Difficult story that needed to be told
Lyndsay-Jean Campbell is a former journalist, probation officer and social worker. Her first book, The Aro Street Girls, was published by an online publisher in 2018. The recently released Precious Little Lives was self published. JILL NICHOLAS questioned her about the mechanics of selfpublishing and her chosen genre.
Why have you chosen to bypass established publishers?
It is difficult to get that first publishing deal. Books based in New Zealand have a small market, which makes being accepted by a big publisher rather unlikely unless you're writing thrillers. My first book was published by an online publishing company, now defunct. Self-publishing's a lot of work and expense to do a good job, but you do have more control.
How difficult have you found promoting and marketing selfpublished works?
Promotion is something I'm learning about. Writing the book is the first challenge and one I enjoy. Having it edited and proofread to a high standard is the second; promotion and selling is another journey entirely. While both of my novels are available as e-books, I chose to get printed copies as well because I think historical women's fiction is primarily enjoyed by older women who prefer a real book.
How do you classify yourself as a writer?
Historical fiction is what I most enjoy reading so it was natural to begin writing in that genre. There are so many great New Zealand stories out there. My books also fit into the women's fiction genre.
Your first book’s set in World War I, the second in World War II. What drew you to these periods?
While I didn't want to write about war itself, the war years are full of drama, the huge number of men who signed up from NZ's small population was astounding. American Marines were based in New Zealand during World War II which also made this an interesting period to set a story.
Did capturing these timeframes require significant research?
Historical fiction's set in real times and the detail must be correct. These days the majority of research can be done on the internet and photographs are very helpful. Many websites, such as Papers Past, contain news stories, advertisements, births deaths and marriages. Museums have had wartime displays, which helped me get the feel for the times. I was also fortunate to have relatives who lived through World War II and able to tell me about their experience first hand.
When did you first begin to write novels and how long does the process take you?
I began my first novel in 2015. Both books took about three years to complete. Once I've got a general story arc, I go back and fill in the details and develop the characters. I do a bit each day and enjoy it. Beta readers then give me feedback. My editor and proofreaders suggest changes, then a cover must be designed. All this takes time.
Precious Little Lives deals with teenage pregnancy, adoption, possible sexual violation by a man of the cloth and racism, all contentious subjects. Were they difficult to write about?
Yes, they were difficult topics to write about but I felt it was a story that need to be told.
What’s next from Lyndsay-Jean Campbell’s keyboard?
I haven't begun another novel yet, I needed a break from such big projects but I've written a few short stories and poems. I think I'll choose a somewhat lighter topic next time.
■ Price includes P&P. Available from lyndsay. campbell2015@gmail.com.