Authors at the Armouries is going to be an extravaganza of Indie and traditionally published authors in genres from romance, dark romance, children’s literature, paranormal and literary fiction, plus everything in between. We will demonstrate the power of “doing it for yourself” and how dramatically things have changed since I began publishing over ten years ago, when self-publishing was still frowned upon and taken very un-seriously. It’s now pretty normal for a self-published author to top the entire US Kindle Store. It’s no longer the traditional publishers i.e. the gatekeepers dictating who makes it to #1. It’s the readers who’ve begun to decide who makes it to the #1 top spot. This is in part down to social media which has made it possible for authors to reach readers directly. Taking control of their own marketing, with all the tools available to them, Indie authors are charging ahead in the bestseller lists.
But “doing it for yourself” can be difficult. The rewards these days can be immense, with Kindle Unlimited earning some authors 6 or 7 figures a year. And there is some major satisfaction for these authors who’ve done it for themselves. However… I’ve seen first-hand the commitment required, and it is their herculean efforts that get these Indie superstars to where they are.
The ideal scenario for an author would be that they write day and night, then hand over their work and see it catapult without all the EXTRA work required. Such as sourcing editors, cover designers, then sending preview copies to ARC teams, scheduling social media posts, creating social media posts, engaging with their readers, setting up Amazon, Bookbub and other ads, AND THEN, also trying to have a personal life, too. It is really hard and these achievements are VERY hard won.
Early in my career I was offered the chance to publish with various publishers and given plenty of advice by people who I can only describe as stiff and overly opinionated, and who would no doubt have butchered out the heart of my work. Which brings me to my point here: indie publishing offers both readers and authors stories of all kinds, with all the details often edited out by traditional publishers left intact. Indie offers freedom on so many levels and it was that freedom I found very hard to give up. So I never have. It means I can publish as many books as I want, when I want, how I want – because there’s nobody else to answer to.
I was reading an interview with a BIG author a while ago, can’t quite remember who now, but I think it was one of two people and I don’t want to perjure either, but they said something along the lines of “I give everything to that book, I say everything I want to in that book, so why would I want to say anything else on social media?” I mean, quite. But that is the way of things, these days anyway lol. Social media is a massive weapon that many of my authors use to absolutely slay.
There will be newbie authors at this event as well as seasoned, but I remember in the beginning, it was book signings that really changed the game for me and gave me that extra push I needed. It made things more real.
Sometimes when I tell my husband the news about our event and the latest developments he looks at me like this can’t be real. I feel that way, too. I’ve kept the emotion at arm’s length and I will do until the day when it will probably pour forth suddenly – when the people actually are in the room and it all becomes real.
We’ve got many people coming from overseas (not just Oz, but the US, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Bangladesh!) and it’s going to be unreal.
My event, along with many other book signings this year, will demonstrate that self-publishing doesn’t just offer the bigger royalty share. It offers a community unlike any other, where gatekeepers do not exist, choice is aplenty, support is unparalleled and CREATIVITY has no bounds.
Next year, I’m hosting “Authors at the Armouries” which will be one of the biggest UK book signing events – if not the biggest multi-genre author event of 2023.
Over on my event site I’ve been interviewing attending authors so you can find out more about the depth and breadth of talent we will have on offer next year!
It only seems fair however, that I am interviewed, too. So, I asked my very talented content-marketer husband to pose a few questions that he thinks you guys might want the answers to.
So here goes . . .
Enjoy x
Which writers inspired you and does anyone continue to inspire you?
When I was young, I used to visit the library and go home with a stack of how ever many books I was allowed to take out on my one card. The next week, I’d be back for my next stack. It started from there but back then, there was no such thing as a celebrity author or brand name, except for Roald Dahl I suppose. I used to read everything and anything and that has pretty much continued. I would say I’m more Brontë than Austen. I’m more Pratchett than Gaiman. I’m more Lisa Jewell than Jojo Moyes. In fact, I remember reading a Lisa Jewell when she used to write romcoms. I was a teenager and thought they were great. I’ve had a lot of inspirations along the way but because I chew up words like nobody’s business, I don’t worship at any one altar. I’d say however, I have an affinity with the Brontë family. I’m one of four kids, three girls and a boy, too. We grew up between Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, religion played a big part in our lives, and sometimes things were tough. I really understood the sisters’ language, their burning passions. They were the classic introverts who made their way into the literary canon through nothing but imagination and hard work. I think if you’re a writer, with truth at your soul, you can’t help but find something in their work that sticks. If you’ve read my books, occasionally you’ll get a flash of that.
Alongside authors, what else inspires your writing?
Life, of course. I come up with new ideas on a daily basis because life provides all the material you’ll ever need. I’m also one of those people that others will spill everything to. They will tell me their life stories, maybe because I ask the right questions…? My husband always says, how did you get them to tell you all that? I don’t tell him my secret, don’t worry. There can only be one of me or else the world might implode!
People are so interesting and characters are at the centre of everything I do. I might detect a fragment of who someone is and think, wouldn’t it be interesting to write about them? And put a story to the person. I guess the only problem with all these ideas floating around my head and life being so busy – it’s a matter of selecting one story to tell at any one time. Sticking by that through hundreds of pages is a massive feat. Ideas are easy. Committing to writing them… a different ballgame.
Most people who meet me know something is different. I do have a way of reading other human beings instantly. If you have bad energy, I will know it and run the other way. I’m never wrong about that, either. If you’re anxious or unwell or angry, I will pick up on that and tell you. Sometimes people are offended by my directness, but I can’t help it that your closely guarded secret is really rather obvious to me. Sorry! But that ability to unearth truths is what has made me a writer. (And also, in every role I’ve ever held, a leader.)
What has been your greatest achievement as a writer?
There have been many proud moments, including being called one of the best of the British erotic authors. However, I did just write a trilogy of thrillers (pictured) through one of the most turbulent six months of my life – all while laying the foundations for this massive author event, too. Not to be sniffed at.
Are you still learning as a writer?
All the time. If you’re not, you’re not doing it right. The writer I was when I started wouldn’t believe the writer I’ve become.
What are the biggest challenges you face as a writer?
I think I mentioned this above. For me, it’s having a monumental amount of ideas whizzing around my head and sometimes having to force myself to carve out the time and proper headspace to pick just one to stick with. As an ultra-creative, I continually want to try new things and go in different directions. The practicality of that isn’t always possible. I know that my readers have books they prefer to receive from me, but, I have themes and topics that aren’t as popular but which I sometimes need to delve into for my sanity.
How do you put yourself in the mind of a reader when writing?
It’s simply not possible during the writing process. During this part of the journey, you’re a writer. And that’s different to being a reader. As a reader you have the amazing privilege of reading something polished and perfected. You don’t see the deleted scenes or the drafts covered in red pen. You never know about the foolish stuff your favourite character did before it got deleted (or maybe you do!). You never see the stage where the hero or heroine was more like a cardboard cut-out before they were made flesh. You never have to read the mountains and mountains of then, now, just, very, really, etc that eventually get deleted. All those errors though are part and parcel of an author making it to that final piece of work. Writing is the really exciting bursts of “ah-ha” moments and also the really crappy days or weeks of feeling like you’re banging on a brick wall for the ideas to come, when it all started out so well! And it is in those moments you have to remind yourself that every writer started off a reader – so maybe a bit of time spent reading for pleasure might spark your work back to life, and quite often, it does!
Writing is knowing that you might be writing something completely bonkers, but also knowing, maybe this will lead somewhere. That from the mayhem you may pluck out a kernel of absolute gold! And to a certain extent, a writer is completely alone with their work in the beginning, safe and secure – in a beautiful bubble of make believe. So while writing, I’m not imagining anyone is going to read it, I’m solely focused on the story itself. For that wonderful period of time, it’s just the work and you.
It is so very, very rare that a writer starts at chapter one and goes all the way through to the epilogue without encountering major changes along the way. As a writer, ideas might come to you in pieces. Maybe you have the plot, but not the character, or the other way around. I’ve known authors who find it easier to write the final chapters first, then they go back and start at the beginning because they have the stress of that “what am I doing?” bit out of the way. Most writers I know get it all out in stages for sure. You get it down as best you can. A few rewrites later, maybe then you give yourself some distance. It is the final edits when you start to think like a reader… You might then be asking yourself, “How will that be understood? Do I need more there, less here?”
One thing I’ve grown more and more aware of over the years is that readers do like to imagine a lot for themselves! They will skip a lot of over-description (I’m looking at you, Stephen King). Yet when it comes to the characters, you’ll find true readers tend to want to have the absolute full picture of the people they grow to love. So I find myself in the editing process making sure that the characters have become fully 3D.
Do you think that COVID changed our relationship with literature?
Not much, no. Stories are eternal. They have always been and will always be. I think obviously e-books did well during Covid because brick and mortar shops were shut and some of us started reading a lot more during the lockdowns. An e-reader weighs a lot less and you can hold it easily in the bath compared to the 600-page physical version. Escapism has always been a requirement and will continue to be. We take ourselves on a brain vacation while reading a book. It is the easiest way to download yourself into a different world.
How is Authors at the Armouries (AATA) going to be unique to other signings?
The scale of it for a start will be much bigger than what people are used to. I’m passionate about authors of all genres and especially Yorkshire authors so there will be a few more genres than usual, and quite a few local writers. Saying that we’ve got people coming from all four corners of the UK – and others from the US, Europe, Australia and Asia. As an experienced writer and an organiser, I understand what it is people want from both sides of the table.
With my first event last year, which I managed to pull off despite Covid, I found myself kind of crippled by the restrictions. Sort of like trying to keep everything as simple as possible so that it was ultimately achievable within the confines of “anything could still go wrong”. So with AATA (fingers crossed) I am hoping that I can finally take my foot off the brakes and unleash the full shebang.
What can fans and authors expect from AATA?
Over 100 authors to meet, buy books from, and laugh with, for a start. Also, a lot of extras and surprises. The full experience! I have a genuine wish for everyone, from reader to author to volunteers and whoever else tags along, to feel accepted, welcomed and part of something bigger than all of us. At events, you never know who you’re going to meet, what friendships you will forge that might last a lifetime. It really changes the game for authors who’ve never done this sort of thing before. It makes what you’ve accomplished seem so much more real… there will be a lot of emerging stars at this one.
What are you looking forward to most about AATA?
The Bridgerton Ball. Seeing happy, smiling faces. Hearing the unscripted nonsense coming out of authors’ mouths during the talks. Trying to manage my assistants who will be so excited they won’t know whether to laugh or cry. But especially, as the day wears on, I hope that most of the authors will have got into their rhythm and will feel a massive sense of pride in themselves and their work. Signings make it all seem real, even if just for a day.
“Books at Beverley Races” took place last October and was a roaring success. Lots of happy smiling faces, many books sold, hilarious conversations had and long overdue catch-ups finally achieved after, in some cases, two years apart. It was a lot of hard work but it was so worth it – and let me tell you, I wasn’t always sure it would still go ahead, what with Covid lingering in the background. Truth to tell, this event was a bit of a crazy late-night idea of mine. I had no idea what it would really require, but I met each challenge head on, knowing how much this meeting would mean to people.
Also, what it would mean to me. The idea of organising a book event such as this arose from a desire to challenge myself, to test my capabilities. I’ve always been a bit of a leader in every job I’ve ever had, yet since becoming an author, I’ve obviously only been in charge of myself, and I might have somewhat forgotten the broad spectrum of what it is I am capable of. Yet this desire to challenge myself wasn’t just about reconnecting with long-forgotten skills… it was an urge to level up with everyone around me. So many people have been in pain for one reason or another this past couple of years. Yet they’ve stepped up. They’ve shown up. Especially some people close to me – mostly, my husband, who’s not only about to lose his dad from cancer, but this past few months or so, has had to deal with some terrible, cruel manoeuvres from people within his career orbit. That’s not something you need or expect, especially when these people know your father and best mate won’t be here for much longer. But what does not destroy us, only makes us stronger (or stranger), and we are stronger and more defiant than ever. It was at this event actually that someone told me just how much my partner had helped her that day – and I agree – my husband is normally the one propping up everyone else.
So last year was a productive year indeed. Under my third (secret) pen name, I published four books which have been very well received. And after the success of Beverley, I really wasn’t sure about organising another event. I was exhausted. And if you’re anything like me and you can see a lot of moving puzzle pieces inside your mind, then you’ve accounted for everything but you’re also prepared for it all to go wrong, too. Yet – and I am sure many other events organisers experience this – after pulling off something like this, you have a sort of withdrawal (if not right away, eventually) and all you want to do then, is do it all over again! Maybe one day I won’t want to do it ever again, but right now… I can announce that I AM DOING IT AGAIN!
The feeling I got after Beverley was not only that people wanted me to do another event, but that they also want me to make it more varied. There were many constrictions I was under at Beverley due to Covid and other factors, preventing me from going further, but now I think I have found a terrific venue that will give us the platform to create something even more special.
I find that at every event I attend, whether as a reader, author or organiser – they just zip by too bloody fast! All the people you wanted to speak to you don’t always get to and all the things you told yourself beforehand to absorb and suck up…. Well, in practise, it just doesn’t always happen. So with “Authors at the Armouries”, I am organising a dinner-dance after the main signing – and also hoping to lay on some small, intimate seminars/panels on the Sunday morning, too! There may be some interesting conversations that morning!
So if you are an author and would like to register your interest for my next event, click here and input your details! If you’re a reader and would like me to approach your favourite author, send me an email… smlpublishinguk@gmail.com. So far, it is shaping up to be an exciting and unforgettable one. All genres are welcome and we have already had interest from thriller writers, PNR, fantasy, romance, poetry, contemporary and children’s.
Other News
I’m sure not one of you has not been affected lately by what we’re seeing in the news. We all feel useless and mortified we can’t do more. Yet all over the place, small acts of kindness are brimming – sometimes it’s those that push me over the edge, not to mention the images we’re subjected to every day. I am contributing but a poem to this anthology organised by Danielle Jacks, but there are several authors writing short stories centred around military romance. All proceeds will benefit the Red Cross Ukraine Appeal. You can find out all you need to know here:
This year, it’s 10 years since I first started publishing and I find myself more and more going back to my roots. I began my writing career publishing sci-fi novels and as S. M. Lynch, I find myself able to explore avenues and areas of my writing I can’t as a romance writer. As a thriller writer, I can vent about a lot more – and considering my past self of ten years ago predicted a pandemic to occur in 2023 (I was a couple of years out), maybe we can read quite a lot into my other predictions, too. It’s the fate of an ex-journalist, I am afraid, to be always on the pulse.
So it gives me great pleasure to announce my next publication, RUTHLESS! I can’t wait for you all to read it. Read the blurb:
A new series which adds a fresh perspective to the frightening, alternative S. M. Lynch universe . . .
Leah was wrenched from everything she knew at a young age and turned into a killer. It became that she didn’t know anything else but the day’s toil of hardening her body and her mind.
Her mentor Caleb was the only person she saw and she couldn’t escape him. We only know that at some point they fell in love, but it didn’t quite go according to plan.
The present Leah Feltham is now the toughest assassin in London, a woman in her thirties working alone, existing for the job, nothing else.
Then, something goes wrong.
War is brewing. She knows it.
And she’s about to find her true love, right before it all kicks off . . .
**This series can be read without any previous reading, but for added context, it’s recommended you read the Ruthless Series after reading the Collective Series**
You can meet 47 authors in the middle of the East Yorkshire countryside, all in one place! From romance to fantasy to thriller to children’s literature… we have a lot going on!
Raising money for Dove House Hospice with our raffle – you could win anything from a hamper to a book, a boudoir shoot or a tutorial on becoming a writer!
We will also have a special “Blind Date with a Book” stall. These will be discounted books with mystery contents – and every penny from the sale of these will go to Dove House Hospice, too.
With our charity anthology we are raising funds for Mind, the mental health charity, which needs our help now more than ever!
Today Only, if you use code FLASH20 at the checkout, you will receive 20% off a VIP or General Admission ticket. TODAY ONLY. And with limited VIP tickets left… grab them quick by clicking here
If you visit the ticket link, you’ll find all the details about this event. VIP tickets are not to be missed – you receive a VIP bag including a tote, mug, a copy of our charity anthology, early entry and a bottle of fizz. Please note, VIP ticket sales cease tomorrow night at midnight to allow time for ordering.
This is the only literary event of its kind this year and we are so looking forward to seeing all our readers again!
If you would like to guarantee a particular copy of one of my books, please make your selection on this form, which closes tomorrow night. You might already be a ticket holder but you didn’t go for VIP and now would like to order some merch, so please use this form, which also closes tomorrow, too.
Sarah Michelle Lynch 