Psychology of Crime, Empathy, & Supernatural Suspense with Grace Lynx Jenkins

*Special Simulcast: The Neil Haley Show, Storehouse Media Group Podcast & Criminally Good* In this episode, Neil “The Media Giant” Haley joins Sherrie Price Clark and Jennifer Clarke Eskew to welcome author Grace Lynx Jenkins, whose debut novel, Sight, explores empathy, trauma, human behavior, and redemption. With a master's degree in psychology and a passion for storytelling, Grace discusses how her understanding of the human mind helped shape the characters and themes of her novel. Grace explains that she originally planned to become a lawyer before discovering her interest in psychology through an introductory college course. Her fascination with human behavior and neuroscience, combined with a lifelong love of writing, eventually led her to connect her psychology studies with fiction. A creative writing class helped her develop the idea for Sight, a story centered on Noah, a character with an extraordinary ability to see through other people's eyes while absorbing their thoughts, emotions, and personal struggles. Noah’s ability helps him assist a homicide unit in identifying murderers and serial killers, but absorbing others’ emotions makes it difficult to separate their feelings from his own. Grace connects his character to empathy, emotional boundaries, and the challenges of feeling responsible for others’ happiness. Grace discusses portraying trauma realistically in fiction by giving characters both strengths and weaknesses and handling sensitive topics carefully. She explains how writing allows authors to express their experiences, values, and personal struggles. She also emphasizes that understanding someone’s mental health challenges does not excuse harmful behavior. The discussion highlights personal responsibility, accountability, and the need for better mental health support while ensuring that harmful actions are not simply justified. Drawing on the concept of operant conditioning associated with psychologist B. F. Skinner, Grace discusses how consequences and reinforcement can influence behavior. The conversation then turns to the popularity of true crime and supernatural suspense, particularly among women. Grace suggests that fear, adrenaline, curiosity, and the excitement of experiencing intense emotions may help explain why audiences are drawn to dark stories, even when the subjects are disturbing. Grace discusses how forgiveness and justice can coexist, emphasizing accountability, genuine repentance, and the importance of recognizing real change. The conversation explores faith, redemption, and the need to consider the experiences of victims and survivors. Returning to Sight, Grace considers whose perspective Noah might learn the most from when investigating a crime. She points to both victims and offenders, explaining that understanding the truth often requires gathering information from different people and bringing those perspectives together. The interview also touches on the novel's nightmares, mysterious creatures, and underlying message of redemption. Near the end of the episode, Grace shares her plans for a fantasy series that she expects to span five books, with dragons playing an important role. She also explains where readers can find Sight and request a signed copy. From psychology and empathy to true crime, justice, and faith, Grace's conversation offers insight into the ideas behind her debut novel and the complex human experiences that inspire her storytelling. 🧷To Learn More 📍Visit gracelynxjenkins.com to learn more about Grace and Sight, and to inquire about a signed copy. 📍For more information about media, podcasting, publishing, and other services, visit storehousemediagroup.com. 📍You can also learn more about Jennifer Clarke Eskew and her work through her official website jenniferclarkeeskew.com.