Author Spotlight: L. R. Eckley

Meet the Author

Q: What inspired you to write your most recent novel?

A: God’s Country was inspired by a fly-fishing excursion (my first) that I took with a couple friends a few years ago. The story was planted in my head, and I began penning the novel shortly after that trip.

Q: What is your writing routine?

A: Ugh! I wish I had one. I write when there is an opportunity to write. It comes in short waves, with no warning, and I just try to jump on the elusive minutes that randomly present themselves each week.

Q: What are your top 3 favorite books?

Jaws

Jurassic Park

Lord of the Flies

Q: Which authors inspire you?

A: I used to be inspired by the likes of Michael Crichton, Patricia Cornwell, and John Grisham. These days I’m inspired by other indie authors like myself, who feel the same struggles as a writer that I do.

Q: What are you currently reading?

A: I’m reading “Just Jonathan” by Donna Scuvotti.

Q: Do you use any life experiences to inspire your writing?

A: Just about all of my writing is inspired by life experiences, and while I always keep an element of “fiction” in my fiction, very much of the stories stem from true events in my personal life.

Q: How did you get into writing? Is it something you’ve always wanted to do?

A: I’ve wanted to write since my teenage years and got my first real taste of it in a college writing course. While I never gave up on the hope of penning a novel, nearly 30 years passed after that creative writing class before I began my first book.

Q: Do you have any advice for other writers?

A: Hmmmm. Maybe just take your time, do the research, and don’t rush to get the work out there. My first novel took six years to write, and sometimes I feel like it should have taken longer.

Q: What’s your experience marketing your book? What did you like/dislike? Any tips for other authors?

A: My experience in marketing my book can be summed up in two words. “I suck.” So I guess my tip to other authors would be to look at what I’ve done, and then do the opposite. 😊

Seriously though, my advice would be similar to that of writing. Take your time, do the research, and don’t be afraid to get help from someone who’s been there.

Q: What's next for you? Do you have any other projects in the works right now?

A: I am currently working on my second novel, with the working title “Life Boat.” I’m hoping to have it completed by the end of 2022.

Q: What’s a fact about you that might surprise your readers?

A: When I was 7 years old, I lived on a sailboat for an entire year.

Thank you to L.R. Eckley for taking the time to share his writing journey! Be sure to check out his debut, God’s Country, below!