Author Interview & Giveaway: Sarah Lampkin


It's time for the first Writing Desk Blog interview of 2019!

Today, I am joined by debut author Sarah Lampkin, whose novel To Dream is to Die is now available through The Parliament House Press.

In addition to the interview, Sarah was kind enough to partner with me to give away a digital copy of To Dream is to Die! You will find details for how to enter the giveaway at the end of the interview!


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Writing Desk Blog: Hi Sarah, thank you for joining me for an interview here on the Writing Desk Blog! Congratulations on the publication of your debut novel, To Dream is to Die, the first novel in The Dead Dreamer series. For those who are unfamiliar with your novel, if you could describe To Dream is to Die in one sentence, what would it be?

Sarah Lampkin: A New Adult paranormal novel that will have you wondering what truly happens after death and what it would mean to come back.

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WDB: You are currently working with an Indie publisher, The Parliament House Press. In your opinion, what makes an Indie publisher different from a “traditional” publisher?

SL: Working with an Indie publisher allows you to keep your creative integrity a bit more than with your average "traditional" publisher. Usually, larger publishing houses would read your manuscript before asking you to make some sort of change to make it more marketable. But with an Indie publisher, you have a bit more freedom when it comes to the story you're telling. There are pros and cons to both, of course, but keeping the story as you've created it is a huge bonus.

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WDB: Has your experience as an author been primarily with traditional/Indie publishing, self-publishing, or a mixture of both? If the answer is both, is there one avenue of publishing you prefer over the other? 

SL: Over the past 10 years, I had been focused on self-publishing. During that time, I had been submitting my manuscripts to multiple agents and publishers. I have hundreds of rejection letters hidden away somewhere, I'm sure. But when Parliament picked up To Dream is to Die, it was my first experience working with an Indie publishing house. Personally, I do prefer this to self-publishing. By using an Indie publishing house, it gave me resources I didn't have access to in the past. They've been extremely helpful.

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WDB: I’ve also heard you will be attending your first conference this year as a published author, BookCon in New York City. What are you looking forward to the most about this conference?

SL: I am! It will be my first conference ever and I am so excited to meet so many other writers and industry titans (or at least see them from afar)! Although I hope to spread the word about To Dream is to Die, I will be working to meet as many people as possible. Whether they be readers, writers, or publishing professionals. From what I've seen on Twitter (yes, Twitter), the writing community contains some of the most amazing people.

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WDB: Plotter or pantser? Along with that, do you already know how many books you’ll write for The Dead Dreamer series, or are you playing a bit by ear?

SL: Pantser, 100%. Okay, maybe 95%. When I begin writing, I'll start seeing scenes play out in my head, and from there it's basically me watching a movie in my  head and writing down what happens. Even I'm surprised with what my characters do sometimes. It keeps things interesting. But after a while, I'll eventually start plotting things out so it will all stay connected and make sense.
Yes! There will be 4 books in the series. Each book will focus on a different year in Brenna's experience at Nephesburg College. So, To Dream is to Die will be focusing on her freshman year.

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WDB: What is your favorite method for connecting with readers and other writers? Social media, conferences, meet-ups, or a combination? 
 
SL: Right now, it's via social media. I stay active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay connected with other writers, and readers. I'll let you know if I change my mind and prefer conferences!

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WDB: These next questions are ones I like to ask in each Writing Desk Blog interview, it’s so interesting to see the range of responses I get!

Where do you typically work from? (Home, office, coffee shop, etc.) Is there any place you find you're more productive than others?

SL: You can mainly find me writing in my home. I'll move wherever I'm comfortable with that day. I tend to suffer from chronic back pain, so it changes constantly. Some days I'll be in my office, others I'll be at my kitchen table. I usually won't go out into public to write, mainly because I want to stay in my sweat pants.

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WDB: If you are able to tell us, what’s next for you? Will we be seeing another installment in The Dead Dreamer series or something different? 

SL: I am actually already working on the next installment to the Dead Dreamer series! There are also a couple side projects I'm working on, as well. The next installment of the Dead Dreamer series will be released October 2019!

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WDB: Best piece(s) of writing advice?

SL: Keep at it. There will be those who don't like what you've written and there will be those who love it. All that really matters is whether or not you love it. What you write is a part of you. Its your soul on paper. If you don't put it out there, no one will.

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WDB: Something about you that people may be surprised to know?

SL: Probably not that surprising for those who follow me, but I am a complete gym rat. I'll wake up at 3:45 every morning during the week to get a two hour work-out in before going to work. It helps with my chronic pain, and also my mental sanity.

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TO DREAM IS TO DIE Giveaway Information: 

There are multiple options available for entering this giveaway: 

Instagram:
  • FOLLOW both me (@ccwriter_) AND Sarah (@slampkin.author)
  • LIKE the corresponding Giveaway post.
  • For a BONUS entry, COMMENT on the post and tell us your favorite paranormal novel/writer.
Twitter:
  • FOLLOW both me (@CCwriter_) AND Sarah (@Lampkin_S)
  • LIKE the corresponding Giveawy post.
  • For a BONUS entry, COMMENT on the post and tell us your favorite paranormal novel/writer.
The Writing Desk Blog:
  • COMMENT on the post and tell us your favorite paranormal novel/writer.
  • For a BONUS entry, SUBSCRIBE to The Writing Desk Blog updates (by email).

Open Internationally:
  • Prize for both US and non-US residents - (1) Digital copy of To Dream is to Die.
Entries will be accepted until Friday,  February 8, 2019 at 11:30pm EST.

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