Lindsey Fairleigh and Lindsey Pogue interview zompoc author Sarah Lyons Fleming about her latest release, World Departed (Cascadia Series, book 1), a brand new zombie apocalypse series set in the same world as her Until The End Of The World series and The City Series. WARNING: This episode contains spoilers about three of Sarah's series.
Link to World Departed on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0859CFGRF/
Sarah Lyons Fleming on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sarah-Lyons-Fleming/e/B00DXFM03O/
Sarah's website: https://www.sarahlyonsfleming.com/
Sarah's FB Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/176291096216903/
Join the No Shelf Control Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/noshelfcontrolpodcast
Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/noshelfcontrol
Lindsey Pogue's website:
https://www.lindseypogue.com/
Lindsey Fairleigh's website:
www.lindseyfairleigh.com/
Lindsey Fairleigh and Lindsey Pogue interview zompoc author Sarah Lyons Fleming about her latest release, World Departed (Cascadia Series, book 1), a brand new zombie apocalypse series set in the same world as her Until The End Of The World series and The City Series. WARNING: This episode contains spoilers about three of Sarah's series.
Link to World Departed on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0859CFGRF/
Sarah Lyons Fleming on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sarah-Lyons-Fleming/e/B00DXFM03O/
Sarah's website: https://www.sarahlyonsfleming.com/
Sarah's FB Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/176291096216903/
Join the No Shelf Control Facebook Group:
www.facebook.com/groups/noshelfcontrolpodcast
Support us on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/noshelfcontrol
Lindsey Pogue's website:
https://www.lindseypogue.com/
Lindsey Fairleigh's website:
www.lindseyfairleigh.com/
spk_0: 0:06
welcome to no shelf control podcast with books, booze and banter hosted by authors for readers. Because, let's face it, we're all burns on her. In each episode, we chat with our favorite authors about their latest releases, current Reed's story, inspirations and all things bookish. I'm Lindsay fairly, and I'm Lindsay Pope. Grab a cocktail kickback and enjoy the
spk_2: 0:30
show. Welcome to Episode three. I'm Lindsay Pogue, and I'm here with my lovely co host, Lindsay Fairly. And our first official guest author, the Dompok Queen herself. Sarah Appliance Fleming. Sarah, welcome to our very new but very awesome. Thank you. Of course, we're really excited that you're here. Um, like I said, your first. So, uh, this is the perfect It does we experience for all of us
spk_0: 1:04
were used to talking to each other, but it's awkward. When we talked to other people, I'm always
spk_1: 1:11
awkward, so, you
spk_2: 1:12
know, that works great. Okay. Okay. So we obviously have a lot of questions for you. Um, but we're going to start before we dive in an interview. Let's go ahead. Check in. What we like to do is a talk about our cocktails. What? We're drinking cocktails or mock tail. Sorry. I should clear by and then we'll go ahead and kind of talk about what we're working on right now, and then we'll dive into the bookshelf s. So, um, I guess I'll go first. Just because I couldn't quite have the mic at the moment, Um, I actually had my husband make me a cocktail for the first time. It was supposed to be the, you know, kind of the every episode ritual of him making me a cocktail, but it hasn't worked out the last few times. So hey, actually made me a French 75 tonight, which is one of my favorites because it's fresh squeezed lemon juice and gin. Witches all time safe and champagne or sparkling. Why? So I'm really excited. There's a little bit of sweetener in there, but I try not to get too heavy handed on that because I actually really like the brute status. I like the economic sweet stuff. So anyway, that's me. I'm excited, though, Um, tohave an actual decently proportion cocktail this 10. That's not there or really over the top. What do you ladies
spk_0: 2:36
drinking? I have enough. Okay? I have nothing exciting. Just sparkling blackberry juice. Because I am with child, huh? Yeah. Lindsay already knew that. She's no way past the danger zone, so yeah. Yeah. So no boozy drinks from A for another six months.
spk_2: 3:07
Sparkling blackberry Sounds really good, though, so Yeah. Yeah,
spk_0: 3:12
it's good. You know, when I was pregnant
spk_1: 3:14
with my daughter, I had this, like, insane craving for beer and, like, I could not get rid of it. And I was like, Well, you know, you can't drink beer every day,
spk_0: 3:25
so I actually had to
spk_1: 3:26
go out and find, like, halfway decent, um, non alcoholic beer. And I
spk_0: 3:32
had a
spk_1: 3:34
What do you say?
spk_2: 3:35
How was it?
spk_1: 3:36
It was bad. I mean, I was pregnant. I was desperate for beer,
spk_0: 3:39
for whatever reason, you know, Ted, but, um,
spk_1: 3:44
yeah, so it is out there if you need it
spk_0: 3:50
on, and I
spk_1: 3:51
am drinking, um, what we call a pink drink with a friend of mine was a bartender. We also called the laurel A, but, um, he made it up, and it's in one of the city Siri's book. Um, it is master vodka, triple sec, sour mix, lime. You, um I think there's something else that I can't remember now. Cranberry juice.
spk_0: 4:21
And then
spk_1: 4:22
you top it off with shelter
spk_0: 4:24
or seven. So it's so refreshing. It was resting,
spk_1: 4:28
and it's Flutie. And it's kind of like drinking a sweetheart.
spk_2: 4:33
Nice. Yeah. You have to bite. I like the bite, too.
spk_1: 4:37
I do.
spk_2: 4:38
Yeah. Well, cheers, ladies. This is our first group. A cocktail motel. Our It's exciting. Um, so, Lyndsey, uh, for Sarah Don't want We're talking mobile we're working on. What do you got going on right now?
spk_0: 4:53
I have three projects going right now because I'm insane. Apparently. Um, So I am working on still with you, Lindsay. Ah, world. After which we have, like, three chapters left. I think we're so close. Um, and then I I, um, released Finally, I released the first episode of All World Online, which is my life. Episodic podcast serial. Uh,
spk_1: 5:21
that I need to
spk_0: 5:22
go. I don't know. I've been pretty quiet on social media. Yeah, so that got delayed by like, a month when the first episode was supposed to come out because I was sick forever. And when you're pregnant and sake can't take any medication, so you just feel like crap and was so snotty. Like it was gross like you got. Nobody wanted to hear that. Um, So So I was finally able to record it, Which was Ah, whole crazy experience. Um, but a, you know, big learning curve. I wasn't trying to make anything perfect. Sound like an audiobook or anything like that. Um, so that was fun. I'm glad that's out. I start writing Episode two tomorrow. Ah, and I have almost a full first act of book three in the Atlantis legacy. Um, kind of my bare bones first draft. Um, done. So that's exciting. Nice. Nice niceness. Uh,
spk_2: 6:19
Sara, I know everyone's gonna want to know how you're doing. I mean, I know you don't talk about Well, I'm
spk_1: 6:28
doing, I am. I have two Children home with me
spk_0: 6:33
during slop
spk_1: 6:34
down last quarantine. So yeah,
spk_0: 6:39
I I'm working. They couldn't
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see my air
spk_0: 6:46
quote. I
spk_1: 6:48
did them on world departed book to in the Cascadia. Serious, so yeah. One day I'll actually get more than four words written
spk_2: 7:00
Jason Coons and E
spk_1: 7:06
r. Visits has been
spk_2: 7:07
a whirlwind. Yeah, Crazy town. It's crazy town. Um, so I'm I It's a weird like not a lot has changed for me personally. A lot changed her dentist and work stuff, and he's been home a lot. He works for the school district, and I'm sure I talked about this last time, but, um, they're closed through August and he's a mechanic. So, um, well, we're not really sure what his schedule is gonna be like for the next, however many months. But it's been it's been really nice having home, cause he's like he's just like kicking ass with house projects, which is really nice. Of course, I feel like a complete my man in the office working by flicking completely the ass because he's like sweating. He's like like Holland's up around. And I'm just like sitting here in my wound, close typing. I like, you know, um, you know, crossing things off the list. But, uh, it's been really funny because his office is right on the other side of the wall is nine. And so he's you know he's in there, but he plays game twenties in there. Uh, he listens to podcasts and stuff. So it's just funny, because I've been listening to a lot of music through the wall and, uh been hearing a lot of guns going off in the games. And, um, he could really
spk_1: 8:27
politic frame of
spk_2: 8:28
mind. Yeah, it's really until it keeping me in it, you know, Um, no, but it's funny, because he, uh it was a really big kind of scrubs when it was on. I don't know if you guys ever watch that show, but they started a podcast. And so Dennis is now officially following his first ever podcast. Um, so I get to listen to Zach Braff and the people who are in that podcast breaking down every episode, So that's really funny. I
spk_0: 8:54
was gonna ask, but itwas yeah, analyzing it
spk_2: 8:57
will sort of They're just They're comedians. So it's just them, like talking about their experience and, like, you know, all the behind the scenes stuff stuff that we like to know about authors, and then they're writing procedures and, like, you know, whatever the inspiration for stories, it's like that, but for his favorite sitcoms. Anyway, um, so you know this business, but it's it's fun, though. I like having you home. Um, for now, we're only guys were only, you know, we're only exceeding week of the first month right now, So we still have to be Oh, right. But anyway, um, no complaints, though. No complaints. Um, but I for me, I have been chugging along. Um, well, as you guys know, untamed as a beta readers right now, since you're both reading it, um, and I'm outlining loosely these book I'm broken, which is coming next, trying to work on the darkest winter audio book, which I hope will be out in the next few months. We'll see. Um, but yeah. And just everything between, you know, writing finishing up for world after. And I'm sure there are other things, but, you know, that's enough for now. So, um, but otherwise everyone's okay. I know there's a lot of craziness going on, You guys. I don't know. Do you really feel it at all? I mean, Sara, I know you've had to get out of the house and, you know, kind of whether it's going to the e r, you know, dealing with whatever are you guys are Does it feel Does it feel a lot different to you guys? Well, I guess it just you, sir, because you have your kids home. Yeah,
spk_1: 10:44
I think that's the biggest thing. I mean, I'm always in the house and, you know,
spk_2: 10:47
Yeah,
spk_1: 10:48
I'm an introvert, so I
spk_0: 10:50
don't know. I'm not like,
spk_2: 10:51
Oh, man, I really
spk_1: 10:52
miss going out being around people,
spk_0: 10:53
but, um, yeah,
spk_1: 10:55
but I'm used two people leaving the house,
spk_0: 10:58
and the right gets a
spk_1: 10:59
hang out there, you know, and do my thing. And now it's just been very much there. There's my thing is like, you know,
spk_2: 11:07
No, not saying any more. Yeah,
spk_1: 11:09
nothing. But, you know, making the best of it. Like we've been having family game night more often and
spk_0: 11:18
started
spk_1: 11:19
the garden because usually were gone for so much of the summer that we haven't had one in years. And I was like, Whatever, we're not going anywhere. So get going on the garden. Which is what when Lindsay, before talking about raccoons, that neighborhood raccoons who are crapping in my garden. So now I find I've erected an electric sense to keep them out. So, um and yeah, but so that stuff is different, but not necessarily bad.
spk_0: 11:47
Yeah, yeah, yeah, for sure. Well, I am naturally a hermit, so it doesn't change too much for me. other than I do do world. Normally when things were normal, I do all of the grocery shopping and that kind of thing. Um, but pregnant people are considered in danger for this, so I don't do anything. Um, I make grocery lists for my husband, and I leave the house tow walk, my child. That's it. But at least my office is in a different technically, in a different building for my house, so that it feels like I'm going somewhere.
spk_1: 12:24
Yeah. How old is your son now?
spk_0: 12:27
At 1.5 1
spk_1: 12:28
and 1/2. Okay. Cool.
spk_0: 12:30
Yeah. So he's crazy. He says his new word is sock. Except not with an S with, like, a CG Sam. So? So he's just walking around saying things that sound inappropriate. Starting. Yeah. Yeah, he's great, though.
spk_2: 12:56
Well, does that mean anyone has extra time to read now or does that mean no? Because everything's different.
spk_0: 13:04
I have extra time, but only because of the phase my son is in. Um, I could sit in the same room is him and he'll, like, play with all of his stuff and wander around. Um, and I could just sit there and read until he decides that I need to read to him. So
spk_2: 13:21
what do you What you reading?
spk_0: 13:23
Oh, ah. Uh ah. I am still working through the throne of glass. Siri's, um I think it has something, like seven or eight books, and I'm on the third toe. Last book. I think they're seven books, but their mommy Yeah. Anyway, is really fun. Um, I thought it was y es It felt why when I first started and it's, you know, like that it's got the bigger type that's little bit more set or spaced out a little bit more. So, like, when you're reading it, it feels why, um and she's I think 18 when it starts. Um, but home an in, uh
spk_2: 14:03
oh, that sounds like it's a good race. It steamy, sexy,
spk_0: 14:10
like Echo trilogy. Sexy. I was like, Wow, I was not expecting that, but I liked it. So that's funny. That's fun. So if you're looking for an epic fantasy series that has some steam and doesn't shut the door right, that's your one. What about you guys?
spk_2: 14:33
Um well, I was listening to my, um what's called anymore. Said it. The last time, but whatever my book club book is, I stopped reading it. I'm listening to me because it's really depressing and I just can't do it right now. So I haven't stopped that one. Um, I mean, the writing's great, but it's it's about murder and I Anyway, I needed more joyful things in my life. So, um, anyway, I'm currently listening to a book for in the Arcana. Comfortable. I have been talking about that, uh, just started, so I don't even, you know, I'm barely in it yet, but still, like I'm not serious. And then I just finished a book by Molly Phipps and Rebecca J. Cox. It's, uh, why a paranormal like mythology, um, romance, I guess. And I really, really, really enjoyed it. I want those books. I really wanted to read the next book, and they only think they've really started on it. So I'm sad, but e way it was. It was a lot of fun because it's it's, um, it has a lot of like biblical references and, like mythology, mixed into it. And a lot of it ties in with history and, you know, it's just it's really, really fun and I really love that stuff in. It's one of those things were like, You can kind of guess what's gonna happen, which makes you like, but I want that to happen. So, like, you keep reading, but then it takes a twist, and then it makes you even all the more happy sort of thing. So, anyway, really enjoy that? Um, yeah. So that's kind of what I'm We're in that right now. I haven't started anything new about that. So my it's my and I actually don't read that much. So this is what, Since ice we started this podcast if, like when reading a lot more, Um, which I'm pleasantly surprised and happy about. Yeah,
spk_0: 16:32
but what you say, What are you reading?
spk_1: 16:34
Um, at the moment, I guess I'm reading three things because I
spk_0: 16:38
just operator, read all you movie
spk_1: 16:43
po'd. Readers can get jealous.
spk_0: 16:45
You know, um, I'm also reading
spk_1: 16:49
flew the, um I'm gonna put up my phone because flew the story of, um, great influence of panic of the great influenza pandemic of 1918 and the search for the virus that caused it, which, you know, it's timely, but also sort of that was a, um that flew was also a big you know. It took it could be most of the damage in the lungs. So you're reading it and you know that there's something out here now doing it. Of course I'm all like
spk_2: 17:19
E Don't know why I'm
spk_1: 17:22
doing that to myself. But I love nonfiction. I'm a big nonfiction reader. So, um, so it's a good one if anybody wants to read that.
spk_0: 17:32
And
spk_1: 17:32
I'm also reading a book called This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper. And I just started it actually today because I just finished another book on Dhe are yesterday. And, um, it's really funny. So it's like the complete opposite of reading about.
spk_0: 17:53
Okay. And then Nick notice.
spk_1: 17:54
Millions of people
spk_2: 17:57
have heard of that. I'm tryingto get up later. I feel like I have heard of that window.
spk_1: 18:01
Yeah, l I like, uh, I love it so far. It's really funny.
spk_0: 18:06
And,
spk_1: 18:06
you know, it's like terrible things were happening, but it's written
spk_0: 18:12
numerically so
spk_2: 18:16
great. Um, well, anything else you wanna check in about, or shall we dive into all of our reader questions for Sarah?
spk_0: 18:26
Did we, like, introduce her beyond her name. Oh,
spk_2: 18:31
I guess my brain Everybody just knows who she is. Sorry, Caroline. Slimming author of World Departed and Best Book One in the Cascadia. Siri's right. I'm saying that currently my mind gets things really mixed up sometimes. So I think before we get started, um, why don't you tell us just a little bit about your Siri's? Because I know that it's I believe, anyway, that it takes place in the same world we already written. So if you kind of like, you know, lay that out a little bit and what makes this Siri's a little bit different?
spk_1: 19:06
Okay, well, yes. It's the third series in the same world where a virus, Borna Virus LX, has, um, basically turned most people into zombies. And, um, you know, it started with the until the end of the World Series and was followed by the city Siri's, which took place. Both of those took place on the East Coast. Um, and now this series is the West Coast.
spk_0: 19:38
So
spk_1: 19:38
new characters where the 1st 2 theories were, um, very blink. In terms of characters, this is starting off as all new people.
spk_0: 19:51
Yeah,
spk_1: 19:52
willing with the same virus.
spk_2: 19:55
Well, I have told you this, and I absolutely love the Siri's, I think because it's on the West Coast. Nothing. I've never been to hell because I'm super excited. I know all the places that all your kids have gone to, so it's super exciting for me. Uh um Okay, so, Lindsay, did you I know you've read it. Did you have any thoughts or I mean, why don't we love her book, So
spk_0: 20:18
Oh, it's, uh Well, this is definitely my I mean, not not definitely is in, like, its hands, like it's, like, way better than the others. They're all amazing. But this one, I would say, is my favorite. Um, but I feel like I said that about more day cious when I first came out. Um, so, yeah, but I just love Rose. I loved the West Coast stuff. Um, I'm excited about the prospect that they might be heading up my way. Um, maybe
spk_2: 20:53
she's like, she's like, looking right. I used to be like Is she gonna give me the O?
spk_0: 21:03
Um, there's lots of great places to write out a zombie apocalypse up here. Ah. Ah, yeah. No, I love. I love it. I'm can't wait for the next one even though I know it's gonna be like in a year and 1/2. Uh,
spk_1: 21:17
since Oregon just canceled school for the rest of the year.
spk_0: 21:21
Yeah.
spk_1: 21:22
Yeah.
spk_2: 21:26
I don't put the clips to work, right. Help you write your book, though.
spk_1: 21:30
There. They've both been lucky so far. We're hearing all these horror stories about school starting another online school. But both my kids so far, my son, he's pennies in fifth grade and they're basically like this week. They're like, sign in to the website and next week we'll have lessons. So Adam and my daughter's just had to do a few zoom calls every day, but there's not a lot of work, so I don't know what's gonna happen next week, but next week is when it really begins. So maybe
spk_2: 21:59
we'll
spk_1: 22:00
do that, I don't know, but I don't know if you can see I'm hiding in my RV right now to do this, though. Also, the mobile office so
spk_0: 22:08
nice, that's
spk_1: 22:09
that's the next plan is just going out to the office for, you know, for Alice or something.
spk_2: 22:17
Hey, you gotta do what you gotta do. Right? Wow. Uh, seriously. Well, we're excited to talk to you about this. We had a lot of reader questions, so hopefully we'll get to all of them. But, um,
spk_0: 22:31
how do you want to do,
spk_2: 22:32
Lindsay? You wanted I have them pulled up in front of me. Donated justices start going down the line, or what would you like to do? I know you have a couple questions to So weaken?
spk_0: 22:39
Yeah, we can trade off, or I don't know if we want to start with our questions so that we make sure we get that. Uh, So, uh, yeah, do you wanna do your question? And then I'll do my question and then we can alternate.
spk_2: 22:55
Sure. Why not? So, um, sir, Reader and I both had a similar question, so I'm kind of melding into one here, but it's a somewhat delicate question about some of your character sexuality. You and I have both written characters who identify themselves as part of the LGBT Q community in some way, shape or form. And so, while my characters, I think I have kind of happened just from my years off working with LGBT Q connections in Northern California and raising money for them and that sort of thing. And I, you know, obviously made a lot of friends. And over the years, um, I feel like some of my characters kind of have come really naturally to me. Um, but I'm just curious for you. Um and, um, Lisa was also wondering this is kind of what What made you decide to write characters? Um, who identified differently or, you know, that sort of thing. But it was there a reason behind it? Was there some sort of experience? Is that something that you were willing to talk about that sort of thing. So, yeah.
spk_1: 24:01
Um, well, I don't set out like, Well, here's book one. And I need
spk_2: 24:05
Thio.
spk_1: 24:07
So, you know, it's not like that. I think often, as you said, a lot of time, just in general, not with sex rally with with characters, they sort of appear. And it's almost like they are who they are. And I need to get to know them. Um, and in this book, say, with Craig, um, who is for readers who don't know, um, a sexual aid. He's a romantic, A sexual. And, um as I said that writing him, I really wasn't thinking. Well, here's my character. I was just sort of wondering who he was. And, you know, like, um, you know, I wonder if he, you know, is straight or gay or he's pan sexual or, you know, whatever. And it
spk_0: 25:00
was
spk_1: 25:00
almost like nothing fit when I was thinking of his overall story and character and, you know, his arc and all that. And I was like, Well, okay, it's not gaze by not saying it was like, you know, and and all of a sudden I just what it just occurred to me. Well, I guess he's a sexual, but it wasn't a
spk_2: 25:19
plan. Yeah,
spk_1: 25:21
wasn't kind of it was more of just that's who he waas because I couldn't find anybody that I could find, you know, that he would think romantically about and
spk_0: 25:30
just
spk_1: 25:31
kind of happened. Yeah, which is often the case with with characters, even their quirks. Um, it's almost like they spring to life, you know?
spk_2: 25:44
Yeah, I know for sure. Um, there's actually Lindsey. I'm gonna go ahead and just take this other question, because there she said, courts. And there's another question about. This is the only reason I'm gonna pop this one in there. Um, So Lisa was also wondering, um, she said, How do you go about choosing your character's personalities, quirks and flaws? Is that a kind of like, Oh, that person is really interesting. All use or, um, isn't more about that could be really unique. I want to see if it you know we'll fit in or have some fun with it or something like that.
spk_1: 26:18
Right again, it's almost like they come with their personality, is ready made or or like I said, it's like they're getting to know them over the course of time. It's
spk_0: 26:31
almost getting
spk_1: 26:32
to know any person. You're a real person who
spk_0: 26:35
runs
spk_1: 26:35
meat, and then you see and you see them again and you're learning when writing almost feels like that, sometimes in terms of characters that as the more you write them, the better you get to know them. And
spk_0: 26:47
the more
spk_1: 26:47
they sort of reveal themselves to you.
spk_2: 26:50
Yeah, no, that's good answer. I know. I think all of us all, there's a kind of really on that, as far as you know. That's why the book them our brains are always buzzing with characters changing stories around or, you know, going off on some tangent. We didn't expect them to go on or some adventure we weren't planning and thinking the same thing with characters. Yeah. Yeah. So that makes total sense. Lindsey, go ahead. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sneak that in there, but since we're talking about courtroom flaw, so go knew to
spk_0: 27:19
do. Um Okay, So my question is among your rabbit vans, which are extremely rapid, your well known for killing beloved characters. Um, I personally cried more times than I can count while reading your books. Um, do you know, ahead of time, who's going to die like from the start, or do you let things evolve naturally as you right through a series?
spk_1: 27:50
Um, both. Though Sometimes I think somebody's going to die. Are we? Are we Are we keeping it all Spoiler free your
spk_2: 27:59
No, no, we've decided. Not so smart. Do it. Everyone
spk_1: 28:09
You know I have. In the first serious Peter was going to die. He was dead like I knew he was gonna, like, redeem himself, but he was going to be truly dead and partway into writing the first book. He was basically like, I'm not dying Bets, like,
spk_0: 28:28
figure it out, you know,
spk_1: 28:29
And and And my brain was, uh I mean, obviously, he's in my brain, but it was kind of
spk_2: 28:36
like,
spk_1: 28:37
Oh, and And I started to see, like, this one scene between, um he and Cassie and they were talking, and, um and all of a sudden, it just occurred to me that, like, they were meant for each other. And, um, so he changed the course of the series, and I hadn't planned on that at all. Um, and other other deaths. I knew they were going to happen, but I'm always open to change. Um, and sometimes I'm not quite sure until it happens. Like in the city. Siri's. There was one character who died, so I didn't really realize it's going to die. And as I was writing the scene, I realized she was going to die. Um, this is another spoiler. So it's Kate in the in the, um, inspiration. Um, and I was kind of like, but I got up and shut down my computer and just had I had to walk around my house for like 10 minutes coming to terms
spk_0: 29:38
with the fact
spk_1: 29:39
that this is about to happen because I didn't know, like, I really hadn't planned on that happening. And, uh, and it was like a punch, you know, the gut. So, uh, so really depends. And they're in this series. I'm I know some people. I don't know others. I have one person who may die, and not till later. And it's going to take me this entire length of time to come to terms with the fact that they may die. So, um, and that can always change.
spk_2: 30:12
Right? One. Okay, so you're saying hold on to your butts. Says what you're saying, I you know,
spk_1: 30:21
for all that I killed people. I really hate killing people. Um, there's
spk_2: 30:28
part
spk_1: 30:28
of me that loves the writing of those scenes because they're so emotional and gut wrenching. And then there's the other part of me that hates it. And I
spk_0: 30:38
want everybody
spk_1: 30:40
to live. And I love happy endings. I love, like, easy. Like everything tied up with a bow, you know, um, kind of things. So it's hard. It's hard to do that.
spk_2: 30:55
Yeah, well, you're so good at it. That's why everybody loves hates you. Wait here. But, God, we need way. Uh um jointing melon. Wendy.
spk_0: 31:20
Ah. Anna says, um so this kind of relates to killing people. Um, we all know you cried, Justus. Muchas your readers, when you dramatically killed off special characters. But which one really tore you apart? Yes, but in any of your but sure.
spk_1: 31:39
Yeah. Um, Maria, I think Maria is the
spk_0: 31:43
words that one killed me.
spk_1: 31:45
My God, I I can't like I cried every single time I edited that scene. I cried. I mean, my husband was home one day because, you know, he teaches college, so he doesn't go to work 9 to 5. Um, and Ah. And one day I knew I was gonna head into that scene and edits, and I said to him, Listen, you're going
spk_2: 32:08
to be walking
spk_1: 32:09
around out. I'm kind of looking at it. I was just trying to be puffy and like, because I was just crying because I'm writing a really rough scene.
spk_2: 32:17
She's like,
spk_1: 32:17
Okay, you know, you know that I did. I walked around looking like I've been crying for
spk_2: 32:24
five hours to
spk_1: 32:25
something some. Yeah, he he was She was the hardest for sure. You both Because I loved her character. And, um, because Sylvia loved her so much too. It made it so hard.
spk_0: 32:43
Yeah, I think is a reader. That one was really hard because we knew about her before. Yeah, miniseries. And so I think we were already attached to her because of her daughters and so war. Then we got to know her and loved her for her and then knowing that she would never get reunited with her daughters, I think it was really hard. Yeah. Huh? Oh, sorry. A za mama's girl, I guess, uh, hard. That was hard for me.
spk_2: 33:21
Well, um, let's move on to Jennifer's question. Um, it's nice and sweet. And to the point, what was your inspiration for world departed?
spk_1: 33:35
Um, I don't know. I'm not sure. It's a
spk_0: 33:40
very It's a
spk_1: 33:41
very big
spk_2: 33:44
probably because, I mean, I'm gonna go out on a limb here and maybe try and break it down a little bit. But because you've written now three Siri's rights only been 33 Siri's within this world. What made you decide to switch things up and come over here? Tow our side of the U. S. Maybe What? What made you wanna maybe be There's two parts of that. Maybe I'm just asking the questions our way. What made you want to keep writing in the world you created? And B, why did you Why did you come over to the West Coast?
spk_1: 34:17
Um well, I had had this idea for the series for, um for years for a West Coast Siri's. But it was originally going to be a new adult seriously, and obviously it's not. I have three characters
spk_0: 34:37
in their
spk_1: 34:37
forties there,
spk_2: 34:38
definitely, Which is also that yeah, which
spk_1: 34:41
I love. I was so much fun to write people in their forties because, you know, I'm in my forties
spk_0: 34:46
and, um,
spk_1: 34:48
I didn't even have to do random things like, worry is the cultural reference. I'm making something that somebody the stage would know. It's like of course, they dio they know it, you know? So that was a, um, anyway, I don't know. I guess I was just curious about what it would have been like on the West Coast. And I'm out here. So, um, it's easy to research. And, uh, for one, you know, I said you know, watch will move back east now that I'm doing it. And yeah, so, I mean, I guess I didn't have much of a reason, except I wanted to continue exploring in this world.
spk_2: 35:31
Did you? Because you mentioned that you kind of had a wife. A serious that you were thinking about. Was it like this? And you've just changed it around a little bit and tweet that. Or was it completely different?
spk_1: 35:41
Yeah, it was, um it was going to be written from Holly's perspective. It was the same character. Um, I didn't I don't outline. So I had no idea where it was really going. I hadn't put a kind of thought into the storyline except that I did have that little prequel story that was Clara and Tom who were going to be characters in the book in the serious and is gonna be told from how is perspective. And, um, yeah, that was kind of all ahead. I didn't really know what was gonna happen after that. So But then, as I was working on, I guess it was working on inspiration. Or it might have been when I was finishing up pair of pity A. But we were just in here, was in my RV and we were on vacation and all the sudden Rose sitting in her car, You know, the first scene of the of the, um, world
spk_0: 36:45
invited
spk_1: 36:46
Ray sitting in her car, watching Ethan score drugs, and it just like pops in my head. And I just got my phone and started, like typing, typing, typing, and had the first chapter.
spk_0: 36:59
And there
spk_1: 37:01
it was, just like, you know, then the story just kind of blossomed.
spk_0: 37:07
That's me. Um, kind of related. Um, do you have Is there a particular inspiration for the character of Rose?
spk_1: 37:17
Um, I think all women who have been in the situation like that, um, you know, I've been in situations like that. I know. I've gotten many, many people since the book has come out. Who have you? No, not just drugs. Just a relationship that, um, has sort of a coward. Um, have have said to me I so related he rose and her feelings, her thoughts, um, and, you know, and even thank you for writing it, and that made me feel good,
spk_0: 38:00
because it's
spk_1: 38:01
always nice to have your own feelings validated, Sam.
spk_2: 38:05
Yeah. Yeah, well, she's a pretty riel rock here. I mean, she's really likeable, and she has a lot of issues that, like some, whether it's being a mom or, you know, having a you know, failing marriage or drug. But whatever it is like, those are all things that mean people have had some sort of connection to in some way, right? So I think that she's a really, universally like, relatable character. So you did. Yeah, you did a great job. She's my favorite, too. I think she has
spk_0: 38:35
such realistic flaws that they're just so relatable. Yeah, and it's not even something that, like, it's not something that happened to her. It's just like a part of who she is. It's like this situation she's kind of fallen into, and I feel like like anybody who's been in a situation like that can relate to it because it doesn't like happened all of a sudden, like, you don't even realize it's happening until all of a sudden you're in it and you're just like, Oh, shit, this sucks. Yeah,
spk_1: 39:04
And as women, I think often we you know, we try to suck it up we try toe, play it off. We try toe, you know, put a good spin on things. And we're, you know, always trying to smooth things over and not rock the boat. You know,
spk_0: 39:20
um,
spk_1: 39:21
not all women, of course. But many of us be that, um And so I think that's relatable to, you know, and and maybe even finally hitting a breaking point of being like, All right, you know, this has to change. I'm not going to do that anymore.
spk_2: 39:38
Yeah, um, that kind of boxes in tow. Lisa has a question. She says, How did you go about researching addictions? Was its search engine based or did you interview people who either have had an addiction or people that live with? Um
spk_1: 39:56
well, I come from a long line of addiction,
spk_0: 39:59
so I didn't, um
spk_1: 40:03
It's very present in my family. In my world. Um, I didn't Obviously, I've researched something, but because of my personal experience with it, I didn't have to, you know, do a lot of
spk_2: 40:19
right
spk_1: 40:21
li searching in terms of, you know, Internet or finding attic somewhere out there to talk. Thio, Um, I grew up going to a meeting with my dad. So, um, very much in that world. Um, And then, you know, family members over the years who have had substance abuse issues. Yeah. So it's very much a part of my world.
spk_2: 40:52
Yeah, I'm actually now they're saying that I'm wondering if that's why I like Rose so much because I like you. I mean, that's but it's been like my whole childhood, So I don't know, like, maybe that's why I think she's so really it's like I can No, I mean, I'm not necessarily I don't remember Helps you as you said 40 something and I'm not, you know, married to a drug addict or anything like that. But so many things that she goes through. And I'm not a mom, obviously. But, um, I just it just seems it's so relatable. Like I said, because yeah, I'm not. I've never been in her exact situation, but there's so many parts of my life, um, that I can relate to her as well, so yeah, no, I think it's great. I think she's really great. Wait,
spk_1: 41:34
My dad had a 40 years sober.
spk_2: 41:42
That's good. That's good. Oh, Sy. Okay, moving on. Um, let's do Lindsay, Do you want to take the next question? There are a little bit more upbeat. Yeah. Uh
spk_0: 41:58
um I mean, I don't know if this wouldn't count is upbeat, but, uh, not you know what drew you to the zombie apocalypse genre?
spk_1: 42:10
Um, you know, I I honestly still can't tell you, because I had on Lee ever read World War Z, um, which I like before I started writing until the end of the world. And I actually started that in 2011 as an E M p buck.
spk_2: 42:30
Uh,
spk_1: 42:31
I got Thio Chapter two maybe, and maybe Chapter three, and all of a sudden my brain was like, But what if there was on these?
spk_2: 42:43
Wait,
spk_1: 42:46
don't you know? I mean, I've seen zombie movies, but by no stretch of the imagination was I, like, zombie fanatic. What? I seen tons of zombie thing, you know? I mean, I kind of
spk_0: 42:56
like,
spk_1: 42:57
you know, I knew about zombies, but I've seen some stuff and liked it, and, like, I love 28 days later and things like that, but, you know, they weren't like a thing for me. And so I and the idea just took off like, But what if there were zombies? And I said, Well, that's really interesting. And, um, so you know, the lead cursor back to chapter one, and then all of a sudden nearly were
spk_2: 43:25
Yeah.
spk_1: 43:25
Yeah. So I I I I have no idea. I didn't even know. I think I think in 2011 like the walking dead was maybe in his first or second season. I didn't know about it until I had finished the first draft. And then I think my husband might have said, Hey, did you know there's a show about zombies on? So we started washing it. You know, I was excited. I loved it, but yeah. So osmosis or something? Maybe write about some,
spk_0: 43:58
um, related. Ah. If you could write in any other genre, what genre would you choose?
spk_1: 44:07
Well, um, I have another series that I want to write that one day I will write because I was going to write it. Maybe when I started the city, Siri's and then I the city's
spk_0: 44:18
tearing. I had
spk_1: 44:19
a went straight from the
spk_0: 44:20
city.
spk_1: 44:20
Siri's into this series. Um, but when I started writing the city, Siri's I started this other, um, serious. Which I don't really know What John wrote is, but it's sort of post apocalyptic. But it's also a lot of, um, mentality aliens and is, um, fantasy to get, So it's really, like a weird mash up. I don't know what you call it, so I would, you know, I got, like, 25,000 words into that. And then the city serious sort of took over, and I decided to go with that. So one day, I would like to write in that random fantasy.
spk_0: 45:08
Really? I know you can have similarities with right now. Yeah, and that, uh, serious is almost impossible to place into a genre
spk_1: 45:18
if it will make our own. I'm like I'm in fairly genre.
spk_0: 45:23
I want a sci fi adventure for the main John. You know what else and mythology,
spk_1: 45:32
right? Definitely. Miss
spk_0: 45:33
Bellamy. No. Yeah. Um, Lindsay, do you wanna get? Actually, I have one more question. Lady Sarah. What genre A book. Do you usually read?
spk_1: 45:52
I'm kind of all over the place. I like I said I love nonfiction. I left creative non fiction. So you know, that's where um, getting a non fiction story, but the author has written it almost often. Like a novel. You know, um, I love love, love books like that. I have an obsession with Arctic exploration. 18 hundreds. I have no idea why I hate cold. Like,
spk_0: 46:19
but I
spk_1: 46:22
ever since, Like, I don't know, 15 years ago, 20 years ago. I just I love books about that. Um, like you, Captain Franklin, that stuff, Um, I really love, um, characters. So you can give me pretty much and you need me pretty much any genre. And I will if long as the characters are done well and I care about them, I'll read it. I mean, I love everything from Chiclet toe thrillers, Thio mythology. It's just, you know, it's it's not necessarily the genre that pulled me in. It's the story and the characters and how much I care about them. You know, if I want to see what happens to them. But I'll read it.
spk_2: 47:10
Yeah, the Masons. Yeah, I'm trying to think of because I am kind of all over the place to, um and that I think that's the main thing for me to I can probably get past just on anything as long as the characters are interesting, like is like, you know, I would probably never just go out and buy a space opera. Or, you know, um, even the thriller really like I read them, but it's not. It's never one like the top of my head to be like, I want to read a thriller right now, but at the same time, if it's interesting, as long as the characters air somewhat, really relatable. And, um, I think that's something that, um, one of things I really, really like about your books and I've been noticing this a lot more as I'm reading is there's a lot of people who do like very minimal character development, like they do the tropes. But like I don't know, I don't feel like I know the character. And while the story is overall good, it's really hard to really get into it because I don't feel anything, really. You know what I mean? The story of the character and, um, it's just something I've been paying attention to a lot lately. Um, and because, you know, a lot of Raiders mentioned like about I make them cry, too, and I'm saying they're going like I write Like what I want to read. Write to me, Which is I'm sure what you d'oh! And it's getting to know those characters and having some sort of a connection. And I just think that that's the way you do it. It's so effortless. And like as I'm reading your stories and Senator going, how does she know that that tiny detail of that character, I would have leg that totally is hilarious and awesome? And I even as an author like, I would never even be able to speak that. Tell them how I care. Like, it's so cool, you know? So you're really good at that? Um,
spk_0: 48:59
it was kind of love it. Yeah, well, you know what? Never part
spk_2: 49:04
everyone gives you crap about taking all this time for your books. But like, you are so good at it. So it's, you know, it's worth it, right? Yeah. Your hair. Look, bitches, Do you want a good book, right? No, um, which actually kind of leads into the next question. Andi, I apologize if I'm mispronouncing. Your name was Mona, um, was asking, um kind of like you put so much. So many details. into your stories, and you do and everything is so accurate. And so, um, there she is asking you how, where and who inspired such a deep dive into, um, all of your research, I guess specifically into your, um, genre that you write in. But I kind of brought in that question and just say, like, is it like some sort of Ah, I don't not obsessive in, like, a negative connotation. But is your personality to be suit like super research ranted and to really get things down? Um, when you write about them because I remember you asking questions about confirming things about the Napa Valley area or whatever. And I'd be like, Oh, it doesn't look like this. And Michael, if you take this round on this road and like Oh, God, right, See, even you know more about you. So I'm just like, really you're really detail oriented. So I'm just curious how much of that is like just your personality or, you know,
spk_1: 50:29
yeah, I am probably the least detail oriented
spk_2: 50:32
thio every other
spk_1: 50:35
capacity. But when it comes to writing, when it comes thio, um, like schoolwork, you
spk_0: 50:45
know, things like
spk_1: 50:45
that are think I am extremely anal like I want. I want it to be right. I don't want to be wrong. I wanted a you know,
spk_2: 50:58
like, kind of like
spk_1: 51:00
I'm a nerd, you know? But, um, yeah, I I don't want to get it wrong. So I think that that's probably the main thing that makes me so detail oriented. I want everything to be right, you
spk_0: 51:17
know, Um, so,
spk_1: 51:18
like, I was joking around trying to figure out what happened to hotel room, door lock,
spk_0: 51:24
and the power
spk_1: 51:25
goes out. Like, why was working with somebody? Because I spent, like hours trying to figure out what happened when the power goes out, the hotel room door locks so and something like, doesn't really matter. And I'm like, Well, but they might be that one person who knows,
spk_0: 51:41
right? And then they're like,
spk_1: 51:43
she didn't get that right. Like I can't deal with that. That's not okay. So, um so, yes. So, by the way, most of the hotel room door locks have their own battery.
spk_0: 51:55
Okay. Good to know. Yes.
spk_1: 51:58
So for like, depending on when the batteries replaced the last for, like anywhere from 0 to 18 months or something like that. And then when their dad most doors default lock
spk_2: 52:11
uh, you know, do you? I find this happens to me a lot because I have been doing I mean, you know, I read about these places I've never been. So I have to do this crazy amount of research. And sometimes I mean, I feel finally even use half of the research that does that happen to you? Do you do a lot of research and then you don't always use it? Or do you like I feel like I want to say that I waste time on research because I feel like all that all that goes towards this big picture in my mind, and we understand it more, but at the same time, like I will spend almost two hours determining a room. But look around going one place and what it looks like an X, Y and Z. And then I never have the character go that way. And I'm like, What the fuck I know because I never happened. She old time has been out. This is what
spk_1: 53:00
my first draft take forever is because I am like, researching every little thing and I'm like, Well, what if they went down that street and then three hours later, I come out of that rabbit hole and I'm like, Well, they're not going down that street,
spk_2: 53:12
you know,
spk_1: 53:13
like a
spk_2: 53:14
completely time one
spk_1: 53:17
sentence. You know, it's something that, like, barely using, but yeah, I mean, I think that it helps for your, you know,
spk_2: 53:26
to
spk_1: 53:26
broaden your understanding of the story, even
spk_0: 53:29
if the
spk_1: 53:29
readers only ever get that one sentence.
spk_2: 53:36
Oh, gosh, It's so true.
spk_0: 53:40
Do you have, like, a lot of the survival and proper elements? Did you already have a lot of that knowledge or did that come from research? Um,
spk_1: 53:50
I mean, I researched a double check. I have a lot of that knowledge just because I have then into prepping and just reading about survival. Basically, since I was young, Um and you know, So I have known about food storage and oxygen absorbers and all of these random saying it the nineties and, you know, survival in the woods, things like that since I was a kid, Um, so but I d'oh learn something new all the time, and, um and I always double check because you know, you forget things.
spk_0: 54:36
Well, I really love and appreciate the water heater trying to have her murdered. Yeah, we'll talk about that. I'm like, did you know that I have the
spk_1: 54:46
people who are like, Don't tell too many people because the
spk_2: 54:49
water we're gonna
spk_1: 54:49
need, you know,
spk_2: 54:54
uh, that's funny. Well, well, go ahead.
spk_0: 55:01
Wendy. Do you have any other
spk_2: 55:02
questions? No, I think we're good. Um, I just figured we'd let Sarah talk about I don't know where they can find you And anything else you wanna share with the class.
spk_1: 55:15
Um, well, you can find me at sarah. Lions Fleming dot com. Um, you can find all my books on Amazon and audio books on audible and good news for people who are waiting for an audio book of World Departed. Um, podium is getting all the information from me this week, and then they're gonna start casting. So things were moving. The, um, pandemic slowed it down, but it seems things are picking up again. Um, so if you listen this long, that's your reward for Listen, uh, on and that's it.
spk_0: 55:57
Awesome. When, um, when you go with podium, do you have in a say and then casting. No, not with the first
spk_1: 56:06
series with this series on their ft. Me. Many more questions, but they have a casting director. And so, um see, I don't know if she's going to say, Hey, do you like these people? But basically, I'm giving her a lot of, um, character inflammation and anything that I feel is pertinent to characters. And then she they are going to figure it out. I too. I will say, though, that podium makes absolutely lovely audiobook.
spk_0: 56:41
Yeah,
spk_1: 56:41
no, I trust that will get it right.
spk_0: 56:46
Do you know if they're gonna choose four different narrators?
spk_1: 56:48
I'm not sure. I know too. Um, but I don't know if they're gonna do for if they're gonna do to and have the, you know, a male and a female and have the female voice. Both Clara and Rose and the male voice book
spk_0: 57:03
Reagan's
spk_1: 57:04
Tom. So I don't really know how they're doing it again. You know that There their
spk_0: 57:12
thing. Well, I'm excited. I'm definitely gonna listen. Thio love audiobooks. P s. I love Tom. Yeah, well,
spk_2: 57:23
he's so gruff and grouchy, but like he's so good at the same time. I don't know. I have a soft spot for the gruff guys. Think,
spk_0: 57:31
uh, as I was beta reading it. I think it was, like, very early on where I was. Like, I think that this is gonna be
spk_2: 57:37
a room in. Come on. I think it's a lot like I feel like I know what this is going.
spk_0: 57:45
Uh, um uh, yeah, My mom
spk_1: 57:48
usually doesn't boss me around about characters, but we all wrote She wrote to me all in caps in an e mail. Do not kill. Calm.
spk_2: 57:56
So, like, OK, you have been told light
spk_1: 58:03
Mom's around the case, so,
spk_0: 58:08
uh, that would be hard. Yeah. All right. Well, um, Sarah, is there anything else you would like to tell listeners?
spk_1: 58:18
I don't think so. But thank
spk_2: 58:20
you
spk_1: 58:20
for having me on
spk_2: 58:22
for coming
spk_0: 58:23
on. We're excited. You were our first guest.
spk_1: 58:26
And I get to be able to
spk_2: 58:28
know I e thinking really chat almost every other day. And I've never like I've obviously but you in person once, but like, it's really nice, actually. See you moving around like a real person e
spk_1: 58:44
hand waving, but
spk_2: 58:46
no, you're good. You're not writing your hotel but you know
spk_0: 58:50
Ah, all right. So, um, thanks for listening, everyone. We will be back in a couple weeks to interview Terra Better about her new release, Colonies and the final book in her Near future. Techno thriller slash Space Opera. Siri's the elder on chronicles. Um, if you enjoy the show, please leave us a review on iTunes Bore wherever you listen to podcasts, if it's a place that allows reviews. Ah, and don't forget to join the Facebook group. Ah, which is called No Shelf control books. Booze and banter Podcast. Um, just like the podcast. Ah, if you enjoy the podcast and want to show your support, head on over to our patriarch Page linked to in the show notes until next time. Happy reading. Happy reading, everyone.