An Interview With Lindsey Lanza, Author of “Speechless”
When it comes to getting your big break, people say it’s often about who you know, and I feel so fortunate that I know some amazing writers. After all, surrounding yourself with fellow creatives only makes your own work stronger—and the experience of creating it that much more fun!
To celebrate the launch of her debut novel Speechless, I sat down with Lindsey Lanza, whom I was lucky enough to work alongside for five whole years at a tiny tech startup that grew into a multi-billion-dollar business.
Back then, we were simply known as the “Iterbitties,” and now Lindsey is now the author of one of 2023’s most anticipated romance novels.
But before we dive into the interview, if you haven’t yet heard of Speechless, here’s the blurb to set the stage:
When life’s off-key, go to Malibu
Bestselling author Lucy Gold may write fairy tales for a living, but her own happily ever after is looking bleak. Seeking a fresh start after a sudden divorce on the eve of her thirtieth birthday, she decides to make a new life for herself and her service dog in Los Angeles. But when her living arrangements fall through just before takeoff, a handsome stranger offers to let her stay with him and his motley crew of musicians in Malibu. Her gallant hero? None other than Henry Turner, the award-winning composer whose music has held Lucy together while her life’s been crumbling apart.
Henry might be at the peak of his creative career, but his crippling anxiety throws his personal life completely out of tune. Yet all of that changes the longer Lucy stays with him and his housemates, swiftly becoming one of their own and offering Henry a glimpse of happiness he never thought possible. As their relationship deepens, Lucy’s attraction to Henry cannot be denied, but as she works through the aftermath of her divorce, she’s resigned to give up on love. Henry plays all the right notes and says all the right words. Will Lucy be able to hear them over her fear of the past repeating itself?
Speechless is a swoony saga about finding your people, overcoming your deepest insecurities, and choosing happiness no matter what life throws at you.
If that blurb isn’t enough to make you race over to get your copy, then this conversation with Lindsey certainly will.
Let’s jump in!
1. Hi Lindsey, tell us about yourself!
Let's see! I'm obsessed with my dog, and I read about 150 books each year, while trying my best not to neglect my husband :)
I recently moved to New England, which has been a big change, but I'm loving it. My day job is consulting clients on email and mobile marketing, but writing has recently become my favorite hobby/side-gig.
2. What inspired you to write Speechless?
It was actually born from a recurring dream. I can't say much more without giving away the ending. A lot of it is taken from my own life, with major embellishments, of course. And a lot came from my over-active imagination while listening to lots of Taylor Swift.
3. How would you describe your writing process for the book?
Absolute and utter chaos? I don't really have much of a process, especially with Speechless. I wrote the final chapter first, then some scenes in the middle, and so forth. I think the prologue came after my second draft?
I'm trying to outline book #2, so I'm slightly more organized, but my brain just loves mayhem.
4. How do you balance writing with work and other priorities?
Not well. I have a pretty busy job as it is, so adding on writing and publishing a book is A LOT. I find time whenever I can, sometimes in between meetings, first thing in the morning, or late at night.
The good thing is that I truly enjoy writing, so it never feels like work, even when I've been sitting at my desk for hours.
5. What were your top lessons learned on your path to publication?
There are so many! I think my biggest piece of advice would be to reach out to other authors. It's a little scary to put yourself out there, and trust me, not all of them are nice (or even respond), but the ones that do have been in your shoes. Being able to commiserate and learn from each other is truly a godsend.
6. What were the most helpful resources as you wrote and published your book?
Honestly? Google. My search history would terrify you. Also, beta readers. Don't ever be afraid of critical feedback, and try your best to encourage it. Yes, it's more fun to just have people gush over your book, but use the publishing process to make it the absolute best it can be. Your reviews will thank you.
7. As a popular bookstagrammer, what are your go-to marketing tips?
Ooof, that's a tough one. Social media is a scary place, with algorithms changing daily. It can be so frustrating to put time and effort into content only to have it seen by 10% of your followers.
I think when it comes to bookstagram, the most important thing is to engage with others and have fun. Sure, you want to create unique and fun content, but making friends and being able to chat about your favorite books and fandoms is what's rewarding.
And when it comes to marketing my own book, I think the best thing to do is get it in the reader's hands. Shipping costs are insane, but the best promotion will always be from others.
8. Which authors do you admire most?
Too many! I think V.E. Schwab has the most beautiful writing, I don't even look at the synopsis before deciding to pick up something of hers. Emily Henry has this superpower to make all her readers giggle on demand. Taylor Jenkins Reid crafts characters that I refuse to believe aren't real, no matter how many times I'm reminded Daisy Jones and The Six isn't an actual band. And Sarah J. Maas, her worlds are just iconic.
9. What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
DO IT! One of the most annoying things I've discovered recently is that as soon as I tell someone I wrote a book, they respond with, "I've thought about writing one," or "I've been writing one for a while." Not to discount these people, but there's no one stopping you, but you. So, find the time, figure out your support group, and write the damn book.
10. What’s next for you this year?
In a weird twist of events, I have two books in progress. Luckily, I decided to press pause on one and go full steam ahead with the other. I'm currently sitting at 12,000 words, but I'm excited to get the rest of the story out. Yes, I already wrote the epilogue. Chaos reigns supreme.
Book People Are the Best People
Big thanks to Lindsey for dropping by this blog to celebrate her book birthday with me!
Readers have really rallied around Speechless, and I’m so excited to see this story reach a wider audience.
If you’d like to support Lindsey, you can get your copy of Speechless today and leave a review on Goodreads.
We hope you enjoyed this interview, and if you have any more questions for Lindsey, please drop them in the comments. Thanks so much!