Check out the fabulous anthologies by Dragon Soul Press. There are so many great stories and authors and for the third time, I get to be part of the group. This week Pinpricks: An Adult Fairy Tale was published in Magick & Mystery. Fate Sent Her Two, a 20,000 word short story, was accepted just today for Digital Love! Presales for that are coming soon and it will publish in February. I’m pretty danged excited!
In May, Beneath the Prismed Light was included in DSP’s Song of the Siren anthology. That story has been expanded and is now my gift to subscribers. Thank you for subscribing and sharing my newsletter. Your support means everything!
Here is an excerpt for Pinpricks.
A prince finds himself one morning deep in the Shangthorn forest, facing three foul and warty hags who peer at him with purpose in their eyes. When they pose probing questions and offer him peculiar choices requiring intimate sacrifices, everything he’s certain of—everything he knows about himself—flies in the face of mystery, magic, and these creatures who are more than what they seem.
I have been waiting to chat with this author for too long and I’m excited to welcome Linda Ling to my blog and talk about her exciting debut series, The Land of the Sun.
I’m in the middle of Sundred and finding the pages turning fast! This amazing complex fantasy world was presented in a concise, clear manner and I was able to dive right in and get immersed. I found the division of the lands captivating right off and wanted to know how the rent in the world would be resolved and Faelyn’s part in it. I love all the names of the characters and was taken immediately with Faelyn and Khare.
Here is what one reviewer has to say about Sundred…
This whole year has been tough reading-wise as I’ve only had a few books that I really LOVED.
It’s nice to have another book to add to that list with Sundered by Linda Ling. Five stars!!!
There’s a good amount of worldbuilding upfront that took a bit to get into and internalize. But once I met Princess Faelyn and Khare, I was hooked.
I loved Faelyn’s strength, impulsivity, and passionate personality – as I am writing a similar FMC for my second book, I found myself feeling inspired by how well Linda brought her character to life!
I think one reason fantasy can be hit-or-miss for me is because I always want my fantasy to be grounded in real problems that I can relate to. Even though there are kingdoms and magic and cool creatures (I loved the Sarpentii), there also are struggles of finding your identity, unpacking family trauma, and fighting for your voice as a female in a world of male leaders.
There were several POV changes and while sometimes I struggle with keeping up, the shifts were seamless. Each new voice brought a new perspective to the story within this vast world.
I loved the resourcefulness yet imperfections of the characters, the careful reveal of mysteries, and the beautifully engrained magic and worldbuilding
Well done Linda and I can’t wait to read Forged!!!
Kyle
Let’s meet the author.
Linda is a self-published author with a passion for reading and creative writing. Her favorite genres are fantasy and paranormal. She juggles a full-time job as a doctor, being a mom, a wife, and the editor of a local newsletter. Linda is a pen name under which she has published her epic fantasy trilogy and a children’s book.
All That Glitters Is Not Gold, was just released in July 2023 and is a standalone prequel novel in the Land of the Sun fantasy series.
Thank you for visiting with me today, Linda! [Let me know if this is your preferred name for our interview]
The first question I’ve been dying to ask is how you came up with this world, its place names, and the character names. To me, it is well thought out and crafted yet also organic and real. Did you create the world first, or the story?
LL. Thank you so much for reading Sundered and for your thoughtfully curated questions! The world and its story came at the same time if I think about it. Years ago, I had a dream about a king and queen separated by a desert due to a misunderstanding. I thought, why not write a story where they become reconciled? And why not get a rambunctious princess to lead the way in finding her family? The result, Sundered.
The races and cultures have a basis in traditional fantasy races like the Fae (elves and fairies and such), but you’ve put your spin on them as well as created hybrid races and new races. This must have been so fun to immerse yourself in as a writer. How long did it take you to craft it all and finish the series?
LL. The entire series took me 10-11 years to complete. Here’s why. I wrote the first half of Sundered way back when but then hit massive writer’s block. Life also happened (like finishing my residency and kids). It was only some time during the pandemic when I decided to complete what I’d started, and then the remaining books took a year to finish the initial drafts. So it was a very slow start but a rapid finish!
DLL. That’s amazing. So many writers I’ve interviewed had some kind of turning point during the pandemic. Difficult times equal new outlooks on our priorities it seems. I find that fascinating and amazing that you had this story in you for so long.
I love how there is a mix of different levels of technology in The Land of the Sun depending on what side of the rent or separation you’re on. There’s a feel of modern mixed with Medieval. How did that come about?
LL. I honestly have no idea! I always knew Tir’Sunaa (where we first meet Princess Faelyn in her father’s kingdom) would have tanks and guns but no magic. To contrast that, I envisioned Elvarue (the kingdom of Faelyn’s mother) to be more medieval, and less advanced but bolstered by powerful magic and traditions around magic.
DLL. That must have been a fun way to build this world with two completely different systems to write about, like writing two stories.
The review provided above talks about how fantasy works best if it is grounded in real problems that make the main character and story relatable despite the fantastical settings. Can you talk about the importance of this element to you as a writer?
LL. I definitely try to do that in every story I’ve written, because it makes the story more real, more emotional. I’ll focus on Sundered for this question. This book is special to me because of the strong themes of family. No family is perfect. Each family has its own dynamics, and every member has their quirks. We talk a lot about the found family trope, but I grew up with a huge extended family with its warmth and love, but also clashing points. I wanted to portray that in Sundered. So you have Princess Faelyn growing up without her mom and eldest brother, but having her dad and her slightly-older brother around. Then, she sets out to find all her other relatives and experiences what it’s like getting to know all these people for the first time as a young adult. Found family in both senses of the phrase.
What is the main inspiration behind writing high fantasy and separately, paranormal fantasy? These are my two preferred genres as well and if you’re like me, you did a lot of reading in these genres, but what else motivated you to go this direction?
LL. I love both genres too! I went with publishing high fantasy first because out of all the stories I’ve written all my life, I felt that Sundered and its subsequent stories were more coherent and complete than the other things I’d written. But as implied, high fantasy is not the genre I wrote in first. My first stories were about vampires in an urban setting, but without other paranormal elements and with some magical realism involved.
This series is categorized as young adult. Is this your preferred market? I believe you’re working on a new vampire series [feel free to correct or modify anything]. Is that a young adult series also? Are there other stories in these or other genres in the works?
LL. Perfect question to follow up from the last one! Sundered is young adult-ish, with a lot of coming-of-age elements. But I would say that as the books progress, the characters mature and develop as more stuff happens to them, and by the end of the series it’s no longer very young adult. This makes the series a challenge to market, I realize. But it’s true to the stories and characters. I’d say that as a writer, I like exploring adult themes while keeping the story suitable for young adult readers who have the capacity for reading these older themes. Therefore, my upcoming vampire series is like that.
Other stories – for sure! The universe of Princess Faelyn wouldn’t let me go after I finished my trilogy. That’s why I wrote the prequel, and that’s why I ended up writing a bunch of sequel drafts set in the same world. But my vampire WIPs were calling for me, which is why I’ve switched gears for now. I even churned out a contemporary romance novel last year, though where that’ll end up going is anyone’s guess!
DLL. It sounds like you’re striking the right balance for your audience. That is such a difficult thing to do. I can’t wait for your vampire series. As you’ve just proven, these are great genres for generating multiple stories from one, and I totally get it when you say your universe wouldn’t let you go. I had no idea my secondary characters were writing their own stories as my series came to life. And all of them are calling to me. I really wish I could become a faster writer!
What or who is your biggest inspiration and set you on the path to becoming a writer?
LL. I grew up reading Michael Crichton, some Stephen King, Anne Rice, Christopher Pike, and RL Stine (you can see some common themes there). These authors inspired the types of stuff I write about. One very influential TV series was Buffy too. I can’t talk about my vampires without talking about Buffy. She’s the OG bada$$ FMC.
DLL. LOL! I wonder if they knew back then Buffy would never die. I’m so glad we have so many seasons for inspiration, and then there’s Angel…
Can you share your top three books? Or in the alternative, top three authors?
LL. That is such a hard question to answer! Let’s go with authors: Anne Rice, first and foremost. And my recent other top 2 are Jay Kristoff and Sarah J Maas.
What can you share with us about being an independent writer and self-publisher? Did you learn things as you went? Do you have a team who helps you with editing, marketing, and artwork? I love your cover art. How did that come about? Do you have favorite tools or software that you use for these services?
LL. All I can say is that self-publishing is hard work! Nothing goes perfectly. But it’s been an incredible learning journey, figuring out all the various moving parts of publishing my books, all the pitfalls, and so importantly connecting with a community of like-minded readers and writers! Thank you for loving the covers of my books. I won’t go into the agonizing details except that I’ve always outsourced my covers and each had its own headaches to deal with, but I’m happy with the results! That being said, I like playing with Canva and CapCut too.
DLL. I appreciate that insight. I haven’t tried outsourcing yet, but I want to! I love Canva, though. Just when I think I can’t come up with something, inspiration hits and it has everything I need.And thanks for the tip on CapCut!
Do you have plans to someday find an agent or go the traditional publishing route?
LL. So I tried to query my romance novel earlier this year and got crickets. Yay, that makes me a real writer, right? I might try again next year. We’ll see how that goes. Otherwise, my fantasy and vampire stuff will remain in the self-publishing realm where I retain full creative control of everything.
DLL. Awesome. I think you’re doing fabulous growing your community and getting your books shared as a self-publisher.
As far as your writer’s life, do you have a favorite place to write? What are your favorite techniques or methods you use to stay creative and productive?
LL. I have a handful of favorite places to write, it doesn’t always stay the same. But I work best when it’s quiet, and when I can put my phone away and not get distracted with social media. I set aside some time every day for writing, reading, and exercise because all of this just helps me relax and unwind, which also helps the creative process.
What advice can you share on how to balance your creative life with work and family?
LL. I have no easy answers. My kids are no longer so young and dependent on their mom, and they understand that mom likes writing and telling stories. My husband also understands that this is an important aspect of who I am now, and knows to give me my space. Conversely, I don’t let writing and creativity consume me so I neglect my family. That would be a big no-no.
Do you have any parting advice for those who want to pursue a writing career?
LL. Read and read and read. Then write and write and write. Don’t be afraid to learn, to make mistakes, and grow. You’ll only get better.
Fantastic! Thank you so much for visiting with me today and sharing your insights. All the best to you, Linda!
A particular favorite group of mythologies to delve into for me encompasses the culturally rich islands of the North Sea, where Celtic lore blends with Scandinavian and legends abound about the mer folk and the selkie.
My guest today has written a dark fantasy tale that pulls you into this mystical, watery environment and weaves it in with the lore of the Vikings and the magical aspects of shapeshifting.
This story literally transports you to an entirely other world – one full of magic, possibilities, and lots of jaw dropping moments.
Divia is a fantastic and gritty storyteller with a keen eye for heart wrenching build up. She did an extraordinary job at taking a deep dive into what someone is willing to do for the ones they love – even if it’s at the expense of their own identity.
It’s safe to say I cried and that’s when you know it was done right.
This is a must read for anyone who loves dark fantasy with thematic influence of Norse Mythology and Celtic origins. And I myself am a massive fan of the era!!
C. D. McKenna
I picked this review because it encompasses all of the captivating aspects of this story. Let’s meet the author.
J.k Divia is a Dark Fantasy and Thriller writer from the US. She has spent most of her life traveling. She is a Spoonie and has learned the importance of rest while pursuing her writing dreams. As a child she was often found playing in the woods or reading about world mythology, folklore and ghost stories which have influenced her writing. She has always loved creative writing and once she decided to take it beyond flash fiction writing contests, she found a writing coach and editor to help her achieve her goal of writing a page turning novel. A Sea of Blood and Tears is her debut novel.
Some of her favorite books include Jane Eyre, Little Women, Dracula, The Hobbit, Outlander, Girl on the Train
When not writing, you can find her spending time with her family, chasing after her kids and searching for faeries and dragons in the woods with them.
I’ve been looking forward so much to diving with you into the world of the selkie and all the themes and elements of your novel. Thank you for joining me, Jaymee!
I imagine this project was as immersive for you as a writer as your story is for your readers. My first question is what was it like finishing your epic novel and getting it out into the world?
JKD. It was really an amazing and emotional adventure. This story actually started as a collection of backstories for what will now be the second book. There was definitely a challenge in figuring out how much to put in and where to stop with this particular story knowing that it was ultimately not the original story I intended to tell. There is also the anxiety part of publishing that I think all authors go through you know. The uncertainty of how your story will be received once it’s out in the world.
I love to learn how indie authors build their team. Do you have an editor or readers who helped you finalize your manuscript?Was self-publishing part of your plan, or the best means to share your story? Have you explored traditional publishing?
JKD. I looked for and found an amazing writing coach who helped me immensely on my author journey. From doing my development edit to helping me with crafting, working with a writing coach was a great experience. I also had won an indie author giveaway on Instagram and it included a beta read and publishing help, again these were immensely helpful given that I had no experience in trying to publish a book.
Indie ended up being the best option for me though I did query. I am terrible at querying and didn’t have the patience for it, sending my queries off before the book was even finished. In the end I wanted my story to be my story, for better or worse, and for this story Indie was the best path.
DLL. Awesome! Thanks for sharing, including a key reason to go Indie… Control… over content and time.
I was happy to read at the end of your amazing story that the second novel, Be Careful Where you Wander, is set for mid 2024. Can you give us a glimpse into what we can expect from Naia’s tale?
JKD. Be Careful Where you Wander is actually the main story I had intended to write funny enough. It takes place many years after the events in A Sea of Blood and Tears. It follows Naia’s journey in deciding her place in the uncertain world we last left her in and the aftermath of being chosen to become a Hamingja.
Ionna, Bjorn and Einar also return for this story. There is sure to be more blood and tears in this story before we get to the end.
There is a teaser for book two at the end of A Sea of Blood and Tears and I hope it won’t disappoint!
For our readers who might be unfamiliar with the selkie, can you tell us about the mythology? And what inspired you to bring Vikings into your story?Same question for the shapeshifters.
JKD. I first fell in love with Selkies as a kid watching the movie The Secret of Roan Innish. In celtic mythology, selkies are seal people. Men and women who live as seals but have the ability to shed their seal skin and turn into humans. If you capture their seal skin, or coat, then they could not return to the sea and were trapped.
It’s funny, I’m not really sure where the idea came from to add selkies to my story. The story is based on a short story I wrote called Becoming Hamingja, which is a play on the Norse Hamingja (which is luck). As I began to write the backstories of the key players and catalysts for the events in Be Careful Where You Wander, it all just sort of came together.
Mikladalur, Faroe Islands, Kalsoy – July, 2021: Kópakonann – selkies, mythological beings capable of therianthropy, changing from seal to human form by shedding their skin. Kingdom of denmark. Europe – PhotographerNowaczyk
DLL. As you know, I wrote a short story about a selkie and a lighthouse keeper set in a dystopian world where the fated lovers come up with an extraordinary solution to survival. It’s available in Song of the Siren, an anthology by Dragon Soul Press. I acquired this stunning image from Shutterstock (described above) for inspiration while I was writing it.
You mention in your bio that you love fantasy and mythology. Are there other genres, or sub genres of fantasy you plan to explore?
JKD. was that kid that would check out all the world mythology and folklore books available at the library. It was always an interest of mine.
I also love a good mystery and Thriller. I am actually working on a mystery/thriller called We Need to Talk About Grandma that I hope to release in the next two years.
DLL. Great title! All sorts of scary things are going through my mind!
Have you traveled to any of the North Sea islands? What is your favorite travel destination?
JKD. I think Ireland, Scotland and Norway have been my favorite places to travel so far. My trip to Norway is what inspired my short story, Becoming Hamingja. I hope to visit the Orkney Islands and Isle of Skye one day, as well as travel back to Norway.
DLL. All places on my bucket list. I was all geared up before Covid to do a craft knitting cruise around all those fabulous locations… Someday…
Who or what was your biggest influence? Do you have a top three list of favorite authors or books you’d like to share?
JKD. I always say that A Sea of Blood and Tears is The Secret of Roan Innish meets Eaters of the Dead.
Jane Eyre will always be one of my first literary loves, along with The Hobbit. I also thought the first Outlander book was amazing.
DLL. All fantastic reads. I’m including a link above to Michael Chricton’s amazing Eaters of the Dead. Great shelf comparison for your story!
Where is your favorite place to write? Do you have a daily writing schedule? And do you like to set goals or deadlines?
JKD. As a mom of two young kids, I write where and when I can lol. I know that is an excuse and there are plenty of parents who are able to set a schedule. I’m just not very good with schedules to begin with.
I try to set deadlines and goals but I’m not great at sticking to them. I actually set a deadline to publish A Sea of Blood and Tears and stuck to it which I think ended up hurting my story in the long run. The great thing about Indie is you can control your timeline and I’m definitely going to use that to my advantage going forward.
DLL. I am taking this to heart, Jaymee. I’ve been pressuring myself to finish my third book in my series, and I know deep in my gut, which I’ve been ignoring, that it will only hurt the story. I want it to be the best wrap up to the series it can be. If it takes another year to achieve that status, I should allow myself that because like you say, having no deadline is a benefit and a luxury for self-published authors. I need to quiet that publisher voice! Thanks!
What are your favorite tips or techniques to stay organized and productive, or to get in the mindset to write?
JKD. I am so unorganized. I write a lot of scenes in notebooks when developing my stories and then try to organize and link together later. The read aloud function in word has probably been my best writing friend.
DLL. I tell people about read aloud all the time. The new and improved voices are amazing and it’s so helpful for punctuation, word usage, tone, and on and on. Can’t live without it. Google has improved on the computer voice with it’s Audio book program. I’ve been testing running my novels there and hoping to publish Ursus Borealis as an audio book soon!
I’m always inspired when my guests stick with their passion to create despite life’s challenges, including health issues. You mention you’re a Spoonie. Would you like to talk about what that means?
JKD. I first heard of spoon theory from a friend after I had just been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and RA. She also has fibromyalgia and had been diagnosed many years prior to me. She sent me an article that was written by Christine Miserandino using the analogy of having a limited amount of spoons to describe living with a chronic or invisible illness. I highly recommend that everyone read the article if they are or know someone who is dealing with an illness. Being recently diagnosed, it helped me a lot.
DLL. Thank you for dropping by, Jaymee! This has been an awesome journey into your writer’s life!
You can follow J. K. Divia on Instagram and Goodreads.Feel free to leave any questions or comments!
Enjoy a read while I enjoy finishing writing Book Three—Tigris Vetus…
Book Two – Drago Incendium
Meet Mortas, introduced in Book Two Drago Incendium and getting much more play time in Book Three (in the works!) 🖤 The swoon worthy vampire emissary also gets his own story 🖤 and it’s in the works as well…
Who’s your favorite vampire in fiction?
~~~
His pale, chiseled face erupted into a toothy smile. “Ah. You’ve broken free of my compulsion. Interesting. I sensed there was something unique about you.”
“That was you making me want to follow? You compelled me? How?”
“I’m a vampire, little human. That’s how. Do you know of vampires?”
My chest hurt from the sudden pounding, and I gave my surroundings a frantic onceover. Shit. I was standing alone in the woods with a freakin vampire! Really smart move, Selena. Andras was going to kill me if I survived this.
Pressing harder against the tree, I said, “I’m afraid I know nothing of vampires, except that you can be dangerous. Are you dangerous? Should I be concerned?” That last question came out in a squeak with the rest of my air.
To celebrate adding my books to Google and my relaunch this month for Books One and Two, I’m offering all three books free on Google through August 1 !! Click hereor on image for my Linktree!
This has been a great month for me writing-wise, not only for the Relaunch, but I’ve made huge progress on Book Three, which I am only too happy to share by way of a cover reveal! Scroll down… Yay!
Thank you so much for your support. 💚💙💜💙💚
You can still get my books free on Smashwords Books during its Summer/Winter Sale!
Fantasy Author MJ James will be coming for a visit in September, and I can’t wait to share our conversation and talk about all the ways the writing community is awesome. MJ knows because they work hard shining the light on the unsung indie writers and their books.
You can follow MJ on their YouTube channel, and I will point you to it with this particular episode because MJ invited me to share Book One in the Starlight Chronicles, Ursus Borealis!
Give the channel a like and subscribe. MJ works tirelessly for the community all while working on their own books. The In-Between is a super good read, too!
I’m beyond excited to be part of this gorgeous anthology! A truly fantastic collection of dark fantasy and romance immersed in the lore of the sea brought to you by Dragon Soul Press.
She dreamed all her life about the man in the whitewashed tower beneath the prismed light. 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 by D. L. Lewellyn
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.
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.
The Commune’s Curse
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.
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.
By D. L. Lewellyn 