Lucy A. McLaren

Today, I have the joy of sharing an updated interview with my friend and fellow author Cindy van Wilder. I met Cindy on Twitter back in 2018 when I first joined in the search of critique partners for my book (that which went on to become Awakening). They have been an amazing supporter of the project ever since, as well as a wonderful friend.

Over to you, Cindy!

Hi Cindy! So, for those who might not have read our previous interview, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Hi Lucy and thanks so much for this interview! So, let’s start with some basic data – I live in Belgium, I’m 39 years old and I’ve been a published non-binary author for 8 years, with the first volume of my fantasy saga, Trespasseurs. I am also a translator – the job that pays the bills! I’m represented by the wonderful agent, Roxane Edouard, at Curtis Brown, who has the daunting task (among many other ones) of trying to get one of my books translated into English!

You’ve recently had your French-language fantasy series, Land of Mist, adapted for radio. First of all, congratulations! That must have been incredibly exciting. How involved were you in the audio adaptation of your books?

Thank you! It was really an extremely exciting adventure and all the more so because I was involved in the process from the start. At first, when the books, of which there are two, were turned into scripts and then, when the work with real actors started in the recording studio! It was so great to hear them read the characters’ lines, it really felt like my book was coming to life before my eyes! As the medium chosen was podcast fiction – which is a real adaptation and not a read aloud, as in an audio book – we had to think about a whole series of parameters that I as a writer did not take into account because I implicitly relied on the imagination of his reader. For example – what sounds are produced by the oars sliding through an ocean of mist?

(Spoiler alert: we’re still looking for the exact answer :D)

How did it feel when you first heard your characters and world brought to life by voice actors?

It’s an experience I wish every writer could experience! The first time I visited the studio in the middle of recording, it was like being given the keys to the Disney castle as a child. I could have stood there for hours listening to them reciting my lines!

You’re always so busy working on loads of projects. How do you find juggling your numerous writing projects with full time work?

Very good question! I must admit that I’m not a very organised person, but I had to find a way to do it all. I also don’t make it easy for myself because I like to take on different projects at the same time, but I’ve realised over time that it’s just my way of working and staying enthusiastic about what I do. Changing media also helps – as I’ve recently started working on digital illustration!

Which writing project are you currently most excited about? Can you share some little teasers with us?

Oh, I’m always passionate about what I’m working on – whether it’s my writing or illustration projects. The one I’m most advanced with at the moment is a YA fantasy/steampunk novel, where the main character is a bearded woman, who has the gift of extracting memories from any memory. I have to say, she’s a fascinating character to work with!

You’ve recently shared some great artwork you’ve been working on. What made you want to get into drawing?

I’ve always been drawn to the world of illustration – the inking, the colours, the shading. What made me back off was that I just didn’t think I could do it. But the desire was there, so much so that at one point I said to myself “ok, fuck it, I’m going to try!” And I rediscovered an essential truth – practice makes perfect. In other words – you have to keep on working on it and learning the ropes. As a result, I’m having a lot of fun with this medium now!

Is there anything you’d like to try in your writing career that you haven’t already done?

Lots of things! Adapting one of my works into a comic book, or even a webtoon – I’ve become a fan of Lore Olympus, to name but one – writing a new thriller, or writing for adults or for a younger audience… There are always plenty of challenges to take up!

And lastly, have you got any recommendations for us based on what you’ve been reading lately?

You know that’s a question I never fail to answer 😀

I’ve already mentioned Lore Olympus. In fiction, I’d actually recommend the works of Louise O’Neill, whose latest novel Idol has just been published. I love this author’s incisive style. Otherwise, among the works I’ve recently read, I really enjoyed discovering the prose of William Hussey, with his Hideous beauty, a novel that moved me to tears and that I highly recommend!

Thank you so much, Cindy!

To learn more about Cindy and their work, you can follow them on Twitter (@cindy_vw) or check out their author website.