Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a former archaeologist and lover of history and palaeontology. In fiction, I love fantasy, sci-fi, and post-apocalyptic. I’m also an artist and crafter as well as a collector of tattoos.
I always wanted to be a writer and finally took the plunge and self-published my first fantasy novel in May 2020. I have just finished the second book of the trilogy which will be released at the end of October 2021.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut fantasy novel is The Mage’s Journal. I’ll admit there wasn’t so much inspiration as looking for something to do during the university Christmas holidays, many years ago now. With all my work finished and three weeks to kill I thought it would be a good time to finally get down to writing a novel. After several years and many re-writes, I finally decided to show it to the world in 2020.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write all my novels by hand. I prefer writing by hand and it makes the editing process easier as I can make changes as I write it up. It also means I take it with me wherever I go. You can frequently find me at craft fairs, writing another chapter or two.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read Jurassic Park at an early age and that has always stuck with me, I re-read it every couple of years. In terms of authors, I would have to say Robin Hobb and Trudi Canavan have been my biggest influences.
What are you working on now?
I have recently finished book two of the Soastan’s Magic trilogy and am in the process of the final edits and dreaded blurb writing. I’ve also recently started the first book in a post-apocalyptic series. I will be starting the final Soastan’s Magic in January 2022, I always find it’s a good idea to step away from a series for a couple of months to give the ideas time to flow and make sense!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t try and force an idea. If it really isn’t working or it just doesn’t grab you, it isn’t meant to be. But, DON’T give up. Pick another idea and see how it goes developing that one.
And ALWAYS write your ideas down, even if it’s just a few prompts on a scrap of paper, write them down.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading a book about boy soldiers of world war one by Richard van Emden.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To complete the Soastan’s Magic trilogy and start work on the next fantasy instalment as well as get my first post-apocalyptic offering out there.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Jurassic Park
The Assassin’s Apprentice
The Great War: 1914-1918
Alien/Predator Omnibus
Author Websites and Profiles
L A Lewins Website
L A Lewins Amazon Profile
L A Lewins’s Social Media Links
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