A Writer’s Life: Sarah Lynn on Writing

Author of Between the Lines: A novel, currently under screenplay development

Sarah Lynn was featured by The GAB TALKS in our November 2025 BookCAMP issue on Hollywood and Publishing: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Adaptation, https://issuu.com/independentpressaward/docs/bookcamp_vol_3_issue_5. 

After years of balancing school and family health challenges, Sarah Lynn published her debut novel, Between the Lines, a story about a young woman navigating the big city in search of love and her dream job. The novel was named a Distinguished Favorite at both the 2023 Independent Press Awards (New Fiction) and the 2022 New York City Big Book Awards (New Fiction First Time Published).

Originally from Jackson Township, Ohio, Sarah followed her lifelong dream of becoming a writer. Her journey has taken her to New York City and Paris, and she earned a Master’s in Mass Communications from the University of Florida.

She took a moment to answer some key questions Printed Word Reviews had for her:

PWR: How did you find the time to write a book while balancing school/work?

Sarah: This was a challenge. My parents had various health issues over the years. I was also working full-time, and then went back to school at various points to finish my bachelor's and then master's degrees. I didn't force it. I let inspiration come as it came to me, and there was no formula for that. I also let go of the idea of writing "in order". If a chapter that I knew would happen later in the book came to me first, and I wasn't finished with a "sooner" chapter, I let myself jump ahead to allow that creativity to flow in the moment, instead of parking it for later, when the ideas wouldn't be as fresh. Take advantage of your creative bursts. If you are working, keep a notepad or record your idea into your phone, so you can go back to it later. Much like writing down your dreams in the moment.

PWR: How do you write convincingly about topics you haven't personally experienced yet (like intense grief, complex relationships, or specific careers)? 

Sarah: Research, research, research. Plus, a little bit of common sense goes a long way. It's okay to bend the rules a bit in fiction, as long as you still have the general idea where it can still be relatable to a reader who is actually in that field.

PWR: How do you overcome the feeling that your early work is 'cringe' or not good enough?

Sarah: I remember why I'm writing this, and more importantly WHO I am writing this for. It's always with a goal of inspiring an audience and giving them hope. Sometimes, the "cringe" is a testimony, and I believe that God gave us our testimonies for a reason. They are meant to be shared to let others know they are not alone, and to also show others that mountains and tragedies can be overcome. There will always be a voice inside (or outside) that wants to hold you back. Take the constructive criticism for what it's worth and leave the rest. Don't abandon your work out of fear.