Like my writing, I’m a bit of a
niche person. I do 3D art and animation for a living, and spend my free time
painting ducks for contests, and participating in a very old sport known as
falconry.
What
novel did you query? What was it about in a few sentences?
I queried for my novel GRYPHON'S PROPHECY, under the working title GRYPHON LEGEND. It’s the tale of two gryphon
brothers who find themselves pitted against each other in a war that
encompasses not only the mortal lands, but also the realm of the gods.
An amazing drawing by Lindsay of her gryphon character, Nimure. |
That’s a tough one. I love my
main character because I feel like I’ve been through this entire adventure with
him, and more. However, his brother is one of my favorite types of characters,
so I’m also very fond of him, and I enjoy writing his segments.
Have
you written/queried other books before?
This book was my first book to be
finished. Since then I’ve written two others, both of which take place in the
same world, but with different characters. I queried for two of my three
completed novels
What
was the hardest part about querying?
Probably the synopsis. I enjoy
the process of writing query letters, but I really struggle with the synopsis.
What to leave out, what to keep. It’s just way over my head.
Recently you decided to stop querying and pursue a different publishing route. Why
did you decide to forgo traditional publishing and pursue independent
publishing?
Lindsay, her husband, and the adorable Ender |
I have gone back and forth for
years now, but a couple months ago I decided I was finally going to self
publish my novels. I decided on this route for a number of reasons, the main
one being that I write very niche fiction—animal fantasy, and while I believe I
can market this to specific readers who will enjoy my books, I understand from
a traditional standpoint it’s just not profitable. My chances of seeing my
books published are slim unless I can write something else that has a better
market, and publish my animal fantasy later. I also have a friend who is a self
published author and I like the community she has built. I enjoy how close she
is with some of her readers, and I honestly believe that’s something you’re
only really going to see with indie books.
I’m also one of those world building writers. I have ideas for many books, all based in the same world but with different characters. Sort of like what Mercedes Lackey did with her Valdemar series. I realized that I’m more likely to publish every book in my series if I go indie. Whereas traditional may not want every book.
I’m also one of those world building writers. I have ideas for many books, all based in the same world but with different characters. Sort of like what Mercedes Lackey did with her Valdemar series. I realized that I’m more likely to publish every book in my series if I go indie. Whereas traditional may not want every book.
Do
you have any tips for writers who are trying decide whether they should query
agents/publishers or go indie?
It took me years to decide, and
even now I don’t want to sway people one way or another. I guess if I were to
offer tips it would be to sit down and figure out what you really want as a
writer. Do you want to make a living off of writing? Do you just want to
publish one book? Do you want to write a 50 book series all in one world? Are
you happy just having your story out there? Once you find out what it is you
want, research both traditional and indie thoroughly and then decide what you
think will best get you and your writing where you want to go.
Finally,
how will you celebrate when you publish your first book?
I’ll probably have a little party
at home, while I dust off my webpages and prepare my marketing strategies. Or
I’ll just start writing the next book. haha.
Isn't it amazing where our different writing journeys take us? There are so many different paths authors can take in modern society--it's fantastic!
To keep in touch with Lindsay as she forges her own path make sure you follow:
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