1. Please tell us a little about yourself.

I am originally from Denmark but currently live with my hubby and two kids (incl. 1 cat and a dog) in the back-of-beyond near the Sherwood Forrest, U.K. 

I began my writing journey when I was called by the ‘muse-who-must-be-obeyed’ after the birth of our first child, but I think it started much earlier because already back in primary school, me and my friends would write stories, and later fan fiction. I have a habit of trying to do things a little differently, so I always put the best and worst into the melting pot, always striving to weave a guaranteed unique read. 

At present time, I’ve yet to discover the truth about the Universe, but I do feel I sometimes comes close. As for life in general, it certainly wouldn’t be quite the same without Coffee, Chinese food, and candles.

2. What do you write (genre, length)? 

I write a mix of epic and high fantasy. The shape of my current series came to life because I wanted to write something a little outside the boundaries, and I had a concept idea to try and do a book that focused on the characters and what makes them tick. 

I also wanted to introduce a slightly lyrical feel to match the world building, and I was interested in seeing if it would be possible to write a serial that acted much like the episodes of a TV series. I like deep and lengthy stories, so naturally this is the format I have adopted for my work. 

3. What is/are your current project/s? Please give us some details. 

At the moment I am trying to finish the last 3 episodes of the serial, The Missing Shield. Earlier this year I published a box set in the format of an Authors Preferred Edition of the serial, which contains the first 6 episodes, and it’s my hope that I can get part two out next year. 

As life would have it though, I’m also writing a new stand-alone epic fantasy adventure, which is a blast. It’s set in the same world as The Missing Shield, but before the deranged gods were banished so it’s very cutthroat and lawless, with crazy magic, race wars, etc…

Still untitled, this is fast-pace story that follows main character Lyciha Greenblade, a merchant/smuggler, who fails to make a delivery to her benefactor and suddenly finds her life sliding sideway. Forced onto a path where everything she does will effect what comes next, her stubborn will to set things right soon prevails. One catch: Unfortunately, she can only save herself or her twin brother. 

If you like to BETA read, I am currently building a new team, so if interested in joining, please drop me a line at any time

4. Who (author or otherwise) or what book inspired you to write?

I am hugely inspired by fantasy writers like Hobb, Erikson, Martin, and Wurts, but I get most of my inspiration from the things that are all around me: my kids, names, places, the news, music, pictures, television, films, etc.

5. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Just write! Just get something down on paper or electronically, it doesn’t matter what. Please don’t ask other people about what you should write: This is up to you to decide, but if you don’t write something you will never get any further. Also, be prepared to grow a thick skin and let go. This business can really get you down if you let it. It’s damn hard work, and if you wish to publish and be taken serious, you have to become a jack of all trades: editing, graphics, networking, advertising, blurb writing, you name it. 

Start setting yourself up early; grow your followers, share your stuff, support others, get your brand in front of people—and out of all the people involved in the business (most cases), be prepared to earn the least amount and never give up. If you have a story to share, do it! 

6. What do you do for a living?

I am a full time house person (I hate the title house wife – I find it derogative and dated and it makes me feel undervalued). It’s not how I ever planned it. My hubby works away, which has made it impossible for me to work regular hours—and finding a job that flexible was just impossible, so some years back I left work to look after the kids. 

Writing has been my way of expressing myself and keeping something of myself when all else drowned in kids and all that comes with it. It’s a privilege to be at home with the children rather than passing them into childcare every day, but I also I wish I had a job. Writing does not pay the bills. 🙂

7. Who is/are your favorite author(s)?

I have been privileged to meet some awesome indie authors these last couple of years. Self-publishing has really opened up for some major talent (as well as some crap of course), but I read almost purely indie authors now. Amongst some that I truly admire are: Liz Steinworth, Beth Hodgson, Justin Fike, Angel Haze, John Kang, Xanxa Symanah Wallace, Jay Batista, CN Lesley, Justin DePaoli… oh, the list goes on.

8. What is/are your favorite book(s)?

I love Steven Erikson’s Malazan series. It’s big, bold, deep, crazy, full of prose and full of characters and amazing world building! I am so in awe of the mastery of his descriptions and imagination. I also love Robin Hobb’s Liveship Traders. Everything in that series is completely weird and wonderful and so original when I first read it that I just couldn’t turn the pages quick enough. But I also love historical romances by Elizabeth Chadwick (the UK author) and historical mysteries by C.J. Sansom.

9. What’s the best compliment someone can give you as an author?

Actually, just reading my work. They may like it or not, but that first step is a leap of faith that means so much. After that, for me it’s things like fan art, getting in touch with comments, and recommending my books to others. Recently someone told me I that I craft great sentences. That was a lovely compliment. 

10. What is the strangest/most interesting/coolest/weirdest/scariest thing you’ve had to research for a book or short story?

I honestly forget. I did look into languages to create the basis for some of the languages spoken in my created world. This was interesting. I have also researched recovery times, effects of injuries such as broken ribs, weaponry, armor, clothes, etc. Because I write fantasy I am very good at making things up, but I tend to do mini researches when I need to ensure authenticity. If all else fails, magic fixes everything. lol.

11. What is the most difficult part of writing for you? Why?

It’s finding a balance. I’m better these days, but everything’s a choice, so by writing I give up something I might otherwise have been doing. There are also the financial aspects, which I won’t get into (yawn), but these can cause a strain, sometime due to the differences of opinion between how I view my writing and how my hubby/everyone else views it. It’s forced me to separate my writing from my home life, but I have gotten used to it. 

12. What is your favorite genre to read? Why?

I will pretty much read everything, bar YA. I used to love YA but maybe I’ve written too much or seen too much, because I now find the story lines very predictable. I enjoy books with clever twists and well-developed stories/character arcs. I can read crime one day, then go to a historical mystery the next, only to fancy a steamy paranormal book. My go-to will always be fantasy, but there’s room for other stuff too. 

13. What are some little known facts about you? Hobbies, talents, anything?

I used to be fluent-ish in 6 languages (I taught myself Latin for an exam). I have a weird fascination with swords and all things Oriental. I can fix (almost) everything with duct tape, I listen more than I speak, I love horse riding, and I think I dream the future.  

14. Do you like physical books, ebooks, or audiobooks better? Why?

I prefer ebooks. It’s a simple question of eyesight and space. I physically cannot ram any more books onto my shelves and because I wear glasses and contacts, I find it easier on the eyes to have a screen where I can adjust the size of the writing. Nothing beats the feel and the smell of the physical copy of a book, though!

Find L.L. at the links below!

Email L.L.: llthomsen@themissingshield.com

Twitter: @LLThomsen1

Facebook: Linda L Thomsen

Facebook: @themissingshield

Instagram: @llthomsen

Goodreads

Pinterest

Books

The Missing Shield, Part 1 (The Veil Keepers Quest)

A Change of Rules