Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
The Language of Cicadas is my very first book, but I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I landed on the title for many different reasons – I wanted to pay homage to my love and history working in the field of linguistics, and since the lifespan of cicadas is just the perfect metaphor for the relationship between my two main characters, it just seemed like it was meant to be and I couldn’t shake it.
The inspiration for the story itself came mostly from my personal experiences becoming an adult and navigating different loves, and wanting to translate that into a way to connect with other young women who might have experienced similar types of love. The idea to write it in a way that brings in themes from Korean dramas came from a conversation with my Mom of all people!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say I have any unusual habits, at least I don’t consider them that unusual, but I tend to picture my characters like they real people, and I often talk to myself out loud wondering if what I’m writing really seems like something they would do or say.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Haruki Murakami is one author who has impacted me the most in the last five years. I stumbled upon his book, 1Q84 by accident, and since finishing that book, and several other titles by him, I was drawn back into the dream I’ve had from childhood to write my own book.
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on my second novel, it’s a bit of a shift away from contemporary romance, so I’m entering in new territory! It’s more of a psychological thriller, falling into the fantastic realism genre, and I’m really enjoying the process of writing it and seeing it all come together.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
So far, Twitter and Instagram have been great channels for me! They both have thriving writing communities, and you can’t beat the intuitiveness of using social media to promote your work!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I know it might sound cliched, but just don’t give up! Especially if you are writing as a side-gig. I am the type of writer who is trying to balance my normal 9~5 job with my writing. I learned a lot in the past two years while I worked on and published The Language of Cicadas, and I’ve found it’s all a matter of maintaining your drive and passion for pursing your dream.
Just get into a habit of writing as much as you can every day. Some days it’s a lot harder than others, but you’ll eventually get into a flow and it stops feeling so daunting when you come home from work and sit down in front of your computer. It’s also important not to beat yourself up when you need a mental break. Breaks are just as important as finishing that next chapter! I’ve found if I push myself too hard, ultimately it’s my writing that suffers most.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My husband is a never-ending source of life counseling, but one thing that’s really stuck with me is the way in which he’s always pushes me to really try my best even if I fail.
He’s taught me that there’s no one type of way to succeed – even if my book doesn’t become a best seller or no one else likes it, no one can take away the pride that I feel at having actually have accomplished a dream that I’ve for years.
What are you reading now?
I’ve been really digging mysteries lately. I just finished Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz and The Ex by Alafair Burke, both of which were pretty great! I just picked up The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino today actually.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Just to keep writing. Keep pursing my dream and producing work I can be proud of.
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?
Oh what a toughie…
I have to say probably anything by Murakami, The Great Gatsby for sure, The Thirteen Clocks by James Thurber to remind me of my childhood, and maybe something by Nicholas Sparks when I feel the need for something sappy.
Author Websites and Profiles
Lydia Spanier Website
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