We chat with debut author Lyndall Clipstone about Lakesedge, which is a lush gothic fantasy about monsters and magic, set on the banks of a cursed lake and it’s perfect for fans of Naomi Novik and Brigid Kemmerer.
Hi, Lyndall! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hello! I’m from Adelaide, South Australia, and I love all things dark and spooky. I have a background in English Lit, and I was a librarian for about six years before I became an author, so I’ve always been surrounded by stories. I’m also an erstwhile illustrator, and I drew the chapter headers and title page for Lakesedge. When I’m not writing, I love playing video games, listening to heavy metal music, visiting art galleries, and tending to my ever-expanding collection of indoor plants.
When did you first discover your love for writing?
I’ve always loved to write for as long as I can remember. I was very lucky to grow up reading some immensely talented Australian YA authors, like Sonya Hartnett, Gillian Rubinstein, and Margo Lanagan, who were very inspirational to me. After my bachelor’s degree, I went on to take Honors in Creative Writing which really solidified my love for story craft. I wrote a lot of short ficition, but it wasn’t until much later in life that I felt ready to sit down and write a novel-length manuscript. Lakesedge is actually my first completed book, so it feels very special that it is my debut!
Quick lightning round! Tell us the first book you ever remember reading, the one that made you want to become an author, and one that you can’t stop thinking about!
- First book – Blossom by Ida Rentoul Outhwaite
- Made me want to be an author – The Secret History by Donna Tartt
- Can’t stop thinking about – Deathless by Catherynne Valente
Your debut novel, Lakesedge, is out September 28th 2021! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Lush, romantic, atmospheric, spooky, poetic.
What can readers expect?
Two alluring monsters—one a boy, one a god, haunting secrets unveiled in the dead of night, ride-or-die sibling bonds, and a fierce girl who makes many headstrong (and possibly foolish) choices to protect the ones she loves
Where did the inspiration for Lakesedge come from?
I wanted to write a book that felt like The Secret Garden combined with a gothic romance.
Can you tell us about any challenges you faced while writing and how you were able to overcome them?
Writing is always such an emotional journey for me. I struggle a lot with self-doubt, and imposter syndrome. I think it will always be a work in progress, trying to be confident, but I’m working a lot on being kind to myself and celebrating all of my accomplishments. When I think of my teen self, and how excited she would be to have published a book, that is a great way to put everything into perspective.
I also have two young children, so I do a lot of juggling between mum life and author life. I’m very thankful for my family who pitch in to help and share the work, especially when I’m very busy on deadline.
Were there any favourite moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
Definitely the romantic arc between Leta and Rowan. Romance is my favourite thing to write, and read. Crafting those scenes, with their emotional development and the interplay between the two characters as they moved from hate to love, was such a fun challenge for me as an author.
The sequel, Forestfall, is currently set to release in October 2022! Can you give us a little tease?
It has very intense Orpheus and Eurydice vibes, with a dash of Reylo – think force bonds and Rey turning dark. We get to see more of the world Below, learn the Lord Under’s true name, and Rowan will have POV chapters (which were immensely fun to write). It’s been an emotional journey working on this book, and I’ve loved spending a whole second volume with all of the Lakesedge characters. I’m so excited for readers to see the conclusion of the story next year.
What was the road to becoming a published author like for you?
From the original idea for Lakesedge (a short story written in my honours year) to finished manuscript, it was about 10 years. I have done so many rewrites and revisions, and it has been such a journey of persistence and resilience. To aspiring authors, my advice is to never give up, and know that there is no one path to becoming published. I feel so lucky to have this opportunity, and to have found such a wonderful team – my agent, and my editors – to work with as I bring my stories to life.
What’s next for you?
I’m currently finishing edits on Forestfall, which is the sequel to Lakesedge. After that, I plan to take a long break to recharge where I intend to read my towering TBR pile, finish playing Witcher 3, and watch a lot of movies. I also have another secret project that I am working on—a new, spooky romance which is a standalone totally separate from the world of Lakesedge— which I am hopeful I will be able to share with readers in the near future!
Lastly, do you have any book recommendations for our readers?
- Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April G. Tucholke
- Heart’s Blood by Juliet Marrilier
- The Bright & The Pale by Jessica Rubinkowski
- A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson
- Stalking Shadows by Cyla Panin
- Within These Wicked Walls By Lauren Blackwood
- A Forgery of Roses Jessica S. Olson
- Tripping Arcadia by Kit Mayquist
You can find Lyndall on Instagram and Twitter, and at her website.
