where i've been
honest thoughts from the space between books
It’s almost a year since my last book, Tenderly, I Am Devoured, released, and I’ve been quiet. I needed the space to breathe, to process, and to figure out what comes next.
Ever since my debut in 2021, I’ve carried big dreams — to break out, to reach wide audiences, to build a career that felt sustainable and joyful. A six-figure deal with a major imprint felt like the beginning of that journey.
What I’ve learned is how differently publishing can treat authors once the debut shine fades, even when you’ve done everything “right.”
I am deeply fortunate to have traditionally published four books. Tenderly, I Am Devoured brought some of my proudest moments: a starred review, most anticipated lists, and a beautiful special edition.
I worked incredibly hard: hiring my own publicist, running promotion, and leaning on the genuine enthusiasm of wonderful readers. I’m so grateful for every milestone.
And still… despite all that effort, I couldn’t move the needle on sales and visibility the way I’d hoped. Four books in, I found myself caught in the familiar midlist cycle so many authors know: modest support, modest sales, and mounting pressure to fix it all myself when so much was outside my control.
It was exhausting.
Last year I reached a turning point. I needed a real fresh start and the kind of support I believed my stories deserved. So I took a big risk: I left my previous publisher and wrote the book I hoped would be my adult debut — a sapphic litfic novel that felt like the best thing I’d ever written.
It went on submission… and it died. Every editor passed. Four books into my career, I felt profoundly lost.
I stepped back from social media (deleting my Threads account was genuinely one of the best decisions I’ve made). I read whatever I wanted, played far too much Elden Ring (if there is such a thing), and let myself just be.
Slowly, something shifted.
I started writing again. This time a story that felt like the truest, most alive thing I’ve ever created. After so much struggle, I’m hopeful instead of just tired.
A new chapter is beginning, and I’m so excited to bring you along.
To every reader who showed up for my books, left a review, told a friend, or simply stuck around during the quiet times… thank you. You are the reason I didn’t quit. Your support has meant more than you’ll ever know.
If you’re in your own “in-between” season right now, please know you’re not alone.
Whether you’re writing, creating, or chasing any big dream that feels heavy—I see you.
More soon. I promise.
With gratitude,
Lyndall
I just wanted to say I love your books (especially Tenderly I am Devoured) deeply. While I'm sad we'll never get to read the sapphic litfic I am so excited for whatever you'll choose to give us next!