Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lindsey Pope. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lindsey, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

The biggest challenge to profitability as an indie author is the cost of printing books. So many authors go overseas to keep costs down. I strive to stay local and support local as much as possible, but unfortunately for me that means it costs me more money to print books. It also means I have to stick to paperback books, which is a challenge when some people and retailers prefer a hardcover version.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

For as long as I can remember, story ideas have been coming to my mind and I’ve felt compelled to write them down. For years I wrote alone, feeling terrified of anyone else seeing what I wrote. I was terrified because I didn’t think I was good enough to be a writer. Even in college, I was spending time alone writing stories and poems, but not sharing them. I didn’t study writing in any formal fashion because I never wanted to share what I wrote. At the same time, I had a secret dream of wanting to publish a book. So, I recognized I’d have to get over my fear of people reading my words to accomplish my ultimate goal. In March 2016, I experienced a significant mental health crisis when my anxiety became very overwhelming and started graduating into depression and very scary thoughts. After about a year and a half of being in immense emotional pain, I finally decided to seek help. Help for me including a well rounded approach of medication, therapy, and of course, writing. As a result of the help I received, I became more confident in myself and was able to self publish my first book titled Found in Faith. I am most proud of my first children’s book, Sheldon’s Time, as the story is so unique. It teaches kids that needing alone time is okay and healthy, which is something that many people don’t talk about openly. My character Sheldon is very sweet, kind, and well-rounded, where as I felt most characters that want alone time are often portrayed as grumpy and/or hostile. It was important to me to show that introverts are kind, smart, and just need some space at times – and there’s nothing wrong with that. I would love for potential followers and fans to know that I am a genuine person who loves writing and loves people. I want my stories to feel like you’re receiving a warm hug when you’re reading them.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an author is connecting with other people. I’ve had the chance to connect with children and watch their faces light up with excitement as I tell them I wrote the book I’m reading. I’ve connected with adults who tell me they too want to write a book, and I take great pride in heavily encouraging them to do so. Connecting with people is what gives me my greatest motivation to keep going.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One thing I struggle with that I think is common for many creative individuals is the fact that money is not what drives me, yet it is essential to keep my business running and to keep a roof over my head. Maintaining the balance necessary to ensure I can pay my bills is very tricky for me, as I would rather spend my time creating and sharing.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lindseypwrites
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LindseyPWrites

Image Credits
Personal headshot photos – Malgorzata Baker Photography