Author Interview Brian Lynch

HS Matthews
Jul 31
5 min read

Time to meet another author. This time it is Brian Lynch, and all you need to know. Happy reading!

What inspired you to become an indie author instead of pursuing traditional publishing?

It was mostly because I didn’t know any better. I just wanted to release a book to say I did. I had an idea. I wrote the story. Then I wanted to see what was involved in getting it printed to have a copy in my hands. It was easy enough for me to figure out how to do that and the process between each next step. But the thought of finding and querying a publication company was daunting, and I didn’t want to be delayed.

Without spoilers, can you share the story behind your latest book? What sparked the idea?

My new book Consequences Intended is about the FMC, Eliza, who owns her own Autobody Shop. Her only family is her brother, sister-in-law, and their daughter, her niece, Nilah. Eliza has built up her business by creating online content as a way of advertising, by posting videos of automotive tutorials. (Fixing a flat tire, changing oil, paintless dent repair, etc.) She’s built quite a following, but there’s always an anonymous follower who takes their interactions too seriously and too personally.

I went into Consequences Intended knowing I wanted to try to write a story that wasn’t SciFi just to see if I could (my first book, Selected, was about AI taking over the actions of the population). Much of the FMC’s knowledge comes from personal experience, though I still needed to do some research to see if how I do things is the way a real mechanic would. It also focuses on problems that people are dealing with today compared to a possible dystopian future, which in itself has already started to become too real.

How do you approach the writing process? Are you a planner or a panster?

Mostly a panster. I’ll put a rough outline in place of what I know needs to happen to get from point A to point B, but everything in between just fills in as I begin typing.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an indie author, and how did you overcome it?

Marketing. The constant need to post content and come up with something new without just sharing a page of the book each day. I’ll be pretty disciplined for a week or so, have some great ideas, and then just lose my patience.

How do you handle the business side of indie publishing, like marketing and distribution?

Poorly. I keep active in the online community of writers I’ve met, and occasionally reach out to book stores and anywhere that can distribute all while also slowly making in-person connections trying to get people to read my book. But I obviously need more readers to keep sales coming, and can’t just focus on friends.

What role does reader feedback play in shaping your writing or future projects?

The original release of my first book, Selected, was a short 50 page novella with a clear cut beginning and end. I got enough early feedback from people wanting more that I added three more parts to the story. Selected then became a full length novel of those four parts put together.

How do you decide which genre to write in, and is it the same as the books you read?

Selected is dystopian SciFi. I’m a techy, with some decent computer knowledge, and generally my favorite books are SciFi with a tech focus (think Ready Player One and lately Dungeon Crawler Carl)

Consequences Intended is Thriller/Suspense. Some of what the FMC does in the book is based on personal knowledge (she’s an auto mechanic and that had been one of my hobbies for a long time). In addition to reading SciFi, I had enjoyed the Dexter book series with its crime and psychological thriller style.

How do you balance writing with other responsibilities, like a day job or family life?

When I’m in the process of writing, I usually dedicate my mornings to knocking out decent size chucks of the story. I don’t try to force a daily word count, but will usually try to have some sort of deadline to at least be done with a draft.

What’s your favourite part of the indie publishing process, and why?

Mostly the community. Everyone’s rooting for everyone else and cheering on their successes. Of course, having a final physical copy of your book in your hands is great too, after all of the work in writing, editing, formatting, and getting covers made is complete.

How do you build and connect with your audience as an indie author?

Any kind of interaction on social media, comments or messages from followers, I make sure to respond. Even if it’s nothing more than replying with Thanks.

Have you ever experienced writer’s block, and if so, how do you push through it?

I’ll usually go back to my rough outline and try to fill in some possible blanks to see if that helps in figuring out how to connect point A and point B.

What’s one piece of advice you wish you’d received when you first started as an indie author?

Don’t do it! I’m kidding. It can be very rewarding if you go in with a mindset of doing it for yourself, and not focusing on your bank account. It will cost you a lot of money, and you may never see that money again, but at the end, you have your own book that you can say you wrote.

How do you approach cover design and branding for your books?

I usually have a rough idea of what I want, and then convey that to my designer. She’s so great to work with, providing various options in rough sketches while we work toward the final look.

What’s the most rewarding moment you’ve experienced as an indie author so far?

Finding my book in both the library and in Barnes and Noble.

How do you stay motivated to keep writing and publishing independently?

Peer pressure. Some of that can take on a Keeping Up With the Joneses approach if not careful, but from a point of view of “keep writing and don’t give up”, it can be great.

Do you collaborate with other indie authors or creatives, and if so, how has that impacted your work?

I’ve wondered about doing that with others sometime, but I have never had the opportunity. I’ve had a few short stories added to compilations and anthologies (both in horror and romantasy), but never a single story together.

How do you handle negative reviews or criticism of your books?

I saw recently something about Stone Henge having a 1-Star review for just being a bunch of rocks. Not everyone will like my book, and there were times when I didn’t either (the editing process can be brutal), but it’s not a genre for everyone, and it’ll definitely have themes and characters that not everyone can relate to.

Where do you see your writing career in five years, and what steps are you taking to get there?Keep reading and keep writing. It’ll just make me better. If I’m still doing this in five years, that’ll be great. If not, I’m happy to have accomplished what I did.

Can you recommend some other indie authors that you enjoy reading?

I could be here all day and apologize in advance to those that I’m leaving off this list, but a quick selection: Adam Cagely (horror mixed with comedy), Micah Campbell (fantasy), CD McKenna (fantasy), Daniel Bautz (horror).

What is next for you?

Marketing for Consequences Intended while not forgetting about the progress I’ve made with Selected. I have a few short stories that need to find a home too.

Links

New book

Consequences Intended - https://a.co/d/06WcTlmC

Previous book

Selected - https://a.co/d/09o9N33T

sequences Intended - https://a.co/d/06WcTlmCPrevious booSelected - https://a.c