Indie Authors Uncovered - Meet the person behind the pages - D.L. Lewellyn - Romantic Fantasy
Where were you born?
California in the United States.
Where do you live?
Nevada in the United States.
Do you have fur babies?
Two rescue dogs:
Fernando, the Chihuahua, adored for 13 years.
A larger, goofy dog of indeterminate origin, half black and half black and white ticking, which bisects his face. We named him Harley for Harlequin. We've been loving on him for seven years.
Do you use a pen name?
Yes, it's a variation on my name that rolled off the tongue better, and also launched me on an exciting personal journey.
What kind of writer are you?
- Modern Day : Laptop or PC Writer
Name one book you loved as a kid - one you loved as a new adult - and one you love now.
- Charlotte's Web,
- Jean M. Auel's Clan of the Cave Bear,
- Quicksilver by Callie Hart.
Is there an author you look up to? Or had an influence on your craft?
There are several, but Grace Draven tops them all.
No one consistently does fantasy storytelling, romance, memorable characters, and vivid world building better in my opinion. I would have listed one of her books as my favorite, and so many of hers are, but the storyline in Quicksilver just really captured my imagination this year.
How would you describe your craft in one sentence?
My joy.
At The Dreamer's Bookshop, we embrace diversity and advocate for invisible illnesses. How do you feel about those topics? Do you include messages in your writing?
Every living thing has a voice. In fantasy writing, we can bring out those voices through whatever our imaginations can create.
Fantasy romance stories provide excellent platforms for exploring diverse characters as they embark on a journey to discover themselves and their place in the world.
My goal is to listen to the world around me and be open to new voices that inspire my stories.
Do you have red lines when it comes to writing/reading?
This question can be applied to several aspects of writing, but I will focus on genre.
Romance is my main passion and features heavily in my stories. While I enjoy diversity in all types of relationships, the main characters' romance must have heart and a 'happy ever after.'
As for the antagonists, they can be all sorts of nasty.
Was there a review that touched you more than others?
I skim over reviews for key points I'm looking for.
If someone asked you why you write, what would you answer in one sentence?
Writing is what gets me up in the morning.
Which book are you most proud of and why?
My main work is a three part paranormal romance series, The Starlight Chronicles.
I loved writing all three books, but I would have to pick Book Three, Tigris Vetus to be the most proud of because it was the conclusion, and I struggled and worked hard to make it epic. It took longer than the other two to write, and it felt so good when I finished it.
What would you tell an aspiring writer?
Enjoy the process!
When I get frustrated that I'm not finishing a work in progress quickly enough to share it with the world, I remind myself that I'm writing for myself, and that it's the writing, being immersed in telling my story, that brings me joy.
Taking my time over something that brings me joy is the best part of life. As an independent author, I have the freedom to do it all at my own pace.
What's a wish you have for yourself as an author?
To follow my own advice in your previous question! :)
But also, to finish my many works in progress before I leave this Earthly plane.
What's a wish you have for yourself as a person?
To get better at taking breaks from my passion to better balance time writing with the other passions in my life. Since finishing my many works in progress before I die is sort of an obsession, taking breaks for other important things in life is a challenge.
Do you have a message for your audience?
Oh yes! That would be a huge 'Thank you!'
While writing is my joy, sharing my stories with you is the pinnacle. Reading is my other joy, and being able to give you stories like the ones I lose myself in and can't put down is what I strive for.
Your feedback helps me reach that goal. Thank you!
