Today's author interview is with Lindsey Kinsella. I know little about him, so we'll learn about this author together. Lindsey is a Scottish writer and author of the science fiction novel "The Lazarus Taxa" and "The Heart of Pangaea."
Lindsey Kinsella
68 million years in the past. Stranded in deep time--the true final frontier. But what should be feared most; the dinosaurs... or the people?
Sidney Starley, a world-renowned field engineer, is recruited by the mysterious technology firm "Genesis" for an expedition like no other. Sid and his team depart on the world's first venture through time. Their mission? To study the ancient world and the long-lost creatures which inhabit it, but is there an ulterior motive? Can the team trust their secretive employers?
Robyn has a vivid imagination, even for a twelve-year-old. Vivid enough to create herself a companion—but Ed isn’t your ordinary imaginary friend. Ed is a Dimetrodon, an ancient beast from a forgotten age.
When her mother falls ill, Robyn and Ed delve into her subconscious, to the prehistoric kingdom of Pangaea, in search of a cure. But in a world of dinosaurs, pirates, and ancient magic, can they find what they seek? Can they even save themselves from the creatures which inhabit this mysterious land?
The Heart of Pangaea brings the wonders of palaeontology to a vivid and magical fantasy setting. In this novel, the reader will dig up scientific discoveries, and be gripped by a story rich with the meaning of friendship, family, and love.
Name: Linsey Kinsella
Can you share with us the inspiration behind your latest book?
My first book, The Lazarus Taxa, was intended to be a way to bring the wonders of prehistory to readers of all ages. However, it soon became apparent that particular tale needed a more adult tone to work well.
And so, my latest book, The Heart of Pangaea, harked back to that original intention. With a fantasy setting within a young girl’s imagination; it’s was far easier to avoid the bloodshed which felt necessary in The Lazarus Taxa.
How would you describe your writing process? Do you follow a strict routine or do you write whenever inspiration strikes?
Being a father of three, I really just write whenever I have the opportunity; any schedule would surely fall part in the first day. This tends to be late at night when everyone is asleep, though, with my youngest being an eleven-month-old baby, bedtime isn’t always on schedule either!
How do you develop your characters? Do you draw inspiration from real people or are they purely products of your imagination?
With The Heart of Pangaea, I found myself drawing a lot of inspiration from historical figures. I drew from Richard Owen, Christabel Pankhurst, and even Vladimir Lenin!
What challenges did you face while writing your book, and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge for me was readjusting my tone to match the new genre and age bracket I was writing in. I read a lot of fantasy and young adult literature to recalibrate myself.
Can you discuss the research process you undertook for your book? How important is research to your writing?
The setting of an imaginary land did negate much of the research I had to do for The Lazarus Taxa. Having the climate, plant life, and atmosphere be entirely accurate wasn’t important for The Heart of Pangaea. That being said, it is still full of prehistoric creatures which I wanted to portray in an up-to-date manner. Researching current paleontology was a lot of fun!
Are there any particular authors or books that have influenced your writing style or storytelling?
I think there are several authors with very different writing styles who have all contributed to my own, perhaps unusual, style. I think while writing The Heart of Pangaea I had C.S Lewis, Douglas Adams, and a little Neil Gaiman all channeling through my mind.
If your book were to be turned into a movie, who would be your dream cast for the main characters?
Since most of the cast are animals, great voice actors are a must! I’d love to see David Tennant, Helen Mirren, Idris Elba, Helena Bonham Carter, and Sam Elliott come together in a recording studio.
Can you share an anecdote or memorable experience from your writing journey that has had a significant impact on you as an author?
A little backstory: my first novel, The Lazarus Taxa, featured a dinosaur called Dakotaraptor. It was one of the primary antagonists and its claw featured on the cover of the book. A few months after the book’s release, I received an email from Robert DePalma; the paleontologist who discovered that very animal! He traded me a replica of the claw itself in return for a signed copy.
What would the title of your autobiography be, and why?
“Fossils and Rust,” relating to my two great passions; natural history and classic cars. Also, my joints feel a little rusty these days…
How do you approach the editing and revision process?
I’m somewhat of a completionist and don’t like to jump around a draft too much. I’ll work my way through the whole manuscript from start to finish, in order, with every redraft. I’m sure it’s probably not the fastest way, but I find it helps me to ensure consistency.
Have you ever written a scene that made you laugh out loud or brought tears to your eyes while you were writing it? Can you share a bit about that scene?
There’s a rather silly scene in The Heart of Pangaea which made me chuckle at the time and just came to me as I was writing. Within Pangaea, the realm which exists in Robyn’s imagination, we meet Felipe; a Spanish speaking character. The catch is that, being a figment of Robyn’s imagination, he can only speak as much Spanish as she can (which isn’t a lot). At the end of one scene Robyn promises to learn the language for him, to which he replies “Grazie.”
It's such a little passing gag, which probably doesn’t even land especially hard for the reader, but the fact that it was so spontaneous caught me by surprise. So, there’s me, laughing at my own jokes…
How do you handle writer's block or moments when you feel stuck in your writing? Any strategies or rituals that help you overcome it?
It sounds so simply, but by not writing. While doing housework, or showering, or waiting on hold with the DVLA, I just allow myself to daydream; and eventually I figure it out.
What's the strangest or most unusual writing habit or ritual you have?
Probably getting up in the middle of the night to take notes of the brilliant ideas I have while half asleep. Of course, come the morning I realise most of them aren’t so brilliant at all, but there has been the odd gem.
If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only have three books with you, which books would you choose and why?
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, for when I need to laugh.
I am Legend, to show me how to deal with being on my own.
And Mission Earth, not because I especially enjoy it, but at nearly 4,000 pages I can club myself some wild animals for dinner with it…
Is there a specific audience you have in mind when writing, or do you write with a broader readership in mind?
I can’t say I really consider a specific audience; I just write the story I want to tell and then try to figure out who it should be marketed to later!
If you could co-write a book with any author, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
Douglas Adams. His sense of humour was incredible and can never be replicated. A sprinkling of Adams genius would transform any manuscript into a side-spliter.
Are there any unusual or unexpected sources of inspiration that have influenced your writing?
My current work in progress was originally inspired by a David Attenborough documentary! It sparked a concept surrounding a rogue pod of orcas. I find non-fiction in general is a regular source of ideas.
What would your dream writing retreat or creative space look like?
For some reason a cave with running water came to mind; that just seems relaxing to me. And there should be cheese. Lots of cheese.
Can you discuss any upcoming projects or ideas that you're currently working on?
I’ve touched a little on it, but it explores the concept of near-future climate change and how it might push people and wildlife alike to behave in unnatural ways out of desperation. It’s in the very early stages, but I’m excited by it!
Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting their writing journey?
Remember that the greatest stories ever writer started life as terrible first drafts. Don’t lose your self-belief when your first draft is too.