Interview With Author Lance Lumley
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a graduate of Kent State University and a former drummer. I helped edit a few pro wrestling books, and a Christian Sci-Fi book. I have also written for several music and wrestling sites. The Cassette: A Novella is my first self-published book, with just me as the author.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Cassette: A Novella is about the so called “simple” days in a small town. I took the ideas of growing up in Ohio during the 1980s and combined it with my love of music. There is a Dick Clark quote at the beginning of my book that references when we heard a song, we remembered where we were, who we were with, and what feelings we had. We made mix tapes, went to school dances and roller rinks, and remembered having “our song” with our friends and in relationships. The power of music. Instead of chapters, I made “tracks” with fictional lyrics of the band the characters fall in love with (which happens to be a surfing band fro the 1960s who are popular in the 1980s again). My days of drumming and experiencing music, and not just having it as background noise, like some of today’s listeners have, it influenced the tale. I remember listening with my boom box to the National Top 40 charts waiting for our favorite songs to come on, and seeing how far it made it up the charts. Or being in the school library fighting with my friends over the MTV daily requested videos.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I listen to music with lyrics that explore looking back or the theme of regrets lyrically. The Cassette took place in the ’80s, which is my favorite music era, so I dug into songs by artists like Barry Manilow, Paul Williams, and The Carpenters. When I had writer’s block for The Cassette, I put on Air Supply’s Greatest Hits, and the words flowed out. I don’t write every day, and wait for the inspiration to come, which is rare for many writers. But I must have music on, due to my music background. I listen to a variety of songs depending on the day. It ranges from KISS, The Oak Ridge Boys, Gary Lewis & The Playboys, Taylor Swift, Tommy James, to The Pretty Reckless and Halestorm, but Manilow and Air Supply are my go-to musical acts.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Agatha Christie, first of all. She wrote short books in today’s standards (most are about 150 pages), and created characters and plots without a ton of filler. I also love reading Non-fiction books about people who struggled and made it through whatever they were dealing with, from musicians to classic Hollywood actors. Reading about their regrets and overcoming dark times inspired me to try and write positive characters. Nicholas Sparks is another who influenced me with his plots taking place in North Carolina, which I base my plot in the Ohio city Columbiana where I am from (but I made a fictional name) . Since my personal blog reviews books, films, and music, I get inspired by many authors through that as well.
What are you working on now?
I still write for my blog page (www.lancewrites.wordpress.com), reviewing books, films, and music. I am editing a companion part to The Cassette, which I am not sure where I’m taking it, probably self-publishing again, unless an agent reads this, then let’s talk!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I post my information at the bottom of each blog I write, hoping it will help. I used word-of-mouth via my socials, but always looking for other ways, without having spammers contact me asking for hundreds of dollars for their “services.” Through life struggles, putting money aside isn’t an option right now. I had success with local musicians plugging it at their gigs, and sold quite a few that way, and the buyers get to have signed copies as an extra treat. Several local libraries picked it up through my hounding them, and it even made one of the libraries’ Top 10 most checked out books of 2024. Seeing my little book up there on a list with other top-name YA authors made me speechless.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
You don’t have to follow what everyone else is doing, or judge yourself by what others have. Yes, we would love to be writing full-time, making tons of money, but it isn’t like that. Some writers are only writing their self-published books for personal satisfaction, so when you see them bragging on socials, remember not everyone is on the same road. Also, don’t be afraid to make mistakes in your journey, and remember that you are doing the best you can with the skills and experiences you have at this time.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Gary A Smith, a movie writer whom I got to interact with via my reviews (he contributes to my Halloween blog every year), told me when I was going to put out The Cassette that “Not everyone will be cheering you on.” I thought it meant only the internet haters, but it happens with those you know. It is harsh, but true. I learned that some close to you won’t get it (The Cassette was misinterpreted by many I know and they missed out on the theme of the power of music versus people trying to guess who inspired my characters, forgetting it’s fiction). I went through some major life struggles after its release, and my old guitar player told me once, “Plug away every day,” which I put in the back of my book. Life will knock us down, but keep trying. My life song is Barry Manilow’s “I Made It Through The Rain.”
What are you reading now?
I love reading non-fiction. I just finished a Lawrence Welk book, and currently reading a book on Abe Lincoln.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I would love to get more exposure and continue to write about music and films. A dream job would be a reviewer for music and film, but who knows?
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?
It may sound strange, but first, the Bible. Regardless of what many think of religion (I grew up in the church), there is plenty to read in it, which would give me hope on a deserted island. Number two would be something like a Scout Handbook, teaching me how to build a shelter, make a fire, etc., cause I would not do well at those things myself. Number three would probably be my all-time favorite book The Great Gatsby, for the entertainment aspect.
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