Stacey Lannigan is a Scottish indie author with a lifelong passion for storytelling. Outside of writing, Stacey works full-time as an administrative assistant at Prater Contracts LTD. A self-proclaimed homebody, she enjoys spending her free time at home with her cherished cat, Weasley, a cosy cup of hot chocolate, and a captivating book.
About After Avalon
In the aftermath of King Arthur Pendragon’s death, Britain stands on the edge of ruin. The once-united Knights of the Round Table are fractured and lost without their king. Determined to protect Arthur’s legacy, the legendary wizard Merlin embarks on a mission to ensure his king’s memory endures. But Merlin’s journey is far from simple.
Amidst a world on the brink of chaos, Merlin uncovers an ancient prophecy—the return of the Once and Future King. With this hope burning in his heart, Merlin retreats to the mystical Crystal Cave, a place where time stands still and magic pulses through the earth, awaiting the day when Arthur will rise again. But as Merlin seeks rest and renewal, a dark and sinister force stirs in the shadows, threatening to destroy everything in its path.
The interview
Why do you write in the genre that you do?
Like reading, writing offers me a means of escape from reality that I find cathartic. My main genre is fantasy which I feel has this ability more so than any other genre, allowing writers and readers like myself to go on epic adventures all from the safety of their own homes.
Do you keep a notebook of ideas?
I have an idea box where I will write ideas down on scraps of paper, sticky notes, old envelopes, anything that I can write on. I store my ideas there and every so often browse through the contents of the box to see what hidden treasure I have tucked away.
Do you have a muse?
No, I can’t say that I do.
Are you more of a fan of plot-driven stories or character-driven stories?
For me, both the plot and characters are important. However, while a plot may capture my attention, it is my interest in the characters that makes me stick with a story until the end.
Fill in the blank: “People will like your book if they like stories about…”
Legends and myths.
What are your thoughts on typewriters?
I’ve thought a lot about typewriters in the past few months. When I was younger, I used to have one. I miss it. For me, typing is a quicker way to write than putting pen to paper. However, I’m very easily distracted and keeping the Wi-Fi turned off to avoid distraction during writing hours is not always something I’m good at. Perhaps a typewriter would help?
Would you rather own a bookstore or run a library?
I would rather own a bookstore. I’m too much of a control freak when it comes to the caring of books. I wouldn’t make a good librarian, especially if a book was returned damaged or the pages folded or marked…
How do you name your characters? If you write nonfiction, do you ever change the names of your characters, and if so, how do you decide what names to change them to?
In my Saving Albion series, I name my characters with names that I feel resemble or are variations of their medieval identities. In my other books, such as Le Chien de Bouley, the characters’ names formed when I was creating the story and stuck.
What is your favorite website that you use to promote your writing?
TikTok.
If Hollywood bought the rights to your book, would you want it to be turned into a movie or series?
I think I would like it if my books were turned into a series. Movies are great, but a series would allow time for the characters to be the primary focus of the show.
Who is your dream audiobook narrator?
I adore listening to Stephen Fry when he reads!
Do you try to hit a certain page or word count with each writing session?
I try to aim for writing at least 500 words per writing day. I work full time so this is an achievement for me. During the weekend, I aim to double my goal to 1000 words. If I write more than either of those figures, it’s a bonus!
Do you have any writing rituals?
I’ll prepare my desk so that everything I need is readily available to me once I start writing. I then grab a snack, some juice and a glass of water. I’ll put on some music to set the mood, light a candle and then the writing commences.
What are your passions/obsessions outside of writing?
I love to read and watch movies and TV shows.
Have you made any public appearances to promote your book?
I have made a couple. My favourite public appearance was a reading I hosted of my children’s book Evil Dr Rat & The Crafty Cat at my former primary school.
Who would you most want to read your book, living or dead?
I am not sure if she is still with us. However, my high school history teacher Ms. Thewliss was a huge inspiration to me growing up. We shared a love for the TV show Merlin. If she is still with us, I hope that she may one day read it.
Who is on your Mt. Rushmore of greatest/inspirational authors?
J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, J.R.R Tolkien and Shirley Jackson.
What is your favorite bookish possession?
My favourite bookish possession is a small statue I have of three dragons (an orange, green and purple one) reading an open book. It sits on the cabinet where all my books are stored, guarding them until they’re chosen to be read.
Have you ever mentored another writer with their writing?
I have not.
Is there an idea that a non-writer has pitched to you that you have written or considered writing?
There is not.
What is the most unique way that an idea for a piece of writing has come to you?
I have never told anyone this. Though my fascination with King Arthur began long before the idea for the Saving Albion series came to me, the idea started on a beach. I was in Jersey, in the Channel Islands, during a holiday to visit family. As I sat on the beach, I noticed a small black pebble buried under grains of sand. The backstory for one of the characters in the series, Marcus, formed and the rest followed from there.
Are you a big reader? Do you own a large collection of books, or are you more of a borrower?
If I’m not writing, I’m reading. I wouldn’t say my collection of books is massive. I’ve managed to tone it down over the years. However, I prefer buying books as opposed to borrowing them. That way they’re mine forever.
Have you ever gone away to work on a piece of writing? If not, where would you go if you could?
I’ve never purposefully travelled outside of my country with the intention to write. One writing retreat I did go on was booking myself into my local Premier Inn hotel to have time out of my house, off work, away from distractions all with the aim of finishing a book. Does that count?
What is an annoying thing that a non-writer has assumed about writers or the act of writing?
I’m an indie author so I still work full time. A lot of the people I know often tell me or hold the opinion that my writing isn’t a “real job.” This drives me crazy, especially when I am trying to achieve the goal of making it my full-time career.
How do you measure the success of your writing career?
Sales play a part in that, I’m not going to lie. However, knowing that there is an audience at all is heart-warming. I measure the success of my writing career on how many people I can make happy with my books.
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