Interview With Author Lauryn Dyan
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an indie author, journalist, and freelance copywriter. I have one novel published, and another I am dragging through the trenches of editing to prep for publication. I have lots of articles and album reviews out for a Las Vegas music magazine as a way of sharing my unsolicited music advice with others.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest release is Hollow Stars, a music-based thriller. It is my love letter to all the bands that influenced me during the latter half of my formative years. The majority of the characters in the book are inspired by or named after an artist, band, or song title from that time, which was the 2000s emo scene. It is my way of paying homage to their art and influence. I also gave a few nods to some 90s icons who I rocked out to when I was probably too young to know what they were really singing about.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Nothing too out of the ordinary. I must have the right vibe to write, which includes the perfect playlist. I’ve got my go-to soundtrack on Spotify that I’ve been curating and swap songs on and off of for years.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love Veronica Roth’s world building abilities, and Liana Moriarty’s talent for weaving a mystery in a non-traditional way.
What are you working on now?
My next book is an urban fantasy. It is completely different in setting, plot, and tone than my last novel, but will still keep you guessing till the very end. I suppose that’s kind of my niche.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still trying to figure that out! I’m constantly trying out new channels for promotion and seeing if they make an impact. It’s a constant hustle.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
You are your own worst enemy. It is easy to be too critical or too confident in this industry. Take constructive feedback and use it, but know when to fight for your vision.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Get yourself out there! You can edit something a thousand times and still find an error post-launch. There comes a point where you need to see if your work can stand on its own and start producing more content to back it up if it can.
What are you reading now?
I just started reading the first Bridgerton book after binging the series. I find I enjoy a show or movie based on a book more if I read it after so I’m not saying ‘the book was better’ a thousand times a minute while it’s on.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Another novel and more work as a journalist, I hope. I love to balance fiction with opinion pieces on the real world, particularly the music industry.
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?
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, The Witching Hour by Anne Rice, Divergent by Veronica Roth, and Wayward Pines by Blake Crouch
Author Websites and Profiles
Lauryn Dyan’s Social Media Links