Prepare yourself for an interesting read: Author Lindsay Downs spills the beans on life and writing. Thanks for accepting my interview request!
10 questions with Lindsay Downs
Tell us a little about yourself and any hidden talents that are totally worth mentioning.
In 2008 when I got two books published I thought it was due to skill; little did I know it was more luck than anything. Over the next three years I wrote, submitted, got rejected. I then did what I tell everyone who asks; I wrote some more. I didn’t give up.
More on a dare than anything I tried my hand at a regency, one of the most difficult genres because of the rules, which I might add I broke almost every one. Within two days of its release the book was on a best seller list and stayed there for two months.
Turns out it is all of the aforementioned.
After two failed marriages, one from divorce while with the other died unexpectedly I decided upon retirement to move. That opportunity came in September 2012 when I migrated to Texas.
For me, as a multipublished author, it was one of the best things I’ve done to date. Now, every day I can write, creating stories to take my readers to places they can only dream about.
I’m also a member of the Published Authors Network (PAN) by the Romance Writers of America (RWA).
What do you like most about being a writer?
I love creating a world where my readers can escape into. With me it’s Regency England where gentlemen were, for the most part, gentlemen and ladies delicate flowers. Yeah right, my heroines can keep up with my hero and sometimes is smarter than they are.
If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?
Thinking about it there isn’t a book I’d want to be the original author to. I love them exactly the way they’re written.
Is there anything (drink, food, writing tools etc.) that you can’t write without?
I need my Starbuck’s half-café coffee with non-fat milk. I can’t function without it.
Do you prefer a specific genre for reading and writing?
For reading either contemporary or regency romance. When writing I love regency romantic suspense even though I will, on the rare occasion, write regency romance.
Paperback or eBook?
If you’re asking which I prefer to read, eBooks. For writing I also like to see them in that same format as they tend to be a little cheaper and easier to carry around.
Any favourite books and authors? Sorry if choosing is a difficult task…
Since I have so many favorite authors and books it wouldn’t be fair for me to attempt to list them as I might leave some off the list.
If you were sent away to a deserted island, what 5 things (yes, 5 instead of 3) would you take with you?
1- unlimited supply of paper and pens since there won’t be any electricity to power my computer
2- unlimited supply of my Starbuck’s coffee
3- sun tan lotion so I don’t burn
4- some way to either catch or grow my food
5- some way to be able to start fires to cook the food
What inspired you to write your latest book?
My latest, The Guilty Countess, came from the first book in the series Markson Regency Mystery. Frequently, I’ll get an idea for a follow-up book from the one I’m currently writing. Right now I’ve ideas for two more in the series along with titles. I’ll be releasing them every three to four months. They will all be in eBook format and available at either Amazon or Smashwords.
Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Never give up, and treat writing as a job not a hobby. Even if you can only write for 15 minutes a day, that’s a start. Do it at the same time every day and let the family know you’re going to be busy.
If you can, take workshops either online or in person to learn the craft and join a writers group.
Finally, never give up your dream to be published.
In 2008 when I got two books published I thought it was due to skill; little did I know it was more luck than anything. Over the next three years I wrote, submitted, got rejected. I then did what I tell everyone who asks; I wrote some more. I didn’t give up.
More on a dare than anything I tried my hand at a regency, one of the most difficult genres because of the rules, which I might add I broke almost every one. Within two days of its release the book was on a best seller list and stayed there for two months.
Turns out it is all of the aforementioned.
After two failed marriages, one from divorce while with the other died unexpectedly I decided upon retirement to move. That opportunity came in September 2012 when I migrated to Texas.
For me, as a multipublished author, it was one of the best things I’ve done to date. Now, every day I can write, creating stories to take my readers to places they can only dream about.
I’m also a member of the Published Authors Network (PAN) by the Romance Writers of America (RWA).
What do you like most about being a writer?
I love creating a world where my readers can escape into. With me it’s Regency England where gentlemen were, for the most part, gentlemen and ladies delicate flowers. Yeah right, my heroines can keep up with my hero and sometimes is smarter than they are.
If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?
Thinking about it there isn’t a book I’d want to be the original author to. I love them exactly the way they’re written.
Is there anything (drink, food, writing tools etc.) that you can’t write without?
I need my Starbuck’s half-café coffee with non-fat milk. I can’t function without it.
Do you prefer a specific genre for reading and writing?
For reading either contemporary or regency romance. When writing I love regency romantic suspense even though I will, on the rare occasion, write regency romance.
Paperback or eBook?
If you’re asking which I prefer to read, eBooks. For writing I also like to see them in that same format as they tend to be a little cheaper and easier to carry around.
Any favourite books and authors? Sorry if choosing is a difficult task…
Since I have so many favorite authors and books it wouldn’t be fair for me to attempt to list them as I might leave some off the list.
If you were sent away to a deserted island, what 5 things (yes, 5 instead of 3) would you take with you?
1- unlimited supply of paper and pens since there won’t be any electricity to power my computer
2- unlimited supply of my Starbuck’s coffee
3- sun tan lotion so I don’t burn
4- some way to either catch or grow my food
5- some way to be able to start fires to cook the food
What inspired you to write your latest book?
My latest, The Guilty Countess, came from the first book in the series Markson Regency Mystery. Frequently, I’ll get an idea for a follow-up book from the one I’m currently writing. Right now I’ve ideas for two more in the series along with titles. I’ll be releasing them every three to four months. They will all be in eBook format and available at either Amazon or Smashwords.
Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Never give up, and treat writing as a job not a hobby. Even if you can only write for 15 minutes a day, that’s a start. Do it at the same time every day and let the family know you’re going to be busy.
If you can, take workshops either online or in person to learn the craft and join a writers group.
Finally, never give up your dream to be published.
The Masked Lady and the Murder - Lindsay Downs
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To Love a Lady - Lindsay Downs
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Connect with the Author
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/lindsay.downs.7
Facebook Pages: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lindsay-Downs-Author/325132754200597?ref=hl
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Regency-by-Lindsay-Downs/421654731286944
Twitter: @ldowns2966
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/home
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3210224-lindsay Lindsay Downs-Romance Author: http://lindsaydowns-romanceauthor.weebly.com/
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