Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Lucy Lyons

Book Title: The Finding Machine

Released:  02/27/23

Genre:  Cozy mystery with a hint of Scifi

Interview by Heather L. Barksdale

What inspired you to write “The Finding Machine”?

Lyons: I get a lot of my inspiration from film and TV. The idea for my book started percolating while I was watching ‘Superman’ (for the umpteenth time). I started thinking what superhero power I’d have, if I could have anything. The ability to fly? Healing people? I couldn’t come up with anything that felt right for a novel, because I didn’t want my main character - Alex Martin - to be superpowered. I wanted her to be a regular girl. In fact, I wanted her to be a bit of a loser. Co-incidentally, the next night, I watched the excellent Mackenzie Crook in ‘Dectectorists’ and that’s when it hit me. Finding things. But instead of treasure, what about finding people and their pets? The germ of an idea grew into a novel. The Finding Machine is the incentive Alex Martin needs to get out there and make something of herself.

How did you come up with the names of your main characters?

Lyons: Two of my characters are real people who very kindly let me borrow their names! Thankfully, they were happy to continue using them in the sequel!

Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process or your book?

Lyons: I started writing when I was 15 and completed my first book on an electric typewriter and carbon paper! I have two epic fantasy novels out on submission to publishers. I enjoy writing fantasy and my Finding Machine mysteries equally.

If "The Finding Machine" was adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?

Lyons: Charlotte Ritchie would have to be my top choice to play Alex Martin. For Antony Eastwood, her housemate, Martins Imhangbe or Rege-Jean Page would be incredible!

When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?

Lyons: I've never had this - is it a thing?

Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?

Lyons: Write the thing! A few hundred words a day adds up to a novel over a year. Don't be afraid to get critiques from fellow writers. Learn to take criticism - the more you get, the more your writing will improve. There are lots of online communities to help you on your journey.

What is your favorite genre, book, and/or author?

Lyons: I read everything. In the last month I've read Peter James, Adam Kay, Kate Quinn, Saki, the list goes on. Bill Bryson and Peter James are among my favourite authors, but I'm loving modern fiction, too including thrillers by J.P.Delaney

What are you working on next?

Lyons: I'm currently writing the sequel to the Finding Machine. The Millennium Affair is set in 1999. The threat of the Millennium Bug hangs over the Finding Machine. Can Alex keep it working long enough to solve an old cold case involving an invisible killer?

Interested in checking out the book for yourself?

Find it for purchase here or Kindle Unlimited

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