing for hours, but Ashton has yet to venture inside. It’s not as if he doesn’t know what he’ll find there: a fairly standard convention space, divided using equally standard black curtains hanging from predictable portable frames creating both booths and stations offering displays that are anything but ordinary. Various tattoo artists and their work, in the flesh—the best of the best, by both fact and opinion.
In addition to the booths, there are always several centralized showcase stands, right in the middle of all the hustle and bustle. Elevated platforms where human works of art strip down to their underwear and pose, proudly displaying full-body and wildly colorful tattoos boasting some of the most intricate and beautiful imagery that probably exists in the entire inked world.
This particular convention admits artists by invitation only, and while Ashton isn’t technically here to work this year, it’s an event he’s enjoyed immensely in the past. It’s bittersweet—perhaps a touch heavy on the bitter—hovering on the outskirts, wondering whether he’ll ever find himself behind a booth and promoting his work again. While that remains to be seen, there’s plenty here to worry about in the meantime.
The thought of Whitaker working somewhere inside the building behind him crosses Ashton’s mind and makes him grimace. He can practically feel the tentative nerve he’s so painstakingly gathered, the courage to finally wander through the front door, trickling away like water through a sieve.
Again.
Good thing it’s a nice day out, today. Sixty-eight degrees and sunny, not a cloud in the sky, and Ashton brought a book. He can wait. The courage to go inside will come.
Probably.
Sighing, Ashton rubs the sleeve of his too-dressy collared shirt across the backs of his eyelids. The button on the cuff pokes his eye, and it feels like a call-out. He’s too dressed up, he looks out of place. Too covered, if nothing else. Which isn’t to say that tattooed folks can’t be modest—naturally, that’s false and would be a terribly judgemental view to hold. Either way, the whole point of a tattoo convention is to show off one’s body and as much art decorating skin as possible. It’s supposed to be a positive, empowering experience.
That’s definitely the point, and his body is aesthetically pleasant to look at, both sculpted and toned—yet here Ashton is, buttoned up solidly from head to toe. Acting like he cares more about looking the part of a corporate stooge rather than flaunting the walking canvas he is. Lame. So lame.
Lame, but necessary, he reminds himself.
Robin Lynn is a 36-year-old queer, autistic mother of two, an unabashed fangirl sometimes known as “Wings,” and a disabled former firefighter, paramedic, and registered nurse. She writes for queer audiences with the goal of reflecting and centering the lgbtqia2s+ community in more media, because everyone deserves to see relatable, imperfect main characters who mirror themselves simply existing and getting their happy endings.
Find out more and follow Robin for additional content and future projects
Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to win
one of 5 ebook copies of Fire & Ice or one of 2 signed Enchanted Ink paperbacks with related swag: temporary tattoos and stickers.
