R.A. Lingenfelter Interview Published on: 11, Feb 2021
What’s your happiest memory from childhood?
Getting my own horse on Christmas Eve. I was 3 years old. <3
Who introduced you to the world of books?It was an accident. We would travel back to Pennsylvania a couple times every summer and I had NOTHING to do so I picked up a book and fell in love.
What were your dreams during your childhood?To do anything with horses and to marry Rick Springfield. Hahahaha!
Do you remember the first book you ever wrote?Heavens yes, it kept me out of prison!
How would you describe your career as an automotive mechanic?Fast paced, stressful and very gender discriminative. But I love proving all of those men wrong.
Why did you decide to write under the pen name, RA Lingenfelter?I write sweet romance under my married name and when I started to crave writing otherworldly creations, I was told I needed to write under a pen name. I’ve always been proud of my maiden name so it just clicked to use it for my darker stories
What were the key challenges you faced when writing your first book?I didn’t know what I was doing, at all! When my Dad had a stroke before Christmas, I wanted to get it done to encourage him to walk and come home. Since I didn’t have an agent or publisher, I chose to self publish it. The day I handed him my first paperback, I watched him walk 8 steps!
How did you begin writing the Small Sacrifices series?It had been an idea I had for a few years. I don’t like how governments all around the world lore over their people. We shouldn’t have to pay to be alive and enjoy this beautiful world. That coupled with my love of the Divergent series sparked me to just write it down, hahaha.
What inspired the story of your book, Grave Devotion: A Love Story?I’m so very old school but I see this younger generation wanting to change everything about themselves instead of loving and embracing who they were born to be. Nobody should change themselves to make someone else fall in love with them.
Who inspired the character of Anastasia in "With Love; Now & Forever"?Anastasia is actually me. This story is loosely based on how I lost my first love (though my mother handled the situation MUCH differently) It haunted me for years and this was my therapy to get it out. It thrilled me to death when it became my first #1 book on Amazon
What is the sweetest fan-mail that you have ever received?A young lady emailed me to tell me how much she loved my writing, how it transported her to another world. When she told me she wished she could write, I emailed her back encouraging her because ALL of us have a story inside, just not all of us want to write it. She told me she was in tears that I had actually encouraged her and she promised she would start on that story.
What are some tips for a male fantasy writer wanting to write stronger female characters?Read female lead stories! There are some tough fictional chicks out there. Take notes and enjoy!
What according to you are the key ingredients of a successful book?Strong emotions, vulnerability and a deep, realistic connection with your characters. I usually cry at least once when I’m writing a story.
Which is the next book you are working on? Is it a series or a stand-alone book?I’m working on three books right now. Rise of Falcons in the Small Sacrifices Series, Declaration of Crows, also in the Small Sacrifices Series and International Death-Selling Author, a stand alone murder mystery.
How has your experience of being associated with AllAuthor been?I absolutely adore AllAuthor. Everyone has been supportive and embraced me like a friend, not just a number. I’m so grateful I found this family
