The Publishing World Is Extremely Difficult to Break Into and Be Noticed - Sarah Lampkin (Best Selling Author)




1. Tell us more about your background and journey.

My name is Sarah Lampkin and I'm from Southern Virginia, but currently located near Washington D.C. Growing up in the country, my home was built on an old Civil War battlefield (the Seven Days Battle). Because of this, the land has been haunted by three Civil War spirits that have been here for my entire life. Having them around, I became more fascinated with the paranormal as I got older. 


2. When did you decide you wanted to be a writer?

While in high school, things were incredibly stressful. Transferring from a public school to private really showed where my education was lacking which caused me to struggle with the transition. Writing short stories was a way for me to escape reality for a short time. It became a comfort to me and fun as my classmates began to read my stories, asking me for more. It was around then when I thought it would be pretty cool to actually complete writing a book.


3. Is it a financially stable career?

Writing has never been a financially stable career choice for me. With an interest in Information Technology and Film, I worked to earn my Communications degree as well as my MA in English. Using this education, I was able to move to the Washington D.C. area and begin a career with a contractor. Writing has stayed part of my life, but it's something I do because it is still a passion/hobby. I do hope that one day my books succeed in gaining popularity and notoriety, but for now, I'm focused on my career. 


4. Who is your favourite writer and why?

Lynne Ewing will always have a special place in my heart. When I first started writing in high school, her books Daughters of the Moon were a huge inspiration to me. I wrote a fan letter to her, noting how her books inspired me to keep writing. I was shocked when she wrote back to me, encouraging me, even asking for a piece of my work to read. For over a decade now we have been writing back and forth. She's watched my writing grow and improve and has always encouraged me to keep going.


5. Where does your inspiration lie?

The spirits in my house, surprisingly. With the paranormal around me frequently, I constantly feel inspired to write about it. It has led me into research, including Celtic mythology and various other religions across the world. No matter what I'm doing or writing, I will always be interested in research and let my mind wander.


6. What does your typical day look like?

A typical workday for me is waking up at 3:30 am to take my golden retriever puppy out to the potty, then get ready to go to the gym. I'll usually workout for over an hour and head home so I can shower and get to work. Because of quarantine and COVID, I'm still living that work from home life, so I tend to spend my day in my home office and take occasional breaks to take the puppy outside. Once I'm done with work for the day, if I have the energy, I'll try to write. But lately, I'm too busy keeping the dog entertained and socialized. When she calms down, I'll be able to focus on writing again.


7. What piece of advice would you like to give to future aspiring writers?

Write because you love it. Don't write with only the idea of monetary gain. The publishing world is extremely difficult to break into and be noticed. If you're only looking for the money and the attention, you could be met with nothing but heart break. But if you do it because you love it, writing alone will be satisfying. The rest will only be perks. 


8. Which is your favourite book and why? 
 
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater has been my favorite book for years. I always love to read it during the month of November. The Celtic themes and lore behind it always grabs my attention. Not to mention the kick ass main character. 


Sarah Lampkin - Writer, best selling author - The Dead Dreamer Series 

Interview by - Priyanka