Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve currently published 6 books – 3 novels and 3 books of poetry (2 of which were under the name D.L. Hope.)
I started writing in 2012 when my health began to spiral, and I found myself physically unable to live the life of adventure that I had always lived before. So, I started living it on paper. In 2013 I published my first novel, and I haven’t stopped since.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called ‘Well Wishes from a Sick Girl.’ It’s a book of poetry, and the first time I’ve brought my health into my writing in such a literal sense. In most of my work, if there are references to my health it’s usually in the form of a metaphor. Since I’ve been on a path of accepting my disability, it seemed like it was finally time to stop hiding it in metaphor.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I think all of our writing habits would probably seem unusual to non-writers! But I don’t know that mine are any more unusual than anyone else’s. One of my strange habits is that I always snack on red Tootsie Pops while I’m editing! Not the healthiest choice, but when your stomach is partially paralyzed your snacking options are limited lol!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I would say Neil Gaiman is probably one of my biggest writing influences. His words never cease to leave my jaw on the floor. But, of course, I was born in 1990, so I’d be lying if I didn’t say Harry Potter had the biggest influence on my life. It was the first book that really pulled me in and made me enjoy reading, and it was a massive escape for me throughout my childhood and well into my adult years. It led me to a place where words became worlds, and I will be forever grateful for that.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the sequel to Yesterwary. It’s long overdue, and definitely time!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My method is to build up a community that’s more than just about books. I also live-stream my music on Twitch, I run a YouTube channel centered on chronic illness, and I’m very active on Instagram and Twitter. We’ve built up a community of all types of creatives who support each other, and it’s been so much better for my head and heart than back when I did nothing but run ads and hope.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My biggest piece of advice would be, don’t get so caught up in the ‘what if’s’ that you stop yourself from ever getting there. There are a lot of things that could or could not happen, but you’ll never know unless you try. And step one will always be: Write.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever heard was that if someone is that you’re not going to be able to make everyone happy. I have a habit of writing incredibly sad endings, and then rethinking that because I know the majority of people really don’t want to READ a sad ending. But if that’s what the ending is, then that’s what it needs to be. Some people won’t like what you write. You’re not writing for them.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently doing a bit of throwback and re-reading American Gods by Neil Gaiman.
What’s next for you as a writer?
After finishing the sequel to Yesterwary, I’d really like to focus on some work that brings disability into the spotlight. I touched on it a bit with my last book of poetry, but it’s time for a novel. There’s not nearly enough disabled representation in the media (and a lot of what IS there was written by abled people, and is incredibly inaccurate, often offensive). I have a couple ideas rolling around.
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’m going to be clever here and say one of them would be a survival book, with a guide to the edible and inedible plants local to the island… and then, let’s see… American Gods, as it’s one of my favorites. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. And Misery by Stephen King. What a combination!
Author Websites and Profiles
Styna Lane Website
Styna Lane Amazon Profile
Styna Lane’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account