Interview With Author Lucy A. McLaren
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a fantasy writer and counsellor with a passion for telling stories which explore some aspect of mental health in a realistic way. My debut YA dark fantasy, AWAKENING: THE COMMUNE’S CURSE BOOK 1, releases on 1st May from Santa Fe Writers Project.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
As mentioned, my latest (and first, in fact) novel is AWAKENING: THE COMMUNE’S CURSE BOOK 1. It was inspired when I started playing D&D and created the backstory for my character, Evelyn. I began to think about her story and experiences. This led to me linking Evelyn to Raif and Rose, a brother and sister from a short story I’d written some years before. From there, the Kingdom of Septima grew, the Commune’s authoritarian hold became clear and the story grew…
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
At the moment, I’d say the most unusual is that I tend to write on the notes section of my mobile phone. This is because I had a baby in summer 2021 and am still trying to work out how to fit in writing around looking after him. Using my phone has
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Certainly Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy has been an influence. Those are my favourite books and I reread them regularly. Other authors whose works I love and have inspired my writing include Robin Hobb, Stephen Deas, Tamora Pierce, and J.V. Jones.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on Book 2 in The Commune’s Curse series (which is written but requires serious editing), alongside some short stories to get me back into the swing of writing.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve found social media to be helpful in promoting my writing, especially Instagram and Twitter. Alongside book promotion, I’ve met loads of other wonderful writers in the community.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t take rejections too personally. Writing is so subjective. Not everyone will like or love your story and that’s okay. Write what makes you happy, take on board constructive feedback, and your work will find a home.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
That you don’t need to write every day to be a writer. This is so true. Some writers have the flexibility to do this, but for those who don’t it can leave a feeling of guilt or shame when they aren’t meeting this “writing rule”. Find a writing routine that works for you.
What are you reading now?
At the moment I’m reading Gryphon’s Heir by D.R. Ranshaw and Legends of Andolin: Adella of the Campos by A.M. Portman, both lovely fellow fantasy authors I’ve met on social media whose works are fun fantasy adventures. I’m enjoying them both very much!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Continue on in The Commune’s Curse series to complete the trilogy, work on another YA dark fantasy I started a while back that involved a serial killer and mysterious magical powers, and work on a joint project with friend and fellow fantasy author Cindy van Wilder.
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?
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman (the all-in-one version so that counts as one book ha). The Lord of the Rings trilogy so I can *finally* reread it (it’s been many years and I certainly didn’t read it properly when I was a kid. What better excuse than being on a desert island?). The Inheritance by Robin Hobb, which is a series of short stories. And The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon.
Author Websites and Profiles
Lucy A. McLaren Amazon Profile
Lucy A. McLaren’s Social Media Links