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Literary Nymphs Spotlight Author 

Our Author of the Month is randomly selected from the Author Members of Literary Nymphs.  If you are interested in possibly being the next Spotlight Author, join us using the button to the left


Our Author of the Month is Lena Austin.  Lena is an outstanding author for Changeling Press and LooseId and we’re honored to have her! 


Why not start by telling us a bit about yourself.

I’m this crazy polyamorous pagan BDSM Mistress who’s semi-retired and decided to lie for a living. Okay, it’s not all lies. (Wink)

Have you always wanted to write or is it something that just came about?

It evolved from my love of reading, but required continuous boots in the rear from a very dear friend before I finally started writing professionally. I just enjoyed telling stories!

Has it been everything you thought it would be or not?

Not by a long shot! I never would have dreamed I’d write over thirty stories and still have a ring binder full of ideas left to do!

How did it feel when you realized that your very first book was going to be published?

Terrifying! I kept expecting them to send the manuscript back with a note saying, “Oops! This was supposed to be in the reject pile. Thanks, but no thanks.”

What's your favorite part of writing a book? Why?

The plotting and planning. It usually starts with an idea, and then I tell a select group of friends and family. By the time we’re done chattering, the story is there full of snappy lines and new adventures.

What's your least favorite part? Why?

Those last few chapters where it feels like I’m slogging through sticky mud to get it done to my satisfaction. My Muse is a picky b*tch.

Hey!  There are those of us that love that picky b*tch!  LOL

Is there anyone who helped influence your writing? If so, who and why?

My grandfather, believe it or not. He saw me, his preteen granddaughter, toss one too many sappy romances to the floor in disgust and offered me an Analog magazine. I was hooked! There were stores with action, adventure, and cool creatures that made sense! No more idiot virgin heroines who did incredibly stupid things like walk a beach known to be a pirate haunt at night!

If you could change one thing about your publishing career, what would it be? Why?

(Blinks and thinks hard) I’d like to be rich like Nora Roberts and have long lines at book signings like LKH. That’s it. Nothing else. I love what I do, and I love where I am right now.

What can we look forward in the future from you?

As soon as I finish my current project (see comments about slogging through mud above) I’ll write a novel that has been nearly three years in the making. I plotted this puppy in 2005! Finally, I’m taking a break to finish this story. (Happy sigh) It’ll be released through Aspen Mountain Press in the late fall.

Do you have any tips or advice for those wanting to be a published author?

Finish the damn manuscript, and then never give up. “No” is only no for now. This industry evolves and changes. I’ve been told three times, “They’ll never accept X <genre>” by so-called experts. Never lasted sometimes as little as three months. Gee, that was a short eternity.

How can your fans get in touch with you?

Through my website, www.LenaAustin.com, or my blog, http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com.

Thanks very much Lena for the interview and Literary Nymphs wishes you much success in the future!

Anytime! Literary Nymphs have been very good to me. I love you guys!