Introducing Lynne Sears Williams and "The Comrades"
The first author that I am interviewing for this blog is one of the inspirations for Heart Ally Books. I've been part of a thriving writers' community for many years and was blessed to meet Lynne Sears Williams more years ago than I remember. (Lynne - do you remember? LSW: Sorry no. Back when CompuServe still had threads to follow, not as long as Diana's 1st 'practicing to write a book.' Wow. Years ago.)
HA: Back then, I was amazed by this woman's talent. I was immediately hooked on "The Comrades" and as in love with her heroes as every other female in the group. I simply had to know how it ended, but of course, she hadn't written the ending yet. That was maddening -- in a good way.
Watching the publishing industry change, I felt this was the time to open the field up to authors who somehow had been missed by the traditional publishers.
HA: Lynne, why did you decide to take a risk on an independent publisher, especially one that was brand new?
LSW: I watched how new and published authors were reacting to technology change. One teenager made a fortune selling E-books at .99 cents, then decided to sign with an agency. Other well known authors left their agencies because they were tired of 'lag times in publishing' and decided to go it alone. I picked the latter. A bit like the kid's story of THE LITTLE RED HEN; I'll do it myself.
HA: So, how many traditional publishers had a chance at this book?
LSW: One, who turned me down flat. I did not blame the agency; I needed to write better.
HA: Your health played a factor in writing "The Comrades." What do you want to tell people about it?
LSW: I was diagnosed with MS years ago; some days are good, others not. The great thing about it is one can live without distractions, schedule writing time, exercise, and days out. Unless it's MS's turn to make you feel sick. Then it's 'full stop' until I feel better.
HA: I understand not wanting to talk about the MS. I've met writers who stop writing or put their writing on hold for much less than the trouble you've had with your health. What keeps you going? Why do you get up in the morning and write?
LSW: Well, I rarely get up in the morning. I am a Confirmed Night Owl; we have a club. As to what keeps me writing, it's the characters. *They* have a story to tell; I am the lowly scribe. My characters have surprised and delighted me in so many ways it's a privilege to know them. I cry when someone dies or think 'my how clever that was' when something unexpected occurs. Then if a family member shows up, it's pure delight to *not* write...that day.
My friends on Facebook keep me laughing when family is not available and I love them all, very much.
HA: Thanks for sharing a glimpse of your life with the world, and for sticking it out through the years to finish this delightful book!
"The Comrades" is now available in both print and e-book format from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and many other book sellers. Bookstores can order it from Ingram's catalog. Simply ask or search for it by ISBN: 978-0-9835133-0-8.
