Interview With Author Lara Lee
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a professional graphic designer, HEMA swordfighter, wife, mother to two special needs sons and a daughter, author, blogger, and homeschool teacher with a Master’s Degree in Special Education. I wrote five novels (Gryphendale, The Shadow of the Gryphon, The Gryphon’s Handmaiden, The Gryphon of Stone, and The Secrets of Cinnamon Cinderguard), illustrated a children’s book my husband wrote (Zip and the Golden Trombone), and wrote a short story anthology prequel to my series (The Adventures of Sage Goliad). I have also written multiple short stories that have been published in various magazines and anthologies. My first book, Gryphendale, won a five-star review award from Reader’s Favorite.
Being a writer is a dream come true because I am dyslexic and thought I would never write professionally. I failed every spelling test I took and still struggles with spelling. Luckily, writing is about ideas, and we can overcome difficulties in time (and with a little help from spell-checks and editors!). As a mother of a son with autism and a son who is deaf, overcoming difficulties and having hope is a theme in my writing.
Bitten by wanderlust at a young age, I have lived in three states and four countries and have visited even more destinations with insatiable curiosity. Currently, I live in Texas (again) with my husband, three children, and a cat who all regularly participate in my misadventures and random schemes.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Secrets of Cinnamon Cinderguard is coming out on October 1st. Many writers inspire my books and this one ended up being a mix of Jane Austin’s character style, Agatha Christie’s murder mystery, Dave Barry’s humor, and Miyazaki’s fantasy.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write the rough draft of my most recent books on my phone as I am caring for my three kids. It takes me two years to make sure it is high quality, but people say my newer books are even better than my older ones.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read a lot! I love classical fiction, such as Jane Austin, Agatha Christie, Rafael Sabatini, Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, George MacDonald, Charles Dickens, and many more. The strongest influences in my writing are various collections of fairytales and folklore from around the world, including the collections by the Brothers Grimm, Andrew Lang, and 1001 Arabian Nights.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I am working on two new novels. One will be part of the Legend of Gryphendale Series and is called Daughter of the Sea. It features a mermaid princess who runs away to become a pirate. The second novel is a historical fantasy fiction novel that takes place in medieval Sicily in 1282. It is called Fidelia and is about a mother of two children who goes on a quest to rescue her imprisoned husband.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I sell the best in-person. I am currently improving my online sales, but I have done very well at Comic Cons, book signings, and school festivals.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep at it even if you don’t get sales right away. Many times, especially online, it is a challenge just to get your book seen. Slow and steady works just as well as being an overnight success.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Get a bigger nail,” from Stephen King. He used to hang his rejection letters on a nail, and one day it had so many pages on it that it fell off his wall. He didn’t quit. He just got a bigger nail.
What are you reading now?
Japanese Folktales by Yei Theodora Ozaki and The Once and Future King by T.H. White
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am going to just continue to write and grow.
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?
Yikes! The Hobbit by Tolkien, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin, Grimm’s Fairytales, and the Bible.
Author Websites and Profiles
Lara Lee Author Profile on Smashwords
Lara Lee’s Social Media Links