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.
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.
I know it may seem like ages away, but it’s never too early to pre-order books. Check out what I’ve got on offer, although there will be many more titles added to this list before next year… pre-order books for Leeds
There’s more than a slim chance I will be putting together another charity anthology for what promises to be, once again, a fabulous Hourglass Event. Put it in your diaries!
I was signing books last weekend and I was lucky to be doing so! Lots of other authors and lots of readers, too simply couldn’t make the event due to snow! How annoying when spring seems to have swept its way in this week (at least for us). Anyhow we made the most of the day and really enjoyed ourselves (see my Instagram for pics).
If you didn’t make the event, you can order signed books from me anytime. I sell them year-round from this website and all you need to do is visit this page: https://sarahmichellelynch.com/events/
Alternatively you can message me on FB any time or email me with your request for signed books, using: smlpublishinguk@gmail.com. I take payment through Paypal, but you don’t even need a Paypal account. You can pay a Paypal invoice using any debit/credit card.
Poems To My Younger Self
Our poetry book, raising money for Make A Wish, did splendidly last weekend and even reached #1 in new poetry releases on the Amazon US charts. If you’d like to specifically order a copy of the poetry books, please fill out this form.
I very much doubt I will be making it to another signing this year as I am very busy writing/editing and planning a house move, but fingers crossed I will be attending a few signings next year.
There are lots of exciting things in the pipeline so please keep your eyes peeled!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas break with their families and loved ones! At Lynch Towers we ate, drank, had many lie-ins, and now feel refreshed, ready to take on another year.
You may have noticed that at the end of last year, many of my books underwent a complete rebranding. This coincided with me adding lots of my back catalogue to new vendors, including the iBookstore/iTunes, B&N, Kobo and many others.
I’ve updated the library section of my website with a drop-down menu detailing all my books, including how I’ve incorporated old editions into new ones. You can see which books have already been moved over to expanded distribution, including the Sub Rosa Series, Angel Avenue, Beyond Angel Avenue, The Chambermaid Series and The UNITY Series.
In fact, Unbind (Sub Rosa #1) is now PERMA FREE and can be downloaded as such from Amazon and also from other vendors too.
All of the Sub Rosa novels are gradually being phased over into expanded distribution.
All buy links can be found in the aforementioned drop down menus of the library on this site.
HIS DEADLY ROSE (Sub Rosa #6) and EPILOGUE (Sub Rosa #7) release on January 16th and February 14th respectively.
My Review Team
I now have a section on my site where, if you are a reviewer, you can sign up to receive review copies from me in exchange for honest reviews. Check out the details here.
Poems To My Younger Self Project
I’m currently completing work on this brand-new charity anthology, featuring 28 authors including myself. More details are soon to follow…
This is just a short broadcast about an upcoming project of mine.
Basically, I am looking for poems above the 100 word mark. They must (sort of) be in line with the theme “Poems to My Younger Self”.
Please visit my dedicated page on this site: sarahmichellelynch.com/poetry-project for all the details. You’ll find everything you need to know right there and hopefully, most of it covers all the questions you may have!!
This is all for charity. So please consider contributing if you are indeed a poet or budding poet, even!
How has it already been and gone? The White Rose Book Signing passed by in the blink of an eye but was a very enjoyable day nonetheless! I am so rubbish at getting pictures. At some signings I get loads but at others, I just seem to forget! Anyway, this is one of the few piccies I got:
I had some brilliant table neighbours including Melody Winter and NM Silber, plus I met a lot of people I’d only previously conversed with online, so it’s great to put faces to names finally! The day had a really great atmosphere overall and was very smoothly run by the brilliant team behind the event (L Chapman, Krissy V, Jennifer, Samantha and numerous others helpers and volunteers).
I did unfortunately sell out of some books on the day, and I know that some readers had tickets but couldn’t make it, or were unable to visit for other reasons. Though I do love signing and handing the books to readers in person, I know we’re all spread far and wide and it’s not always possible for readers to join our events.
Never fear, you can get signed books from me anytime. Just visit my form and I’ll wing some signed books to you, lovingly packaged up and stuffed with goodies. Visit THIS FORM for more details on how to order and pay.
This is just my holding cover until I release the real cover on April 17th, but for those who are unfamiliar, HETTY is a minor character from my ANGEL AVENUE series and she’s now going to have her own book.
Here’s the blurb:
A novel proving art transcends all which divides us as human beings.
“We were just meant to be and fate in all her conniving, wicked glory, wouldn’t have had this union any other way.”
Hetty is determined not to be a victim but she doesn’t see that in some ways, she still is. When something doesn’t go how she wants it to, she finds it incredibly difficult to overcome, and continually avoids situations outside of her control.
It isn’t just love that will change her, though. Oh, no. Cue a series of events which will shape the woman she will be ever after.
Enter three men, each with a lesson to deliver. One, an unassuming father figure. The next, a lover. The last, a friend from a different world to hers.
Hetty’s journey is a surprising, exciting and humbling one which may draw tears of laughter and of sadness from the reader.
**This novel does contain some details which would spoil the Angel Avenue duet if you haven’t read it yet, but Hetty is a brand new and fully resolved standalone in itself, which can be read and understood without reading the other books.**
I am opening up READ AND REVIEW on Hetty. For further details, visit this form and apply here too: ARC SIGN-UP
To read and review, all I ask is that you have a Kindle email address, which looks something like this: Your.name@kindle.com
I will be posting loads of teasers for Hetty in the coming weeks, so don’t forget to follow me on IG: @sarahmichellelynch
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My next signing is York, White Rose Author Event. To buy tickets and for timings, visit this link: bit.ly/1Y5cTp1
My pre-order form for this signing is now open, so if you would like to be sure of being able to get the books you want on the day, you can reserve or prepay. The form can be found here: Pre-Order Form for York Signing.
I want to have copies of Hetty on the day but it depends on a number of factors, so we shall see.
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Alternatively signed books can be purchased from my website at your convenience, anytime.
Sarah Michelle Lynch 