Lindsay Lackey: Welcome Ideas Out of Your Comfort Zone

We’re so pleased to welcome former KidLit Craft contributor Lindsay Lackey as our first Snack-Sized Author Interview, where we ask authors five questions that give us insight into their craft and process.

Lindsay’s second middle grade novel, Farther Than the Moon, was recently awarded the Northern California Book Award for Middle Grade. Her first novel, All the Impossible Things, was named on several “Best of” lists and was awarded the Black-Eyed Susan Award in 2021. Both are books where characters are figuring out how they want to move through the world and to love and be loved. Welcome, Lindsay!

Question 1: What's your writing superpower?

I think my superpower is crafting strong, believable, flawed relationships between characters.

Question 2: What’s an element of craft you explored in your latest project and what tips can you share with other authors for growing in their use of that particular element?

Farther Than the Moon tapped into a whole world I was not naturally comfortable in: STEM. I've never considered my mind particularly science-centric, so tackling the many STEM themes, topics, and activities in the book was daunting at first! 

I combatted my insecurity by doing waaaaay more research than was necessary, and by utilizing my connections. I have a friend who is a retired astronaut, and he read and advised me on several drafts. I also reached out to a few very savvy young people I know, including the son of a friend who was in a robotics club. 

My biggest tip for authors is to 1) don't be afraid! New topics and challenging themes ARE possible, even if you don't naturally grasp the concepts. And 2) Ask for help! It might feel awkward to share early drafts with people who have more experience in certain areas, but don't let that hold you back. Books are built like houses: the results are much better with the help of a few experts.

Question 3: If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give yourself as a new author?

If an idea comes to you, trust that you are capable of giving it life. I do believe that ideas can abandon us in search of someone else if we don't nurture them when they first arrive. Now, I try to welcome ideas without so much self-doubt, but I know I forfeited many shiny inspirations to fear when I was younger.

Question 4: What inspires you as a writer?

Life. Both of my books were born from real-life experiences, whether my own or those of someone I love. I try to listen, to learn, to keep my curiosity burning, because inspiration really is everywhere.

Question 5: What’s one book you think every kidlit author should read?

The Same Stuff as Stars by Katherine Paterson. It's one of her lesser known books, but it’s my favorite. It is, however, utterly devastating. It’s an incredible example of how ruthless an author must be to their characters sometimes, and demonstrates a profound respect for the capacity of young readers to feel and understand both grief and beauty.

Bonus Question: What can fans look forward to next?
The paperback of Farther Than the Moon comes out in February. And I'm working on a book that is related to All the Impossible Things, which is very fun and exciting. I'm also starting to branch out into other genres!

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Lindsay Lackey is an author of middle grade fiction and former library services worker. She was born in Colorado and now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and their spoiled dogs. Her debut novel, All the Impossible Things was the recipient of multiple honors and critical acclaim. Her second novel, Farther Than the Moon, launched in 2023 and was shortlisted for several awards, including the OWL Award and the Cybil Award for middle grade fiction, and recently won the Northern California Book Award for Middle Grade.

You can find Lindsay on Instagram and TikTok: @lindsaywrites and at lindsaylackey.com

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