Bonus Episode with Shaelynn Long

Hey friends! Welcome to another Indie Author Spotlight Bonus Episode! Hopefully you read the feature on Shaelynn over on The Writer's Workout website, where I'm a volunteer. If not, well, you're missing out on even more awesome information about this talented Indie Author. Seriously, just go and read the interview, you won't be dissapointed.

unsplash Anastasiya Leskova

What does your writing ritual look like? 

It happens late at night, at least 11:00 pm. Only “mood lighting” allowed–absolutely no big lights (ceiling lights). Mug of herbal tea (peach-lemon is a current favorite) with a lemon slice and honey. Mug warmer because I will inevitably forget the tea is there and it will get cold before I ever take a sip. A specific playlist for the project will be on in the background. Mechanical keyboard for vibes. (I use an Aula F99.)

Then I sit (or stand, depending on what my day’s been like) and just start typing. I sometimes will reread the last few paragraphs of what I wrote previously, but more often than not, I just read my notes on what needs to happen during the scene or chapter. I don’t write my books chronologically–I start with the moments that are most vivid and then build up to or away from them.

What’s the worst advice you’ve ever received as an Indie Author?

This is going to be controversial, but to write every day. That doesn’t work for me. I try to write as often as I can, but I’m neurodivergent and chronically ill, so putting the “write every day” pressure on myself is so unhelpful.

What’s your go to book, movie or musical artist when you need some inspiration (or just a break from the keyboard)? Why? 

My go-to book is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. It’s a good reminder that a powerful story can come out of characters who have real flaws and decide to change. Music, though, is probably the art that inspires me the most. Anything Sleep Token is doing is probably playing in the background of my life at least 75% of the time. Their lyrics are beyond beautiful, and the music itself is really gorgeous.

If you could snap your fingers and be “known” for one piece of your writing, what would it be? Is it something already published? Or is it something in your heart you’ve not yet written?

The project I have coming out in December 2025 is one that I feel really, really strongly about. I think that’s the one I’d choose. That book is currently titled Court of the Unwanted, but I think that’s going to change when we go into edits this summer.

Any other tidbits you wanna share? 

Support indie authors! Ask your public libraries to get their work, and write reviews for whatever you read.

Do you have a newsletter you want people to sign-up for? Link it here: https://shaelynnlong.substack.com/