CassAsks - Clare Lydon + some other info (Patreon)

Before we jump into CassAsks, I just wanted to tell you all how deeply appreciative I am of you all for being here. Making the jump to publishing full time 2 years ago was the best decision I've ever made. It's kind of a full circle cycle, you know? Because of having such incredible people subscribing on here, I was able to make the leap into publishing and able to up my productivity on here.

On a similar note - things in the U.S. are very uncertain right now for a lot of people. I'm not going to get into a full political chat on here, but I do want to say - for the month of November, all of the income here that isn't going toward paying my bills, will be going to donations to local food pantries and "adopting" holiday wish lists for kids living in the foster system (I'll be given their Christmas lists and able to make sure they have a few extra items under the tree).

I did not grow up with a lot of money, and my family has needed assistance at different points throughout my life. So it really means a hell of a lot to me to be able to give back now when I'm able to.

I think that we're going to be able to make a difference for at least a handful of people this holiday season, and it really is a group effort. It genuinely means the world to me, and I'm so, so unbelievably appreciative of everyone here. Not only because I get to write for all of you full-time, but for being able to make a difference for people who need it as well.

I wanted to post this specifically because if y'all want to see any updates at the end of next month, I'm happy to share! Please let me know.

Onto CassAsks for the month!

Fun fact - the first interview I ever did in this community was with Clare Lydon!

I honestly can't even remember it at this point because I was SO nervous about it. Talking to people was never my strong suit, and I'd never talked to anyone about my writing at that point. Honestly, it was nerve-wracking beyond that because I still wasn't really comfortable with people seeing... me? I didn't even have social media (twitter/IG) at that point.

It was a great place to start, though, and I'll always be very appreciative!

1. What was your first fandom you ever joined (if you were into a fandom). Did you read fic for it? Have you ever written fic? 

Er, I’ve never joined a fandom. I didn’t even know fanfic existed until I started writing sapphic romance. I know they exist, but in another world to the one I live in.

2. What part of the writing process strikes you, first (a plot line, a single scene, the characters, etc)? 

The reason the characters are drawn to/repelled by each other. What’s the spark? There’s a book rattling around my head at the moment, and all I know is the moment they meet and why it’s difficult. It’s a big story. I need to figure out how it works. But it’s the key moment of attraction that gets me writing a story every time. When I wrote Before You Say I Do, I already knew the moment they met, the moment they’d get together, and why it would be so tricky. Same with my recent release, Just Kiss Her, and also, Change Of Heart. Huge barriers existed in all those books that everyone can understand. Barriers outside the characters’ emotional responses which often mess things up. Same with the book in my head right now. 

3. You’ve co-written a few books with a few different authors (Once Upon A Princess with Harper Bliss, One Golden Summer with T.B. Markinson) – how does this process differ from your usual way of writing? What is the most difficult aspect of co-writing, and what do you think is the most rewarding?

The process differs because the book gets written at double-speed. In both cases, we each took a POV and wrote alternate chapters. So the most rewarding aspect is easy - someone else writes half the book for you, and in doing so, the plot can go off in cool directions you never even considered. Plus, writing together you have a built-in cheerleader and added motivation to do what you said you would to push the project along. On the flipside, the most difficult aspect is showing someone your first draft - that’s pretty vulnerable! Also, the plot might go places you don’t want it to. To write with someone, you have to trust them first. I did with both my writing partners, which helped massively. 

4. You’ve written several Christmas-centric novels (All I Want for Christmas, Christmas in Mistletoe, The Christmas Catch). What do you enjoy about writing a holiday romance? 

I love the magic dust that Christmas sprinkles everywhere. I try to embody that in my festive novels. There’s nothing I like more than a festive movie, and I hope my novels echo those. I love including Christmassy scenes, and some of the Christmas magic. Plus, is there a better first kiss than one in a snowstorm? I don’t think so. I’m writing a Christmas romance at the moment, set in London. Where else?!

5. One of your most successful books is Before You Say I Do, in which a bride falls for her professional bridesmaid. What about writing this complicated situation drew you in? How did you stumble on the idea?

I heard an interview with a professional bridesmaid on the radio and I immediately thought, ‘if she fell in love with the bride, that would make a good story’. Hence the book was born. I sat on the idea for at least 18 months before I started to write. Once I did, it just flowed, and I think that comes over in the writing. The situation is a little different to most romances, the stakes are high, the tension is real. It’s a dream setup, and I’m still really pleased how that book turned out. It’s still my best-seller. 

6. What is your favorite idea that you haven’t yet written?

The one rattling around in my head right now. I’m VERY excited about it. I tried to start writing it a few months ago, but I wasn’t ready. It’s next up when I’ve written my Christmas novel. It’s do to with football, but it’s not a sequel to Hotshot. 

(** fun fact, I'd done this CassAsks a while ago, and but had people lined up in the slots throughout the year, so hadn't published this before, but this is about The Princess Match!)

7. What is your favorite meal?

That’s a big question, because I love food! But probably something fishy. Asian-style sea bass or miso salmon are two faves. Or a good steak frites with bearnaise. Or a pork schnitzel with anchovies and a fried egg. Followed by a good tiramisu or a sticky toffee pudding with custard.

8. If you had to pick two of your main characters (from different books/series) to be best friends, who would they be? And who, if any, would be enemies?

Great question! I think Kate from This London Love and Jordan from Before You Say I Do would be great mates. They’re very solid, dependable, can-do. They’d be the pool-playing lesbians with a craft beer in hand, but they’d let you on the table with a smile. I think Meg and Abby (their partners) would get along great, too. 

Princess Olivia from Once Upon A Princess probably already has India Contelli from Hot London Nights in her phone. I reckon they’re regulars at Soho House. 

9. Who is your own personal favorite character in any of your books?

Probably Jordan and Kate, again. If I had to pick one, it’d be Kate. I also have a very soft spot for Harriet from Twice In A Lifetime because she’s great. Also Jess from London Calling, even though she’s an idiot at times. She got the ball rolling. 

10. What book got you into reading? 

No one book I can remember. My dad and my sisters were all big readers when I was growing up, and I was always at the library. Now I swap book tips with my nieces. We’re a family of readers.

11. What book got you into reading sapphic romance?

The first one I read was in a hostel in New Zealand when I was travelling. No idea what it was called. Alison Bechdel’s Dykes To Watch Out For series was the first true sapphic romance series I read (it’s still brilliant). After that, I found Georgia Beers and Gerri Hill. When I looked for British books, I couldn’t find any. So I decided to write them. 

12. If you could pick one song to epitomize your characters, what would it be? One song each, for as many characters as you’d like to answer with.

OMG, there are too many songs! A lot of my books tend to feature songs because I love music. And a universal truth is: there’s always a country song to represent your love. Bonus points if you drink whisky and beer. 

13. What is your favorite Taylor Swift song and/or lyric?

Before I was a novelist, I was a music journalist. I remember Taylor releasing her Red album and I told everyone it was great. They all sneered. I had the last laugh! I love 22 and I Knew You Were Trouble purely for their pop credentials. But Cardigan & Betty are probs my faves. 

14. Have you ever read a book – or fanfic – that is criminally underrated? Now is your chance to advertise it: 

The Secret Of You And Me by Melissa Lenhardt deserves all the plaudits and more. It’s brilliant, and didn’t get the spotlight it deserved. 

15. What would you title your auto-biography?

How To Be A Professional Lesbian.

16. Your books include a wide variety of tropes – do you have a favorite to write? Is it the same as your favorite trope to read?

My favourite tropes to read are second-chance romance; fake-dating; smalltown. It’s probably the same for writing. I didn’t used to love fake dating. Now I’m obsessed. I can’t write ice queen to save my life: my characters are always flirting from the off. 

17. Finally – where would you put these characters on a seating chart: 

Erin Stewart from Change of Heart by youSutton Spencer from Those Who Wait by meCaid Harris from And Playing the Role of Herself by K.E. LaneTaylor Lopez from Destination You by J.J. AriasNora Noakes from The Secret of Me and You by Melissa LenhardtCelia St. James from The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Explain your reasoning :)

My memory is terrible, so I only have a vague recollection of these characters even though they’re in some of my favourite books. Celia and Caid next to each other obvs so they could chat acting. Sutton has probably watched some home improvement shows with Regan, so she could sit next to Erin who would advise her on all things colour and design. They could also chat about their difficult times getting together with their respective others. Nora would be top of the table because she sorts shit out and orchestrates. Taylor would be at the other end, wondering how the hell she got there.