Spotlight on Lynn Hesse

Today I’m pleased to present Lynn Hesse, author of “Another Kind of Hero” and “Well of Rage.” As you’ll see Lynn knows the police world and brings her distinctive voice to her stories.

Name:

Lynn Hesse

Where are you from? Tell us a little about yourself:

I am originally from Webb City, Missouri, a former mining town in Southwestern Missouri. Most people have heard of Joplin, Missouri, 7 miles away from Webb City.

I am a small-town girl who moved to Toledo Ohio, then Atlanta when my dad worked for Toledo Scales. My roots are blue collar. I married a preacher’s son, and my son was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. When I became a single parent, I moved back to Atlanta. I attended Georgia State University, GSU, as a student and worked as a GSU state police officer for two years, then DeKalb County Police Department, DKPD, for 23 years. I graduated from the DeKalb County Police Academy in 1980 with academic honors. I was one of the first female police officers on the streets in DeKalb County. I received my Bachelor of Science degree from GSU, Magna Cum Laude in 1996. I taught sacred dance in the United Methodist Church for over 20 years.

Five women placed within the first fifteen highest scores for the sergeants’ test in the early 80s, but they were passed over by the administration. I and another female officer joined these deserving women and sued for discrimination. The suit was settled in 1986. I retired with the rank of lieutenant in 2003. DKPD had 1 female captain when I left.

In 1984 my husband, a retired firefighter and professional photographer, and I were married. We raised his daughter, Nicole, and my son, Aaron, together in Stone Mountain, Georgia. We have several grandchildren and 4 feral cats. Besides my day job, writing, I perform with local theatre and dance troupes.

Do you have a blog/website? If so, what is it?

My web site and blog posts: lynnhesse.com, Scribblersweb@earthlink.net. Discount Code:10SCWG or https://www.amazon.com/Lynn-Hesse/e/B01LKPRAZQ

Do you see writing as a career?

Yes, I see writing as a career. Most days I begin with writing, then marketing and event planning, and end with reading articles or research to improve my craft.

What is the biggest challenge of your current work?

The biggest challenge of my finished manuscript, “Stranded In Atlanta”, involves finding the right publisher or agent for my anti-hero female protagonist. My beta readers like Clara and identify with her outsider sensibility. She is Roma, from a historically ostracized community, and a con artist.

Do you remember the first book you read?

I don’t remember the first book I read, but “The Feminine Mystique” by Betty Friedan came out while I was in high school and influenced the projectory of my life. It gave me permission to be myself. I realized I wasn’t alone in my need to be a mother and have a career outside the home. A tattered copy still occupies the book shelf at eye level behind my desk.

If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?

I would pick a Broadway career as a professional dancer in my next life.

What do you want written on your headstone and why?

Headstone: She was brave and true. Her handshake meant assurance. She respected all who crossed her path unless they proved themselves untrustworthy. When she failed, she tried again until she got it right.