Welcome to the weekly Irish Independent Authors Collective (IIAC) author interviews. Today on my blog, I’m delighted to introduce you all to Pam Lecky. I hope you all enjoy learning more about Pam and be sure to check out her books.

Irish Independent Authors’ Collective – Pam Lecky

Tell me a little bit about yourself and why you decided to join the Irish Independent Authors’ Collective?

Hello Amanda, and thanks for hosting me today. I’m an Irish historical fiction author with a love of the late Victorian/early 20^th century. My work is predominantly mystery/crime and romance, including novels and short stories.

IIAC has been brewing for some time. Catherine Kullmann had voiced the idea to me some time ago, so when she took the bull by the horns and initiated the group, I was delighted. The most frustrating element of being an indie author in Ireland is the lack of opportunity to sell your books to the public. Few bookstores will take your books, bar perhaps some local ones. Writing festivals tend to be geared towards traditional publishing houses and authors. As a collective, we have the power of numbers and experience to jointly promote the best of Irish indie. I believe the group has the potential to be a real player in the Irish publishing arena. The idea of hosting our own book events really appeals to me.

How long have you been writing and why did you decide on self-publishing?

My first forays into writing were teenage angst-ridden poetry. I had some success with them, winning prizes, but I would dread for those poems to see the light of day now! It was while on career break with my third child that the writing bug took hold and I have been writing ever since.

Self-publishing wasn’t my first choice but having sent out my manuscript unedited to a lot of agents, and of course receiving polite refusals, I sought advice from my friend, author Ciara Geraghty. She advised getting to know the business and engaging an editor. I took her suggestions on board and after a self-publishing conference in the Irish Writers’ Centre, I realised self-publishing was not only doable but intriguing. I love the control it gives me over my work and how I present it.

I was extremely lucky to be referred to Hilary Johnson, an amazing editor, in the UK. She loved my work and encouraged me to publish. I haven’t looked back since. My debut novel, The Bowes Inheritance, was awarded the B.R.A.G. Medallion, shortlisted for the Carousel Aware Prize and longlisted by the Historical Novel Society for the Indie Award in 2016.

Do you think the stigma surrounding self-publishing is lessening?

That is a tricky question and honestly, I don’t think it is. I see far too many published ebooks and paperbacks which are clearly not edited or proofed, with basic formatting errors, amateur covers and multiple typos. I admit this drives me crazy. Engaging an editor and cover designer is an expensive business but if you are competing against traditional publishing, have pride in your work, and expect people to pay for your books, you owe it to them to present the best possible work you can. So the stigma, in some cases, is well deserved. Unfortunately, it hurts the rest of us who do spend the time and money on our work.

The Carousel Aware Awards, the brainchild of Carolann Copland, are going some way towards introducing quality to the Irish indie market and it is my hope that it grows and earns the prestige it deserves. Hopefully, the IIAC authors by association will help to lessen the stigma and ensure the public realise the wonderful and diverse work available outside the traditional sphere.

What do you feel the hardest part of self-publishing is?

Undoubtedly, the marketing and promotion. It drains your valuable writing time and is expensive. Again, you are competing with publishing houses with far bigger budgets and wider reach. Thankfully the indie community worldwide is highly supportive. I have learned so much from them and in turn try to help other authors when I can.

What genres do you write?

I write mostly historical fiction but have ventured into contemporary and paranormal. One of the joys of being indie is that you are free to explore multiple genres.

What is your favourite story or character that you have written?

At the moment my favourite is Lucy Lawrence, a strong-willed Victorian woman featuring in my new mystery series. She overcomes a host of unfortunate events to become a more rounded woman than your average Victorian female. The first in the series, No Stone Unturned, will hopefully be published next year.

What time of day do you prefer to write?

As I work part-time I have to fit my writing in whenever I can, so it varies from day to day.

Do you have a special writing space?

I’m very lucky to have an office at home. Only the cat is brave enough to enter!

Do you outline your books ahead of time or just go for it?

I’m more of a pantser than a plotter but I usually start with a basic outline and as I research, the plot and characters develop.

Who are your favorite Irish authors?

My favourites are, unsurprisingly, 19^th century – Maria Edgeworth and Somervile & Ross.

Your latest book, Past Imperfect, is predominantly historical fiction short stories, what was the inspiration behind it and is there anything you would like readers to know?

Past Imperfect is an anthology of my short stories, some previously published as Kindle short reads. I wanted to show I could write across a wide range of genres and explore some themes and ideas that had been rattling around in my head for ages. There is a mix of romance, tragedy and the supernatural with settings as diverse as WW1 Dublin, the sinking of the Luisitania and a contemporary ghost story set in a lonely lighthouse. Two of the stories were inspired by my family history. It is a collection I am very proud of and a couple of the stories may well become novels at some stage.

Is your latest book part of a series and if so how many books are planned for the series?

No, though I hope to produce more short story anthologies in the future. However, my Lucy Lawrence mysteries will be at least three novels.

Where can readers find out more about you?

I hang out online on Facebook, Twitter, and blog on my website, www.pamlecky.com. All my work is available on Amazon world-wide, with The Bowes Inheritance and Past Imperfect available as both ebooks and paperbacks.

Past Imperfect by Pam Lecky

You can never escape the past …

Included in this anthology, by Irish historical fiction author, Pam Lecky, are short stories, a childhood memoir and a Victorian novelette.

With settings as diverse as WW1 era Dublin, the sinking of the Luisitania, and a lonely haunted lighthouse, romance, tragedy and the supernatural await you.

Past Imperfect is available now in ebook and paperback from Amazon and can be read for free if you have a KindleUnlimited subscription.

Until next time,

Keep reading and writing,

Amanda