Lindz McLeod interview

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

A little introduction:

Hello! I'm Lindz McLeod, queer author, poet, editor, writing coach, mentor to six talented mentees, and rather mediocre archer.

When did your love of books begin?

According to my parents, even before I could talk I was obsessed with books. I insisted on having a bedtime story every night and never fell asleep during them, but waited patiently to hear the ending, which drove my poor exhausted parents mad.

When did you start to have the wish to become an author?

I always knew it was something I wanted to do, but I lacked life experience and discipline. In my mid-twenties, while working full-time, I decided to go back to university (remotely, via the Open University) and complete a BA in English Lit and Creative Writing. After that, I immediately did a two-year Masters (still remotely, and still working full-time, which was onerous to say the least). After I finished the Masters, I was certain that I had some talent, but I still hadn't achieved anywhere near the skill level I needed, so I spent the next three years honing my craft by myself and writing a variety of work, from novels to micro fiction. 

How have you found the process for becoming an author?

It's a lot of hard work but it's also the most rewarding thing I've ever done! I'm now at a place where I'm producing good work—although I'm always watching with a critical eye to see where I can improve—and can teach/coach at a high standard. You've got to be stubborn and believe in yourself, which can be especially difficult especially when the rejections pour in. At the same time, you have to be open to examining your own flaws and improving. It's not an easy industry, by any means.

What would you say to those wanting to become an author?

Dance like no one is watching, write like no one is reading! Give yourself time and space to fail with new ideas, to gradually work out your own style and voice. Read voraciously, with an eye for detail. 

Tell us about your book/books:

I have a short story collection called Turducken coming out in late November with Bear Creek Press, and a novel called Beast coming out in March 2023 with Brigids Gate Press. 

Turducken spans a range of genres from comedy to horror to literary—sometimes within the same story—and I've included some of my fan favourites pieces which were published by pro mags, as well as brand new material. You'll meet a sweet, elderly couple intent on reviving their marriage with a spot of light murder, alongside an erotic flash about a throuple where one partner can only speak in Philip Pullman plotlines. The title story is about a sentient turducken who wants to escape its captor, but each of the three birds inside have rather different ideas on what freedom looks like.

Beast is a novel set at the beginning of the French Revolution, in a rural castle. The butler and his staff managed to protect the young master and his bastard nephew when the peasant army came to drag the adult nobles off, but some of the staff believe they'll be in danger if the boys are discovered alive. The butler must quell the growing mutiny—which isn't helped by the fact that the young master is a tumultuous ball of teenage fury and grief—at least, until help arrives. Matters are escalated further by a curse placed upon the castle by a local witch, the mother of the bastard baby, who's determined to get her son back at any cost.

What do you love about the writing/reading community?

I'm constantly stumbling on new books to read or new authors to follow. When people are willing to shout about things they loved, it's easier to discover things I might otherwise have missed. I love seeing how passionate people get about their favourite works.

If you could say anything to your readers what would it be?

If you like my books, tell your friends. If you hate my books, tell your enemies. Everyone wins!

Where can people connect with you?

I'm frequently on Twitter @lindzmcleod, posting pictures of our handsome cats Fitzwilliam and Dane! I also have a website www.lindzmcleod.co.uk where I can be contacted, and a newsletter where you can find out all my latest trials and tribulations.

Turducken link: https://bearcreekpress.bigcartel.com/product/turducken-pre-order