Today I am welcoming Lance Meredith into the Indie Spotlight. Lance writes as J.L. Meredith.
Born and raised in the rural community of Chatham-Kent in Ontario, Canada, and practically living in the classics section of the children’s library, Lance Meredith began writing tales of adventure and heroism in the fourth grade. An old soul, he tries to sing, and dance, and play, a little each day. He has degrees in political science and psychology.
His book Guardian Into the Light of Day was awarded a 5 Star Reader’s Favourite Rating from Reader’s Favourite Book Reviews and Award Contest.
Lance can be reached via twitter: @jlmwrites on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JLMWrites/ or by email at: JLMwrites@jlmeredith.com
Welcome to the Indie Spotlight, Lance!
What made you decide to publish your books independently? What was your path to publication?
I wanted to maintain control of my character and work. Although I was considered a good writer in high school, it took more than three years to acquire the skills necessary to write a commercially viable novel. That involved a lot of reading, studying the craft of writing, and writing every day, honing my skills.
What made you decide to write in your specific genre rather than other genres? Have you ever written in other genres?
The character, Guardian has been rattling around in my head since I was fifteen. I created her and about three dozen other characters for a superhero roleplaying game. I’ve collected comic books off and on throughout my life which lent itself to writing a superhero story. I have written in science fiction, sword and sorcery fantasy, monster horror, and dystopian future genres. I have several occult detective stories in rough outlines and more stories for Guardian in the works too.
Do you only read the genre that you write?
I read across genres, a good story is a good story.
What are you currently reading? Watching on TV? Is there a type of music you listen to for inspiration?
At any time I could have four or five books in the process of being read, some non-fiction, some fiction. Usually one of those texts will be a book on writing. One of the books I’m currently reading is Jim Driver’s texts, Outline Your Book or Die! I’m trying to break my pantsing habit or at least do more plotting to save myself work over the process of writing a story or novel.
Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
The standard stuff, read every day, write every day, study your craft everyday. Even if you can only spare twenty minutes for each.
What are you working on right now and what can we look forward to seeing from you next?
I’m writing a follow-up story for Guardian, this one follows on with an event from the first novel and takes on a super-natural bend.
Thank you for joining me in the Spotlight today, Lance! I wish you every success with your books!
Guardian Into The Light of Day
“A Cross Between Age Of Adeline And Wonder Woman. Just An Awesome Read.” – Amazon Reviewer, Arturo Barillas
A Benevolent Entity, a Killer Asteroid, & a kid with a cellphone would change the world. Forever.
Elizabeth lived a quiet life, discreetly helping humanity from the shadows while keeping her true nature hidden.
That all changed when she discovered the asteroid hurtling towards Earth. Although she had made a promise not to interfere with humanity’s evolution, she had no choice, she had to act, humanity was in danger.
When the dust settled, the world knew her secret.
Everything changed. Now there were others like her.
Life became difficult for Elizabeth. Her sudden fame was unwanted. Unrelenting distractions made her quest to discover the origin of the attack all the more difficult. From wrestling with her heart over the affections of a good man to fending off a voracious media determined to know everything about her, it was almost overwhelming.
Would love be a blessing or a curse?
Would she be ready for the next threat?
Sue's Musings 