We chat with author Lyla Lane about The Best Little Motel in Texas, which is a charming, edgy mystery about a young woman who unexpectedly inherits the best little motel in Texas – replete with a feisty set of golden working girls, a poisoned priest, and a sleepy hometown thrown into chaos.
Hi, Lyla! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
I’ve written YA, romance, and paranormal under the name Sonia Hartl. My books have been nominated for several awards and have received two starred reviews. When I’m not writing, I love listening to audiobooks while doing puzzles, exploring different hiking trails around my city, or checking out antique shops. I live in Grand Rapids, MI with my husband and two daughters.
Your latest novel, The Best Little Motel in Texas, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Senior sex workers solving crimes
What can readers expect?
Readers can expect to laugh, kick their feet, end up surprised, and hopefully catch a few butterflies.
Where did the inspiration for The Best Little Motel in Texas come from?
Inspiration for The Best Little Motel in Texas came to me while watching the irreverent musical, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. I’ve always loved Dolly Parton, but she made the character of Miss Mona sparkle. It made me think about what the movie would be like if it were remade today, and how Dolly Parton could still nail that role with same effortless charm.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I absolutely loved writing my senior sex workers, the chicks. They were so fun and funny and I loved how bold and unapologetic they came across on the page. I honestly hope I’m just as fearless when I’m their age. They live the way they want and they’re not sorry for any of it.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
I think every project comes with challenges. This was my first cozy mystery, and I had such a specific feel and tone I wanted to land that I spent weeks sharpening my voice with the first chapter before I was able to move on and draft the rest of the novel. I really wanted to have a solid voice to carry an idea this bonkers, and I think it ended up exactly as I wanted.
What inspired the shift from romance and YA to mystery? How long have you been working on the project?
I’m restless when it comes to writing. I like to experiment with different genres, voices, and premises. I think I just get bored easily and try not to fall into a pattern of writing the same thing over again, and cozy mystery allowed me to play in a new sandbox while still retaining some of the hallmarks of romcoms (specifically the lightness and humor) that I love so much.
What’s next for you?
Hopefully there will be a Book 2 for The Best Little Motel in Texas. I’m currently plotting it out and writing the opening chapters.
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up this year?
I’m really looking forward to the new Finlay Donovan book, the second book in Gloria Chao’s Hu Done It series, Honey by Imani Thompson, and Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
