Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an American author of epic fantasy novels. I have three published books currently. Blood and Promise, Chaos and Destiny, and Fate and Flame. All are part of my Fae Rising series. Since I was a kid, I liked to write short stories, most diving into intricate magical worlds with crazy twists and turns and epic battles. I just took that love and magnified it into something massive and loveable.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My most recent book is Fate and Flame which is the finale of the first set of books in the Fae Rising series. I think I knew how that story was going to end before I ever knew how it was going to begin, or where it was going to begin. Fate and Flame challenged me more than I’d ever been challenged creatively. I knew I wanted to write adult novels, with a cast of characters everyone could relate to, and through that series, I think that was accomplished.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My first three books were written in 4.5 months. I lived and breathed that story. I occasionally consumed food and held conversations with my family, but for the most part, I hid away from a world suffering through a pandemic and wrote and wrote and wrote. It became an obsession. I dreamed of these characters and had conversations with them while showering and it truly became such a real story in my mind.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been incredibly influenced by women as a whole. Every step of the publishing process has been handled by women. From the cover artist to the editor, even down to the book tour companies, I’ve taken a lot of time letting women help me build these books. Though she didn’t create the idea of fae, Sarah J Mass (Throne of Glass) certainly paved the way for storytellers to use the nature of the fae in the most creative ways. Holly Black (Folk of the Air) as well, showcasing more of the lore behind them. But then there was Morgan Rhodes who wrote such an epic, adventure series (Fallen Kingdoms). It all came together with Tricia Wentworth (The Culling Series) inspiring me to publish my obsession and Beck Michaels (Guardians of the Maiden) doing a little hand-holding. These incredible women have changed my life.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on the 4th book in the Fae Rising series, which follows a brand new character and dives a little deeper into some of our favorites from the core books. Pirates and sirens and fae, oh my.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I rely heavily on my readers. Instagram has been a source of great word of mouth to light a flame under these books. But that just isn’t enough. There are so, so many readers in the world and only a fraction of them are showcasing that on social media. I use ads, facebook, blog tours, and newsletters to help spread the word as well. Speaking of which, you can grab the first chapter of Blood and Promise free on my website (https://www.faerising.com/) if you sign up for my newsletter!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write the book. Start there. I wrote all three of my books before I even started worrying about publishing. I’m so glad I did. Be patient. Spend some time marketing your finished books while you’re editing. If you’re going to be an indie author, don’t assume it’s cheap or easy. If you really want to do well, you hire the appropriate professionals. No matter what they say, people do judge a book by its cover. Make sure it’s beautiful. Indie authors get a bad rap because of the poor editing some books have. Don’t be like them. Pay the professionals. Save if you have to. You’ll never be sorry you created a masterpiece with a beautiful finish.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You’ll never please everyone. I was totally that person that thought I would write this amazing series and everyone was going to love it and throw petals at my feet as I walked down the road waving to the fans. NOPE. Not everyone likes the same things. What one person finds fast-paced, another finds slow. What one person loves in a character, another will find annoying. Write your story the way you feel it’s meant to be written. Consult the professionals and let that be enough.
What are you reading now?
Right now I’m reading this amazing true YA series. The first book is Crystal and the series name is Starlatten. It’s really inspiring to read books outside of my genre. Darby Cupid does a beautiful job of creating interesting characters you want to know more about. I’m on her second book now, Rebel and I love the world-building and intrigue.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More writing. More books. More growth. That’s the ultimate goal of all of us I think. We keep going until the words run out. Storytellers must tell stories. I often wonder if I’ll stay in the Fantasy genre or if I’ll wander off into contemporary romance or write something witchy. I don’t know yet.
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?
Is it a desert island or a deserted island. I think there’s a difference right there. There’s wifi in the desert sometimes… I could bring my loaded kindle. Why am I panicking about this question? It’s fine. I’m fine. Hypothetical.
I’m bringing the whole ACOTAR series with me and you can fight me if you think I’m going to narrow it down from there.
Author Websites and Profiles
Miranda Lyn Website
Miranda Lyn Amazon Profile
Miranda Lyn’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile