Inside the Mind - R.A. Lingenfelter

My journey into writing was entirely unplanned. With a background in automotive technology, I never envisioned myself as an author. However, after the birth of my daughter, I found myself unexpectedly fired during my maternity leave. To support my family, I took a night shift job, allowing my husband and me to alternate caring for our newborn. In the midst of exhaustion and frustration, I began jotting down dark thoughts about my former boss, imagining elaborate scenarios of revenge that would appear accidental. My father, who was living with us at the time, stumbled upon my musings and suggested they could form the basis of a compelling story. Inspired by his encouragement, I transformed those vengeful ideas into my debut novel, Mechanics of Murder. Since then, I have embraced my newfound passion for writing and dedicated myself to honing my skills. This unexpected turn of events has led me to become an award-winning author, and I have never looked back. What began as a cathartic outlet has blossomed into a fulfilling career that I cherish deeply.

I just finished the fifth and final book in my Order & Chaos series. It is a bittersweet end, saying goodbye to the series I celebrated and cried with the past 6 years. It launched me into the world of being an award-winning author and also the world of being banned on social media.

My inspiration seems to have a mind of its own, emerging spontaneously in my thoughts, evolving over several days, and ultimately insisting that their stories be told. I find myself powerless against their whims, as they mock my attempts at planning.

When my books faced bans, my income from royalties vanished, compelling me to seek a traditional 9-to-5 job. This led me to establish my own HOA management business. I now dedicate my early mornings and weekends to writing, holding onto the hope that one day I can return to being a full-time author, a pursuit I deeply long for.

I value the freedom to make my own choices, retain the rights to my books, and decide where I want to travel for book signings. This autonomy allows me to shape my career on my own terms and connect with readers in meaningful ways.

The situation involves a troubling intersection of factors. I find myself banned from social media platforms by individuals who associate my series with the current political climate in the United States. Additionally, self-proclaimed experts dictate the language I should use in my social media posts, often disregarding the insights of true industry professionals.

Every individual carries a unique story within them, and with the rise of self-publishing, countless voices are now sharing their narratives. However, many authors overlook the importance of crafting a compelling story, seeking professional editing, and researching market trends. To lay a strong foundation for your writing career, it is crucial to ensure that your book is polished and market-ready before introducing it to the world.

I'm currently launching a book tour across the USA to connect directly with readers and share my series, as my sales figures reflect a need for more personal engagement. By meeting fans in person, I'm aiming to bypass social media entirely and create a more meaningful connection with my audience.

I am thrilled to introduce a new genre I've coined: Crimeantasy. The Nightmaerz series will blend real-life crimes, many inspired by true stories featured on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO, with a fantastical twist. Central to this narrative is Azreon, the enigmatic keeper of accounts for those who have inflicted harm. Azreon presents the offending souls with three distinct choices of punishment, forcing them to confront the consequences of their actions in a gripping and imaginative way.

Readers are welcome to suggest their town or city for inclusion in my book tour schedule. Your input is valuable, and we encourage you to reach out with your ideas. You can fill out the form at https://www.raeannehadley.com/book-tours/