Indie Author Spotlight, Episode 4

Hi! I'm S.E. Reed, an award-winning multi-genre Indie Author and volunteer at The Writer's Workout. Welcome to the fourth 'episode' of the Indie Author Spotlight. Each episode will feature a Q&A-style interview with an Indie Author. In addition, some of the authors have chosen to participate in a 2nd interview on my website, Writing With Reed, which I'll link at the end.

Today's indie author is someone I don't know personally, but I've been following her on the site formerly known as Twitter for years. She's a UK native, obsessed with tea, and writes my favorite genre (can you guess what that is?). I was super excited to learn more about her and geeked to do this interview!

Oh my gosh, this is so fun to get to know you! Can you tell me a little about yourself?

Hello! I’m Thea (she/ze). I drink too much tea, play violin, and can usually be found playing make-believe with my toddler. When he sleeps, I write. I’ve been a writer since I was about six and still have notebooks of stories scribbled during breaks at school. I didn’t start writing seriously until a few years ago. Since finding the writing community and realising it is possible to dream of publication, I’ve had several short stories published and my ongoing series, The Seer of York, has been picked up by indie press Brigids Gate. 

Would you like to share more about writing style?

I always write within some sphere of fantasy, though my stories often overlap with sci-fi, horror, and romance. So far, I’ve written exclusively adult, however I do have a Dark Academia Labyrinth-esque story begging to be completed that’s decided it’s YA.

Tell us about a project you’re proud of.

I’m proud of the Gothic vibes of my debut, The Hiding, and the fact that all my beta readers face-palmed when they found out who the killer was. I’m also really proud of a cyberfae folk music book I wrote, Legend of the Bard. It’s very political. I can’t link to it yet but watch out as it’s currently vague.

Sooo.... can you spill the tea, what are you currently working on?

Oh my goodness, I don’t think I can deliberately spill tea. My tea fae character would never talk to me again. I’m currently working on book 3 of The Seer of York, The Dreamwalker. It continues the adventures of my multi-faith/species Scooby gang and involves a mysterious dual-figure seeding magic through York via dreams.

What is your biggest/best piece of advice for other Indie Authors?

Get involved in the community. It’s so supportive and you’ll need it. Publishing is a massive rollercoaster, so find your people and hold onto them. Get beta reader feedback within the community, but hold on to your vision. There’s always going to be people who don’t get it but there will also be people who love it.

I know this one is hard, but who is your favorite Indie Author? 

Oooh, that’s a tough one. It’s difficult to choose. I’m going with L. N. Bayen and their The Wingspan of Treason for the sheer scale of worldbuilding, character depth, and she did her own artwork.

Where can everyone find your work, social presence, etc.  

I’m @AletheaRLyons on all platforms, but I’m most active on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Bluesky. I also have a newsletter with updates, chats about indie publishing, reviews by myself and my toddler, and monthly character interviews. Links to buy my books, view my website, or hang out with me on social media can all be found on my Link Tree.

For more Thea, head over to my website for the 2nd installment of this spotlight:

https://www.writingwithreed.com/post/bonus-episode-with-thea-lyons