Tell us about yourself.:
I'm a YA fantasy author from a little town on the edge of Sherwood Forest, England. I've always loved reading, anything with animals was my go to as a child, but I really got into fantasy when I was a teenager and I discovered Harry Potter and Artemis Fowl. My first story was a school project when I was ten where we had to write a poem in the style of Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes. I wrote a retelling of Red Riding Hood, and it ended up being shown around all the primary schools in the area. But I started writing seriously in 2016 and published my debut novel, The Fair Queen in August 2020.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?:
I grew up in the middle of England, close to some of the most beautiful areas of the country, like the Peak District and the Yorkshire Moors. At school, we visited the homes and story settings of authors like the Bronte sisters and Jane Austen, which planted the seed in my mind that I could write stories and one day become and author too.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I'm pretty much your average writer, I drink too much tea and coffee, love a sweet writing snack (chocolate is best for optimum motivation), and I'm a night owl, I love to write under cover of darkness with just some lit candles and fairy lights. The feeling of creating new worlds while everyone else is asleep is incredible.
What authors have influenced you?
I grew up in the middle of England, close to some of the most beautiful areas of the country, like the Peak District and the Yorkshire Moors. At school, we visited the homes and story settings of authors like the Bronte sisters and Jane Austen, which planted the seed in my mind that I could write stories and one day become and author too.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don't compare yourself, don't edit as you write, and just write the book you would want to read, because chances are someone else will want to as well (or lots of people, hopefully!).
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
To just keep writing. The best way to sell your book is to write another book, whether it's a sequel or not, as the easiest way to get your name out there and spread the word is to have more books published.
What are you reading now?
I'm currently reading Feathers of Blood by Alice Ivinya, the second book in a brilliant series that's based on the Goose Girl fairy tale and set in a wintery, frozen landscape with a frosty (at first) love interest. It's the perfect read for this time of year.
What’s your biggest weakness?
Chocolate! And imposter syndrome.
What is your favorite book of all time?
I'm a huge Harry Potter fan, Prisoner of Azkaban is my favourite as it's a whole lot darker than the first two, but not quite as intense as some of the later books. There are still lots of fun moments, and we get to meet Sirius, who is the best character in my opinion (aside from Ron, and the twins, and pretty much all of the Weasleys).
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
I work full time as a marketing manager and I'm mum to a very strong willed three year old, so my days are pretty full!
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I was addicted to Lucy Daniels books as a kid, the friendship between the two main characters and all of the sweet animals had me gripped. I found out recently that Lucy Daniels isn't a real person, it's a pen name with a whole group of ghost writers under it, and that really shook my foundations, but I still love the series and would recommend it to any eleven year old who likes animals and reading.
What has inspired you and your writing style?
Authors like Sarah J. Maas and Cassandra Clare, who are experts at character growth and series long story arcs are huge inspirations to me. I also find people like V.E. Schwab and Laini Taylor who are very open and honest about the challenges and ups and downs of being a writer really inspiring and reassuring. Being an independent author can be difficult at times, but it's always rewarding.
What are you working on now?
I'm currently working on the third and final book in my Fair Chronicles series, as well as a couple of short stories set in the same world for anthologies I'm contributing to. I'm also writing a novella for my email subscribers set in the Fair Realm.
What is your favorite method for promoting your work?
I love being really active on social media and engaging with readers, I have a Facebook group where I share behind the scenes stuff, snippets and do lots of giveaways. It's a really fun place to hang out and chat with fellow book lovers.
What’s next for you as a writer?
After my first series is complete, I have a standalone historical fantasy planned that I'm really excited to finally write. It's been floating around my head for years! And then I'll be returning to the Fair Realm for a prequel series set hundreds of years before The Fair Queen, back when the realm was first created. I can't wait to get back to this world and try my hand at a longer series, this one will be five books long, one for each kingdom.
How well do you work under pressure?
I work better under pressure than without it! I need a strict deadline, and I'm a nightmare for leaving everything to the last minute so pressure is my best friend if I want to finish a project.
How do you decide what tone to use with a particular piece of writing?
I read a lot in my genre and around it, so I have a good sense of the tone I personally like for each style. But it's always fun to play around with reader expectations, by contrasting dark scenes with lighter, more humorous moments.
If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
I would just say a huge thank you to every single person who has picked up The Fair Queen or read any of my other stories, everyone who supports me on social media by liking and sharing my posts, anyone who's ever recommended my books to a friend, and everyone who supports indie authors in general. You're all amazing!
Lyndsey Hall’s Author Websites and Profiles
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