1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I was always that kid with her nose in a book. Books were, in a lot of ways, my safe place. I saw my first computer in a library. I have fallen asleep in libraries. Now, I don’t advocate that as a habit, since it scares the pants off you when they close up but libraries really molded my youth.
When I was nine, I read Robinson Crusoe and I think it planted the seed for writing. Looking back, the subject matter was probably inappropriate, but surviving against all odds is a theme that never gets old for me.
2) What inspired you to write your book?
Insomnia. Anxiety. So much of 2020 left me feeling helpless and out of control of my life. My fate was not in my own hands and that chafed. I needed to do something-anything- and Shadows of Rebellion was born from that feeling. I started it in a spiral notebook and then transitioned to my laptop.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
That the odds are often stacked against us, but you don’t have to be a hero to keep going. We all have monsters that chase us. Be they anxiety, depression, self-esteem or simply fear. Sometimes the monster is sneaky and disguises itself as a friend. Our monsters may not be literal and some of us have more than others, but we can no more lie down and give up than Veda could. If you do, the monster eats you.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
Fantasy is the bravest, most extraordinary genre in my humble opinion. It takes a lot of your soul to create a whole world, magic systems, histories and peoples. It’s the most terrifying and rewarding feeling. Fantasy offers the ultimate what if? I like finding the ordinary in the extraordinary. It makes me brave and bold and daring in a world when I am often not many of those things.
5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
Denny. I have so many questions for this guy. Why a tophat? Why fringe? His role in Shadows of Rebellion was very, very disturbing but it seemed almost common and transactional for him. I would like to know if he ever does anything as mundane as comedy night or does he prefer wine to beer? I just need answers, man.
6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Some cross between Tiktok and Instagram. I like Instagram because it’s so easy to interface with my Facebook page and group. I’m still learning to put myself out there on TikTok but I think it gives readers a place to be interactive and engaged with authors and their work without the commitment of a newsletter.
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
I guess I could say just write. It is the tried and true. But I won’t. What I am going to say is this:
- Ask yourself what if? Why not? If you get stuck, plow through even if it sucks today cause you can fix it tomorrow. But. Never. Stop. Writing. Ever.
- Read as much as you can because it is the tie that binds.
- Don’t be scared to put yourself out there. Be awkward, embarrass yourself a little.
- And never stop listening to your characters. They know your world better than you do. After all, they live there.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
Lots of writing, editing, and a hefty amount of daydreaming. I’m working on Fated Uprising, Four Territories Book Two. Denny will get his own book at some point and I’m excited about that, but it’s still marinating. I’m getting those answers, though.
About the Author
L.M. French is an indie author of urban fantasy residing in the Lone Star State with the love of her life, eight-year-old Jack. While she dreams up misadventures with uncooperative participants, he keeps her inspired with his own stories of villains and anti-heroes. Where they live, imagination is a superpower. Connect with them via Facebook, email, or carrier pigeon.
Just kidding.
Birds are mean.
Social Media and Website:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21633981.L_M_French
https://www.instagram.com/authorlmfrench/
https://www.facebook.com/lmfrenchauthor/?ref=pages_you_manage
And on TikTok you can find my @authorlm_french
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