Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a UK fantasy author from a village near Sherwood Forest. I published my debut novel, The Fair Queen, in August 2020, the first of a planned trilogy for fans of Holly Black. I’m currently working on book two, as well as a collection of short stories set in the same world.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
I’ve written a short story, Daughter of the Selkie King, which is being published in an anthology called Enchanted Waters in July 2021. The story is a prequel to my debut novel, featuring a whole new cast of characters, as well as cameos from some familiar faces. One of my biggest inspirations is local folklore and legends, selkies are a well-known mythical creature from the Scottish Highlands and I wanted to weave as much British folklore into the world-building for The Fair Chronicles as I could, to celebrate our history and culture.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think I’m pretty vanilla when it comes to writing habits! First of all, I have to find time in between my job, my toddler and the mounting pile of washing. Then, I make a cup of Yorkshire Tea, grab a bowl of snacks (anything chocolate or sweet), light a scented candle and put Taylor Swift’s folklore album on, and write.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Some of my biggest influences came from reading as a teen, when emotions were high and books were my escape from the sometimes painful realities of life and school. Harry Potter and Artemis Fowl were my favourite series, and I think the elements of magic and fairies and British folklore and legends have stayed with me and inspired and influenced my stories.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on the sequel to The Fair Queen, The Solitary King, which will be released in early 2022. It follows the events of book one, a few months after Aria escapes the clutches of the Celeste King and discovers the truth about herself and her heritage. In book two, King Auberon takes his bid to sacrifice Aria and revive his beloved sister from death one step further, and brings the Five Kingdoms to the brink of all out war. It’s the middle book of the trilogy and forms a bridge between Aria’s discovery of the Fair Realm and her ultimate destiny in the series finale, but it’s really action-packed and hopefully contains a few shocking twists that will keep readers gripped from start to finish.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I recently discovered Story Origin, a tool that allows authors to build up their email subscriber list with newsletter swaps and group promos, and it’s been a godsend when it comes to promoting my books and building relationships with fellow indie authors.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Join the writing community on whichever platform you prefer, Instagram and Twitter are fantastic as you can follow top hashtags and discover people and accounts that will become your tribe. Everyone is so supportive of each other, there’s no competition whatsoever, we’re all in this together, so the most important thing you can do to promote your books is to help others promote theirs. Facebook groups are also amazing, as the members are really keen, engaged readers, so getting involved in takeovers, hops and supporting your fellow indies is a great way to get the word out about your books and build a following of your own.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve heard is just to focus on your own path, your own journey, because we’re all at different stages of our careers and we all have different goals, there’s absolutely no comparison. Don’t look at what someone else has achieved and wish you could do it too, or let the jealousy sour the incredible things you have achieved. Just keep working towards your own goal, and celebrate every little milestone. Cheer for your fellow authors, shout about their books, support them, and pay it forward.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading a collection of short stories called Realms of Fae and Shadow, every story is a prequel to a series of full-length novels and it’s been such a good way to discover new authors and new series. I’ve loved every story and can’t wait to read the actual series! Next, I’m going to be reading an ARC of another anthology, Girls of Might and Magic, which is a collection of diverse fantasy stories by own voices and diverse authors. I’m so excited to dive in!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m really excited to finish my first series, The Fair Chronicles, which will be a complete series in 2023! I’m also really looking forward to the release of Enchanted Waters, the anthology my story Daughter of the Selkie King is being published in this July. The anthology is aiming to raise money for Oceana, a non-profit working to protect the world’s oceans, promote biodiversity and sustainable fishing. And we’ve all had so much fun working on this collection that we’re planning to do another one next year, Enchanted Forests!
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?
I’d have to take a full series so I could restart it every time I finished the final book! I’d go for A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. It’s got everything I’d need, fantasy escapism, strong, complex characters, a gorgeous (and steamy!) romance, and a vast world with a really rich history. It’s one of my favourite series, I could reread it over and over forever and always find something new in it.
Author Websites and Profiles
Lyndsey Hall Website
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