I’ve had so much fun and worked so hard to bring out my best ever version of Ursus Borealis. Drago Incendium is undergoing the same. But I couldn’t wait any longer to put Book One back up for sale. Check it out by clicking any of the images. If you happened to own the ebook, a refresh sync will bring you the awesome new cover and bonus chapters. Thank you!!
Lucy A. McLaren is a fantasy author and professional counsellor, passionate about writing stories that include a realistic representation and exploration of mental health issues. She is a lifelong fan of fantasy stories, and enjoys reading, writing, watching and playing them. McLaren’s debut novel, Awakening: The Commune’s Curse Book 1, released from Santa Fe Writers Project in May 2022. She also has a fantasy short story featured in the Reign of Fire anthology which was released from Dragon Soul Press in January 2023.
Fantasy has always been Lucy’s genre of choice, though she loves a good horror, psychological thriller or murder mystery on occasion.
Lucy launched her series last year, and Book One, Awakening, is taking off! You can follow her blog and find her stories at Lucy A McLaren Author where she tells us that for as long as she can remember, she was drawn to the magic of storytelling, whether via books, video games, TV shows or films.
I’m stoked you were able to stop by and visit with me, Lucy. I have so much I’ve been wanting to chat about. How’s your June going so far?
LAM. Thanks so much for having me, Darci! It’s great to chat. My June has been good so far. It’s just starting to get really hot in the UK, so my husband and I are trying to make the most of that with our toddler (aka trying to burn up some of his ample amounts of energy so he sleeps at night). In terms of writing, I’ve been feeling fairly productive lately with consistent writing for the first time in a while. Saying that, I did realise I needed to take a little break over the last week because I was pushing myself to write every day. It’s a piece of advice I’ve seen a lot as a writer, but actually rest is a valuable part of the process too. Pushing yourself to keep writing regardless of anything else can be really counterproductive in the long term. I’ve seen that from personal experience. How about you, how’s the start of your June been?
DLL. Awesome, Lucy, and good luck with that sleep schedule. We’ve been enjoying a cooler, wet spring, which is unusual for our high desert country, and I’m loving it!. This first week, I also took time out to enjoy my first real break in writing. We traveled to stay with family and attend my niece’s beautiful wedding.
I’m always fascinated when an author starts out by launching a book that is destined for an epic series. Though I envy writers who can churn out standalone novels, which means they can finish a story and move on to a new one, there’s something so satisfying about creating a big multipart story and a big world that a writer can live in for an extended period of time.
To get us started, let’s jump right into your exciting young adult fantasy series, The Commune’s Curse.
Q. Did you set out to write a series? Or did it grow as the story unfolded?
LAM. I think back on this and I can’t recall The Commune’s Curse being anything but a series in my mind. Because I grew up reading fantasy series such as The Song of the Lioness Quartet by Tamora Pierce, J.V. Jones’s Sword of Shadows series, and His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman, I wonder if part of my brain just thought writing fantasy meant writing a series! But, saying that, it works as a trilogy. I’ll give the blurb for anyone unfamiliar with Awakening:
The Kingdom of Septima is ruled in all but name by the Commune, a ruthless cult that seeks control of an ancient power that has taken root in unsuspecting children in Septima. To maintain their hold on the kingdom, the Commune will stop at nothing to capture children who show signs of this power, to be weaponised or eliminated.
The Commune’s Curse
18-year-old Evelyn Folksman is in hiding. Taken in by a tavern-owner, she is haunted by the horrific events that drove her from her home years before. Evelyn is forced to face her past when two wayward children, Raif and Rose Huntsman, arrive at the tavern, pursued by Commune soldiers.
The children fall under Evelyn’s reluctant care as the trio narrowly escape a raid. Relentlessly hunted by Commander Jonah Sulemon and Commune agent Lord Eirik Torrant, Evelyn and Raif cannot fathom why they pose such a threat to the Commune, until six-year-old Rose unwittingly reveals a terrible secret: she possesses powers more fearsome than any the Commune has unearthed in decades.
There are only two options: to be captured and imprisoned, or to run for the rest of their lives.
It’s a story that grows with each book, I think. For example, book one takes place in Septima and is centralised around a few key locations in the kingdom (Castleton, the Veritas camp, Lord Torrant’s house). Book two expands on the story and takes the reader to new places, both in Septima and beyond.
DLL. Wow! This is a fantastic glimpse. I’m sure everyone wants to know what options might not be listed. I know I do. 😄 You can start the journey by clicking here.
Q. I love a good quest story with a compelling, reluctant heroine who faces challenges, including personal ones, while struggling to reach a destination with her charges. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Can you give us a series synopsis and some hints on what we can look forward to in the next installment?
LAM. That certainly is just the tip of the iceberg!
A series synopsis, oof that’s a good question. As mentioned in the blurb above, this is a story set in a kingdom ruled in all but name by a ruthless, cult-like government. The ultimate aim is to see them taken down. How we get there will be anything but simple. The overarching theme is about fighting against the oppression of the Commune. Of learning that we can be blinded by our own experiences and beliefs. Of being open to change, being open to forgiving ourselves and those who treat us badly. The four main characters–Evelyn, Raif, Hector and Commander Jonah Sulemon–are each put through some trials. They are led to question themselves. They make mistakes.
That sounds very generalised and I suppose it is. Ultimately, this is a series that I wanted to be very human at its core–because that’s what I find interesting in the stories I read, the characters, their flaws and struggles and how they ultimately overcome them. Or not, in some cases. We can’t all get a happy ending. That will certainly be the case in this series. That’s not so much a synopsis as a ramble, so I hope it makes sense!
In terms of what’s in store: in book two, we get to learn about Hector’s home, Nook Town, and the religious beliefs they hold that are outside of the Commune’s sway. We also discover more of Commander Jonah Sulemon’s home, the Noman Islands–the place where the powers first appeared. I want to keep readers guessing, not 100% sure where things could go–and I think book two will come with some surprises. At least I hope so, anyway.
DLL. Thank you so much, Lucy! Getting into your writer’s thoughts on your story themes is a real treat.
Q. One of the most intriguing aspects of your series is how the MC copes with trauma. As a mental health professional, what is it like to blend your work experience with writing fantasy fiction? Were there challenges merging your professional world with writing? Was it imperative for you to create a flawed character when you set out to write fiction? Or was The Commune’s Curse a story waiting to happen, an inevitable, natural element in your storytelling?
LAM. Thank you, yes it was something I felt I certainly wanted to explore within my storytelling. Weirdly, I don’t remember intentionally going into it thinking “this character will have trauma, I will explore this mental health issue”, but as it emerged that Evelyn had past trauma–all of the characters do actually, to some extent–Raif has grief to process, Sulemon is in a toxic relationship, Hector is… well, he’s just Hector haha. But they all have their struggles. I think the main challenge for this is ensuring I wrote these issues sensitively. As a counsellor, I’m aware of the mental health theory I can utilise to understand characters and why they are how they are, but that doesn’t mean I’m impervious to misunderstanding mental health issues. I used both personal experiences, case studies I’ve read in my professional work, and research around trauma in order to write my characters. And I hope I’ve done those issues justice.
To me (as I’ve already mentioned), flawed characters are the most interesting to read. We are all flawed. We all have struggles. I want readers to connect with the characters I write, to see themselves mirrored or to be able to understand different mental health issues through these characters. That is important to me and something I am very passionate about. So yeah, I believe it was imperative. 🙂
You know, you asking that–whether The Commune’s Curse was a story waiting to happen–makes me think. When I was training to become a counsellor, I found my way back to my love for writing. I hadn’t done it for many years because of anxiety and self-doubt. I was keeping a journal during my training and remember writing, “I’m going to write a book.” And Awakening was the first book I wrote. The story came out in stages. I realised I wanted to include aspects of real-life issues (victim-blaming, mental health, Brexit, oppression). So perhaps some part of me always intended to write a story including those things. Maybe that’s why it was so easy to write that first book.
DLL. Thank you for taking another deep dive! I really appreciate this aspect of your journey.
Q. Awakening has received some amazing reviews and two things stand out besides the “clear-eyed portraits of trauma in its characters” – Your “exquisite prose” and fast-paced story telling. How did you develop your writing style?
LAM. Thank you, yeah it has received some really lovely praise. Which is wonderful for me as a writer who often experiences strong bouts of self-doubt! I think my beta readers and editor had a lot to do with helping me hone my writing style. You always hear about finding your “voice” as a writer. It’s one of those elusive things that are hard to know how to nail down. Ultimately, I think if you’re writing what you’re passionate about, your voice will come through. That’s what I’ve aimed for, anyway. I do also believe writers are always honing their voice. Book two of The Commune’s Curse is better than book one, in my opinion. And I’m working on a standalone dark fantasy too. My aim is basically: keep writing, keep improving my style, keep finding my voice. That’s all anyone can do, right?!
DLL. Exactly. And I can relate, and it’s so encouraging to hear how you adapt and deal with growing as a writer. I’m not sure if it was the smartest thing to do, but I went back and applied my (in the process of being) honed writer skills to my series and am republishing books one and two this summer. I wish I could have just left my original story intact, but I couldn’t help refining it, which led to a couple new chapters and fleshing out secondary characters that carry over into the next book. But I need to just get them back up on Amazon and stop all the tweaking. 😊
Q. We connected through the Fantasy Sci Fi Writers Alliance, a great group of writers who support each other in a variety of ways, and I’ve enjoyed hearing through that group how you make time to write while balancing your professional and family life. Can you share your tips on staying on track? What are your favorite things to do during downtime?
LAM. Oh yes I LOVE the FSF Alliance. It’s so wonderful connecting with fellow authors. It can be very lonely writing a book. I highly recommend joining to anyone who is writing an SFF book at the moment (see more below).
You know, staying on track can be tough sometimes. A big thing I’ve learnt recently is it’s okay NOT to stay on track sometimes. Be gentle with yourself. If you need a rest and break from writing, take one. While I’m doing that, I tend to find little ideas popping into my head which I jot down for later.
When I am in the headspace for writing, for me as the mum of a toddler, it’s about utilising the time I do have. Nap time! I’ve stopped keeping a daily word count expectation as that brings its own pressure. Basically, on the days you do write–any amount of words is fantastic, whether it be 100 or 1,000 (or more, GO YOU). Be proud of any progress you make.
Outside of writing, I love spending time with my toddler (he needs A LOT of attention right now) and husband, playing video games (I’m currently playing Tears of the Kingdom and have just started a cosy game called Potion Permit), reading (fantasy, horror and crime thrillers), and going for walks to find old castle ruins for photographing. I find them to be inspirational for my stories!
DLL. I totally dig this! I enjoy those “meandering” photos of yours too. I loved exploring the U.K. on a long visit back in 1990, and so wish I had castles to explore out my back door. I’ll have to stick with forests and lakes. Awesome! Click the logo for more on the Alliance.
Q. This is where we can chat about your nifty word processor! I enjoy your posts about your FreeWrite Traveler and all the words you bang out in a session thanks to not being distracted with editing as you write. I started my career as a word processor in 1982, so I love retro tech stuff. Give us the scoop. Are you still loving it?
LAM. Oh my, yes, I LOVE word processors. So I started with an AlphaSmart which was a 20-something year old word processor. It was about £50 on eBay so I thought why not give it a try to see if it helps. I’d been feeling really stuck creatively for a long time and needed something to give me a boost. And WOW did it work. I hadn’t realised how much the distractions on my laptop impacted upon me. Suddenly, I could sit and write without having text messages, emails and social media notifications popping up every few minutes.
The success with the AlphaSmart led me to invest in a Freewrite Traveler. They are certainly a more expensive option, largely because they’re new! They have wifi backup and are generally more modern looking/feeling. I am in love with my Traveler. The upward spike in my productiveness has seriously blown me away. I recommend this tool for any writer who can afford it and who has struggled to keep focused. You won’t be disappointed.
DLL. Oooh. I so want to get one! You can follow Lucy on Instagram to learn more about her love for her FreeWrite Traveler and her works in progress. Click here to check out the device directly.
Q. What are some of your other favorite tools or methods to help with productivity?
LAM. Definitely notebooks. I am a sucker for a good notebook. I probably (definitely) have too many and I will always be tempted to buy another if I see them in a shop. My husband has to drag me away, ha. They’re handy for jotting down notes, ideas, interesting names and lyrics, all of which I find inspiring. I also find utilising the notes section on my phone a fantastic tool. I don’t always have a notebook close by, but I do have my phone with me basically all day. So when my brain decides to throw a random story/scene idea out at 1.37am, I can pick it up, blearily write it on my phone and know I won’t forget it.
DLL. Fantastic! I’m a stationary fiend and love collecting notebooks. I don’t even use them all. And just this morning, I was selling my husband on the idea of using his Notes on his phone. Such a handy feature.
Q. Who or what was your biggest influence in becoming a writer?
LAM. Ooh, good question. I feel like a lot of things converged at around the same age for me which had a massive impact on my passion for fantasy stories: Lord of the Rings films, I read Tamora Pierce’s Song of the Lioness Quartet and Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy, I was played Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time/Majora’s Mask and Final Fantasy VIII/IX/X. They caused me to fall in love with character-focused adventures with interesting people and places. So becoming a writer felt like a natural part of wanting to create my own stories and, in some part, to recreate the magical feeling the ones I loved left me with. More recently, I discovered writers like Robin Hobb and Joe Abercombie whose books I absolutely adore and whose amazing writing skills I will always aspire to.
DLL. Here are links besides the ones above to get you started on what influenced Lucy. Robin Hobb’s Assassin’s Apprentice, and Joe Abercrombie’s The Blade Itself (debut series).
Q. What are your top three favorite books or authors?
LAM. Robin Hobb is definitely my favourite author. I adore all of the books of hers I’ve read (I still have many to read. They’re on my TBR but I think I’m almost scared to get to them and not having any more Robin Hobb stories waiting for me. That’s my excuse, anyway.
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman is my favourite book series. Highly recommend to anyone who hasn’t read it. The characters, worldbuilding and themes are second to none.
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon is definitely up there as one of my favourite books. It’s epic and gorgeously written.
DLL. Awesome. Thanks for sharing more from your list, Lucy!
Q. Another topic I have been excited to cover with you is your participation on panels at writers conventions and other venues. Can you share how you got started and was it a hard thing to do? What are your favorite highlights? How can a writer get involved or be invited to sit on a panel? Do you recommend it?
LAM. Absolutely! So I started when I saw an open call for QuaranCon in 2022. It was an online convention, which became a lot more popular because of the pandemic of course cancelling in person events. With a young child to work around, this became a very convenient option for me. It was (and still is) hard putting myself out there and talking in front of people, but it definitely is getting easier. Tell my 15-year-old self I’m doing this; she’d be astounded.
My biggest highlight is definitely attending EasterCon in person in April this year. As much as the online conventions are convenient and I love taking part in them, going to an in-person convention is fantastic. I met loads of lovely people, connected with social media friends and was on a panel with Garth Nix, whose books I read when I was like… 10. So that was surreal.
To get involved in conventions and panels, I’d say search what is available in your country/area. See what conventions have online options (I’ve partaken in American-based ones such as WisCon because they have an online part to the convention). They will generally have an open call for authors to sign up and advise they’re interested in being on panels. Some also offer the option of making suggestions for panel ideas. Basically, keep your eyes peeled.
And I 100% recommend it. It’s the opportunity to meet new people, speak about topics you’re passionate about, and promote your work as an author. All invaluable parts of being a writer. Also, if you’re introverted (like me) and worried about it–you can do it! Everyone is always so friendly, in my experience. Plus it’ll build your confidence the more you do it; believe me, I know.
DLL. Fantastic. So encouraging! And I look forward to hearing more about your experiences. Follow the links in the text to learn more about these amazing conventions.
Q. Along with conventions, what is the writing community like in the U.K.? Do you have other ways you get involved locally to promote your stories?
LAM. I am part of a local writing Discord group but, to my shame, have barely taken part in it. I do know another North-East based writer (Trudie Skies) and we plan to meet up soon, which will be nice. I’ve also had the opportunity to meet fellow authors and good friends who have come over the UK, like Cindy van Wilder and Courtney Denelle. I also need to find local places to promote my stories. Basically, Darci… I’m still working that out lol.
DLL. You’re doing much better than I am.😊 It is hard to stay involved while keeping productive. And any bit is a good thing.
Q. I’m self-published and after two years of absorbing how other writers market their books, whether traditionally published or independent, it seems to me it’s an uphill climb either way with such a saturated market, and I’m still unclear about the advantages of one over the other. What are your observations?
LAM. I completely agree. It’s very much an uphill struggle. I think the advantages, for me at least–and why I wanted to go down the traditional publishing route–are that you have a publisher behind you to give aforementioned advice and support. I know as a debut author I would have felt overwhelmed publishing a book without that. Perhaps self-publishing is the way to publish quicker because trad publishing certainly takes more time. But it also costs the author more. But they get all the royalties. But they don’t have a publisher behind them for support.
All that being said: ultimately, I say do what is best for you! Just make sure you put the best version of your book out there, either way.
DLL. Helpful insights. Can you cover a little about how you sought your publisher and developed your relationship?
LAM. Of course! So I was querying for agents in 2019 and saw that Santa Fe Writers Project (SFWP) had an open call for SFF novels. I thought why not submit and went for it. A few months later, I got a response which was a “No, but…” which was amazing! They gave lots of helpful feedback and pointers as to ways to build upon and improve my book. I implemented those, resubmitted a few months later and waited. In May 2020, I was offered a publishing contract and was absolutely thrilled! It’s still surreal to me now, honestly.
Q. How do you work in conjunction with your publisher to market your books? What does your publisher do to promote you?
LAM. My publisher gives me a lot of tips/advice around marketing. Marketing is one of those things I definitely wasn’t fully prepared for as a debut author, so I’m glad to have a publisher like SFWP who are able to support me in it!
Q. You also enjoy interviewing authors and creators. How did you get started with that and how long have you been at it?
LAM. Oh I love it! I’ve been doing it in one form or another for a few years now. As much as social media can be a challenge and brings a level of anxiety, I have met so many wonderful people through it. I think I started out interviewing a good friend, Cindy van Wilder, who I met on Twitter back when I joined in 2018. They are a supportive, amazing person who has helped me so much in my writing and publishing journey. I love getting to know other authors, how their writing is going, their writing influences, all that kind of stuff. I’ve recently been doing a series of interviews on writing and video games, considering how the latter has had an impact on people’s love of stories and the way they create their own worlds/characters. It’s been very interesting–and a great excuse to have a nostalgia-trip discussing video games!
DLL. Awesome! You can visit Lucy’s interviews here.
Q. What are your favorite aspects of sharing a writer’s story on your blog?
LAM. I find it quite fun just writing about it, to be honest. It’s quite cathartic! I tend to do more sharing on my newsletter than blog, thinking about it. I try to give advice or share news and hope that it helps others to find new events/things to try in their writing. If just one person reads it and takes something from it, I’m happy.
Q. You have other stories published. Where can we find your works, and can you share what projects you’re working on in addition to your series?
LAM. I have a short story called The Dragon Harvester’s Daughter published in the Reign of Fire anthology which released in January. It’s a fantastic series of short stories worth checking out if you love dragons! I also have other short stories available on my website, if you fancy some quick fantasy reads.
In addition to working on The Commune’s Curse series, I’m writing a standalone dark fantasy, working title The Etherstone Project. It’s one I’m really excited about. Based in a Victorian London-inspired city which is being stalked by a vicious killer, it is about two young women from different ends of society who must come together to uncover the truth about the murders and the mysterious EtherGods who control their city.
DLL. Ooh. That sounds amazing!! I can’t wait for that to come out.
Follow the links throughout to find all these great stories and keep posted on Lucy’s progress. Reign of Fire is published by Dragon Soul Press. I love their anthologies and have a story about a selkie and lighthouse keeper in one called Song of the Siren. Check them out if you have a story to submit.
Q. Where do you see yourself in five years as a writer?
LAM. I’d like to have Etherstone finished and out in the world, if not with a publisher ready to be released. The Commune’s Curse series finished and in the world. And on to my next fantasy book/series… Just the thought makes me very excited and anxious haha.
DLL. Awe. Fantastic. I totally get that!
This has been a lot of fun, Lucy! Thank you so much for joining me this week. Do you have any parting words of advice for those who want to pursue their passion?
LAM. Thanks so much Darci, it’s been lovely chatting.
Parting advice: write your first draft without editing it. Get it out of your brain and onto the screen/paper. Edits come later. That is the best thing I’ve taken on board from other writers and it works.
Post your comments or questions and Lucy and I will follow up.
Thank you for visiting with us!
I’m in the middle of my first vacation from writing. It’s so rare, I thought I’d make a post about it. I’ve been writing nonstop since I started nearly three years ago. Only now and then, do I allow myself a day off. Never a week!
Do you worry about taking a long break from writing and losing your momentum; losing those carefully woven threads that latch onto your brain like tentacles constantly tapping out scenes? My pod people have been prominent in my head since they first made an appearance and demanded I write their stories. I wake up most mornings with a scene playing out from one of my works in progress and can’t wait to sit down and pound it out at the computer.
This week, I let those tentacles detach and float away. My characters receded, and I enjoyed time with my family.
We had a beautiful June wedding last weekend. A family member offered up their stunning property in front of Mount Shasta and the weather cleared that day for a perfect photo op. They worked unbelievably hard and unselfishly putting it all together.
The next morning, my 81 year old dad served up sourdough pancakes to nearly 30 people, with some help from others, of course. But still, way to go Dad!
Then, I came home and stayed in that family zone by going through boxes of photos and uploading them to my Ancestry tree.
I’ve been building my family history in Ancestry.com for close to fifteen years. My father’s mother got me started when she handed over several boxes of family photos. Very old photos. Both her lines go back to Colonial America; Virginia and North Carolina, one as far back as 1610. That ancestor was a colonist who made several trips back to England to recruit more colonists for the Crown, which garnered him more land. The first such voyage was on the ship that crashed off the coast of Bermuda. The passengers all survived and built two smaller ships before making it the rest of the way back to Virginia where they found the colony nearly decimated. I’ve always wanted to travel to Bermuda and see the replica of the Deliverance. The shipwreck is said to be the inspiration behind Shakespeare’s The Tempest.
Another ancestor served in the North Carolina militia during the Revolutionary War, two tours, was captured by the British and escaped. I’ve seen images of his pay vouchers, though I lost track of them. His offspring migrated to the southern Indiana Territory in 1808. My fourth great grandfather (one of the offspring) built his home by a spring (a plaque memorializes Organ Springs and the mill that was torn down there in 1946) and lived in that house until age 95. It’s said when he came to New Albany, it was all woods, just one store, a blacksmith shop and a cabin or two. My third great grandmother raised her family next door.
Sadly, I’ve never been there. All my information comes from Ancestry cousins I’ve corresponded with, my own research, and stories from the family boxes. I acquired a copy of the Salem Democrat’s Pioneer Pickings, September 6, 1876, which features an interview with David Voiles (below), “one of the old men and old settlers of this county.”
David said he was “a descendant of ‘imported stock’. His father was a Welshman, and his mother was an Italian, and that the peculiar traits of both nations could yet be seen, more or less, in their descendants.” He said of himself in the early days that “being of an iron constitution and a strong robust physical frame, he, with the aid of his industrious and economical wife got along splendidly.” He described the woods as full of wolves, bear, wild cat, panthers, wild turkey, deer and rattlesnakes. There’s even a story of a bear hunt. He concluded in the present time by saying, “he is now hale and hearty (89 years old)… he always was a democrat and always will be… and expects to vote this fall for the Democratic Ticket and believes that it will be elected, and does not know but that it will be the means of extending his pilgrimage a while longer on this mundane sphere.”
How wonderful is that to have such an account of a pioneer ancestor?
My grandmother and I had so much fun working together on her history up until she passed at 100 and a half years old in 2014.
Then, I slowed down. But by then, I had gained the reputation as the family historian after meticulously confirming photos and uploading them to the matching family member’s profile, building the tree leaf by leaf, then trying to share with others who really don’t get this exercise at all. I’m hoping future generations will benefit from all the hard work.
Lorena Pearl Bury
This week, I finally pulled out three boxes I was given by my Aunt who saved them for me when her husband and my mother (siblings) cleaned out my grandpa’s home seven years ago. Thank you Auntie. If you hadn’t taken a stand, all the treasures would have been thrown out.
I can’t believe they’ve been collecting dust since then. Where has the time gone? Well, I spent hours this week snapping photos of hundreds of photos and records. This time on my Mom’s side of the family.
One favorite ancestor was my grandmother’s grandpa, Commodore Perry Lieuallen, Civil War veteran, Co. G., 12th Tennessee Cavalry. There was a stack of documents he had to submit to get accommodation in the Dakota Soldier’s Home in Hot Springs South Dakota. There are all kinds of colorful stories about Grandpa Lieuallen. First, the papers all spell his name Lewellyn (this is my maternal side – yep I have Lewellyn’s on both sides, no relation… as far as I can tell). Perry apparently changed his spelling when he married in 1870. My uncle had his war issued Smith and Wesson revolver. And he was said to know Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickock. But we’ll never know that for sure.
In this batch of photos, I discovered more about the veteran’s home, which still exists today. He was a rancher in Weld County Colorado, but when he died, he lived in a home that was more like a hospital ward with only a bed to his name. He died with $8 in his pocket. Still, his family took him on lots of outings and visited him till the end.
My grandmother, Faith Dorothy Oldenburg. She was the youngest of three girls. Her sisters were ten and twelve years older and she lost her mother at age eight. She and her dad lived in the house above until she graduated high school and went to California to visit a sister who had moved there just prior. She met my grandpa, and here I am.
Thanks to both my grandmothers for preserving those boxes of treasure!
Born and raised in Massachusetts’ Merrimack Valley, Michael C. Carroll has always loved storytelling. After graduating from Boston College, he moved …
Sunday Spotlight with Writer, Podcaster, and all things Beowulf and Old English-Michael C. Carroll!
Born and raised in Massachusetts’ Merrimack Valley, Michael C. Carroll has always loved storytelling. After graduating from Boston College, he moved …
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First of all, I want to say I adored Uncle Lauran. I just had no idea… Today, someone asked a question on social media about using multiple pen names…
Ode to an Uncle I Didn’t Appreciate as Much as I Should Have Before Becoming a Writer
Mermaids, Selkies, Sirens and all those mythological sea folk are your cup of tea.
My short story is featured in Song of the Siren from Dragon Soul Press and I know you’ll love it and all the great stories in this fantasy collection. It’s available for presale and will publish this month in time for MerMay. What is MerMay? You can click here for a great introduction. It’s an art challenge, but all creators love being absorbed into a month that celebrates these fascinating beings, writers included.
She dreamed all her life about the man in the whitewashed tower beneath the prismed light and decides it’s time to risk a meeting.
He dreams of an impossible love with a mythical creature. What happens when one steps from the sea and offers him not just a dream, but an astonishing solution?
~ Beneath the Prismed Light
From sirens, mermaids, selkies, and more, these tales of the deep will tug at your heartstrings. Love can warm the iciest waters, but revenge is best served cold. Watery graves await for those who push boundaries or stray too far. ~ Song of the Siren
Features stories by J.M. Rhineheart, Emma K. Leadley, K. Parr, Andria Kennedy, Fred Phillips, Barend Nieuwstraten III, Claire Davon, Nicholas Nethery, A.D. Watts, Toni Mobley, D.L. Lewellyn, Rienne French, Seth Taylor, Derek Kho, Anwen Redlake, and D.R. Birdsall.
Jessica Jayne Webb is a Writer from New Zealand. Jessie published a fantasy novel we’ll get into below. She writes poetry as well, and is working on a variety of projects. Jessie says writing her book was monumental for herself and her family as both her sons have learning challenges. She is also working on her degree, while enjoying family life, fishing and foraging, with her partner and two high functioning boys.
I’ve been looking forward to our chat so much, Jessie. Your book The Secrets of Wilderfort Castle is packed with fabulous elements. There is a castle. Score 1. Then, you have a reluctant heiress facing an unexpected change. Score 2. It harks back to my favorite genre in the 70s. The gothic romance, but maybe this is more dark fantasy. Score 3. Then, there is a whole hidden fantasy world. Score 5. And finally (well not even finally because there’s more) you have romance. Score 6.
I’d like to start by asking how you came up with your story, which I think of as a story within a story. Did you set out to write such an epic multilayered tale?
Hey, thanks for having me here, I appreciate you adding me in and wanting to talk about my journey.
I started this more as an assignment about 10 years ago now, for my English paper at university. My lecturer liked it so much she asked me if I could write more. I wrote about 4 chapters before life jumped in. Then about 3 years ago, I had a back injury. Instead of going loopy from being stuck on my back about a year into being almost bedridden, I ‘found’ my book again and decided to write. It was hard at first to get back into it but once I opened the door in my mind again, I was able to pull the whole thing apart and rewrote it in about 2 months. I think similar to my life, I am multilayered, so writing my book like that seemed like a natural way to go about doing it.
D. So sorry that you suffered through such a terrible injury. But I’m glad you found a creative outlet to help you cope with it. I’ve had several people tell me creative pursuits like writing and art have helped them survive life’s debilitating curve-balls. Good for you.
That leads us to the question about your process. Are you a panster or plotter? Do you like to sit at the keyboard and let the story come, or do you plan ahead with an outline or other favorite technique(s)?
I think I’m a bit of both or perhaps something else entirely heh. I started off by just writing what played out, but then decided to organise myself a bit and wrote one or two lines for each chapter or like for some chapters, I listed 4 to 6 words I wanted to ‘hit’ when writing the chapters. But for the most part, I felt I was a narrator. The characters were all playing it out in my head, like a movie and I was playing catchup trying to keep up with them. I don’t sleep much, so I didn’t find it odd when I mentally argued with the characters. Much like I messaged you, as I’m finishing off my Bachelors I have had to take a step back for a few months and put them all in a metaphorical ‘draw.’ It does leak out though, so studying becomes a bit challenging, along with having children, a couple of jobs, and whatnot.
D. Ah, conjuring scenes instead of sleeping! I can relate. And after talking to so many of our fellow writers, I’ve learned that malady afflicts a lot of us.
Do you have a designated place to write, a place that is ready with the things around you that get you into the zone? What does that look like? What are your favorite methods, tips?
Nah, I’m not that organised, I go where there is silence, a decent seat and a big table. I do like to have my coffee with me; almond flat white with an extra shot. I’m a major coffee addict. Near a food source also. I like the local library on occasion. But quiet is the main part, as the noise from the characters make it quite hard to concentrate. Tips! Everyone is different. Putting all my gear into a backpack and exploring the area is a great way to find a niche place. Everyone has their quirks, and preferred ways of writing. Mine may look completely different to yours and everyone else’s so really it’s looking for what you feel will work that day.
D. Thanks for sharing that. I enjoy envisioning writers’ environments as they settle in to write. Lifting my coffee cup to you!
Is fantasy your preferred genre, and what subgenre(s)? Discovering my niche market is something I’m delving into, since I could technically gear my books towards several, so I’ve been polling writers to learn how they determine where their books fit on a book store shelf. Where do you see your book if you were to walk into a traditional book store? What books would you find next to it?
I think so, to your first question. I would say on the bestsellers shelf is my best aim heh! Unfortunately, my book is really expensive so it is mainly online. I would love my books to be near Terry Practchett’s Discworld Novels. That would be my dream. Epic fantasy for my next series. I am finding The Secrets of Wilderfort Castle is going dark. With more relationships popping up I’m feeling its getting into darker fantasy, not quite mind benders but looking at scenes involving death, I mean if you checked out the first book you would have seen some areas where the characters show a taste of the twisted things they are capable of. It’s very twisty-turny and you need to keep up. Definitely pay attention to the details or you may miss something. The characters are also showing some areas of LGB relationships which back then (Victorian era) was frowned upon and done behind closed doors, but didn’t mean they weren’t happening. So in other words, you will have to read the book.
D. Wow. Even more elements to add to the ones in our introduction. It sounds like a totally fun story to write.
At what stage in the process did you find your publisher? Can you talk about the process of getting a book deal? Did you consider self-publishing? If so, what convinced you to go traditional?
I want to go traditional. I know it’s a hefty percentage cut going that way but they have the connections and can market the book. I’m terrible at marketing and prefer to hide while writing or go walking in the literal sense. It helps me organise whats happening in the book, within my brain. It took a while to get this contract, as I really had to hunt around. I didn’t know what I was doing. Now that I’m in the book scene, I have found many more areas of interest. This first book deal was a hybrid contract. I didn’t know what I was getting into but I definitely DON’T recommend it. I was offered four hybrid contracts from different publishers and went with this company as my friend had published through them. I am looking, and they know I’m looking for another company. I am quite open with that. I need someone who can keep up with me and my different forms of writing.
D. I look forward to hearing how you progress with those goals. I can appreciate finding the right representative who can advocate for different types of writing, since you write poetry and quite a variety of other things, which we will get into in a little bit.
Can you share your insight and tips for balancing homelife and family with your writer’s life?
No tips, I’m terrible at it, apart from having the ability to take my boys swimming where I can write for two hours. Finding a place that can entertain kids and give you wifi is a great way to go. Keeps everyone happy. I sometimes ‘book’ in time for when I’m going to write. It’s like I’m mentally organising myself in preparation.
D. I like that tip. I’m a planner junkie. Writing down a schedule even if it’s booking time with yourself can be really effective.
Who and/or what were your biggest influences in becoming a writer?
Becoming a writer, it was more like, I quite enjoy this, I’m going to see where this takes me. My dad has always been in my court when an idea came up. I have actually had a few businesses in the past one being an art business, and he was always one to encourage any kind of creative flare in myself and my siblings.
What are your top 3 favorite books, or if you prefer, top 3 favorite writers, and why?
Terry Pratchett. Definitely. Cynthia Voigt’s A Solitary Blue was a very emotional book for me. I read it in college and it was the first book that changed my life, I really struggled in college. I’m loving a lot of indie authors at present, too hard to pinpoint but they are all amazing writers, I have gained a lot of insight from the bookish community on Instagram. I am part of a couple of awesome groups, and I’m really thankful.
I was delighted to find you have poetry I could listen to on Spotify. Wow! To have your words read so movingly. How did that collaboration come about? Will there be more?
I was a bit cheeky actually. Attai lily was talking about it online and I DM’D her saying if she needed anything, I would love to be included. She said she was still setting up so when she was ready, she posted up for potential authors and I jumped on board. Attai Lily is amazing to work with and has really begun to take off.
D. Enjoy right here, Jessie’s poems “Life Explained” and “The Rhyming Muscles” read by Attai Lily, In Lines and Verses on Spotify.
We met through our writer’s alliance, which I think is awesome because it brings writers from around the world together to support each other. What can you share about your experiences in the writer’s community? What other online groups can you recommend?
The bookish community is brilliant. There are some really helpful authors out there all wanting the best for you, I have learnt so much and will continue to learn from them. It’s very supportive. I have looked into NaNoWriMo. I did sign up for a writing competition with them, but the timing didn’t fit in with my schedule, I will enjoy looking at that more in depth over Christmas.
D. I do love participating in NaNoWriMo challenges. It’s a great way to focus on a project over a month. I hope to see you there.
Have you found any local communities or helpful ways to share your books at home in New Zealand?
Funnily enough no. New Zealand can be a really hard place to jump into. There are so many creatives in New Zealand. I have this fabulous man, William Yip. He is the forerunner for the Collective, a local community hub, and he is a supportive man for any he knows needs to market. I am working with him at the moment to get my book out to the local community. I managed a newspaper article and that helped, but to get anywhere you need a constant influence in the national community, plus anything overseas. I will be looking into more international influence next year.
D. Awesome. Thanks for that. The community hub with Mr. Yip sounds like a great local feature.
Now for a favorite question of mine. I understand you have projects in the works. Can you give us a glimpse into what we might see next and when?
Oh gosh. Where do I start? Well, Wilderfort is one of five books I have planned. Then there is The Last Tribe of Terraway. That is a three-book series about a small community of varying-aged trolls on the run. I haven’t quite settled on a name for my horror. I was thinking The Puppet Creator. But I’m still working on the name. That is one I am really looking forward to writing, I won’t give too many details except I am going to the local morgue at the end of the year to learn about embalming haha. I also have a ghost possession type story, and I’m excited about writing that one. I also have a children’s book with a first draft. I think this one will be about 10 books in total but I need to find an illustrator to join me on the journey. Plus my poetry book. This, I actually wrote in my twenties but as you know, a couple have been put up on spotify. I’m not sure where I will go with that one. I also have a couple articles I want to write based on Education as my study ( I’m in my final year) to become a teacher.
D. I love these ideas, and I can’t wait to see more. You can follow Jessie on Instagram and Goodreads.
Thank you so much for visiting my Spotlight, Jessie! Any parting words of advice about following our creative passions?
Don’t give up. Listen to yourself, not what others say. I was told in college, after asking an English teacher for help, not to bother. I would never get anywhere. Research. Make sure you understand what you are writing. Don’t go on blind faith. Be open to learning curves. Everything we do helps us to improve. We are always learning. Be open to it, and be humble.
Be kind, don’t be a Karen! Unless you’re copying my second mum.
D. Fantastic!
By D. L. Lewellyn 