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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Samuel Lawson talks about his new thrilling YA adventure book, Earth Protectors, in which a bullied teen discovers his destiny to save the world alongside three new, magical friends.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed Samuel Lawson about his life and career, the inspiration behind his new book, Earth Protectors, and his creative writing process.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
My name is Samuel Lawson. I am the author of two books out of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, and I am also a twin, so heads up, you might mistake my brother for me like most people do…. lol.
My writing blends emotion and adventure, aiming to inspire young adult readers to conquer their fears. In my books, you will find life lessons delivered with love and laughter are the hallmarks of my world. When not crafting stories or reading, you will find me playing the piano, listening to music, seeing a movie, or scrolling through my socials.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
I think my passion for writing began in high school, sparked by a writing competition I never entered but always wished I had. This desire led me to have a book, actually, two books with my name on them. I started with writing plays, which I jokingly call “drawer plays” because they never saw the light of day or, do I say, never sat on the pages of a book. To me, they were pretty…. terrible, lol and I have no plans to publish them at the moment, though who knows what the future holds. The positive feedback I received from adults and friends played a crucial role in shaping my writing career and encouraging me to pursue my goals.
When did you take a step to start writing?
COVID-19 became a pivotal moment in my writing journey. During the pandemic, I started taking writing more seriously, viewing the world through a writer’s lens. I found inspiration in everyday life, history, and human interactions, uncovering a new perspective. My introverted side, which isn’t always visible to others, was eager to express itself through writing, allowing me to share my voice with readers worldwide. This introspective period led me to become an author of not just one, but two books. And this is just the beginning—I’m an author on a mission, with more to come!
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
My debut novel, Shadow Fighter: The True Heir took me two years from the first idea to publication.
How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?
Don’t be surprised. It took me four years. Yes, four long years. Earth Protectors was intended to be my debut novel, but self-doubt and voices in my head convinced me I wasn’t good enough to write prose. I set it aside, lacking the faith and drive to continue. Previously, I had only written plays and feared I couldn’t master novel writing without a clear story structure or understanding of what makes a story compelling. I was wrong. Two years later, I published my first book, and with positive reviews in hand, I returned to Earth Protectors. It turned out to be the best book I’ve written, drafted in just six weeks. The feedback I’ve received has been incredibly heartwarming, with one reader even noting it has a mix of Rick Riordan’s and Pittacus Lore’s vibes.
Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Earth Protectors?
A part of me wanted to see myself written and so, I did. One of the characters I created was a reflection of myself and my life’s experience in bits.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Earth Protectors?
Challenges… That would be writing in prose when I began writing it, and also, I had no story structure. I had to rewrite the story when it became clearer to me what I needed to do.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?
Myself and the Lightning Thief – Rick Riordan’s book, which I had read years ago.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?
You should know this first. Every writer is a reader. At one point or the other, you must read/still read books or articles. I find it out to read a lot, but seeing movies gave me some sort of ideas and got me started on writing, yielding a cinematic atmosphere where readers feel engaged with the characters.
Hades from ‘The Lightning Thief,’ in Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians, and General Zod from the movies ‘Smallville’ and ‘Man of Steel’ inspired me. Creating my antagonist.
What is the inciting incident of Earth Protectors?
The inciting incident in my book is when my main character’s mother is taken, an event that disrupts his life and triggers a series of significant actions. This moment sets in motion the chain of events that drives the story forward.
What is the main conflict of Earth Protectors?
The main conflict of my book centers on the destructive power of greed. My main character faces an unknown uncle who, after murdering his brother to seize power, now seeks to eliminate the last descendant of his brother (my protagonist). This deadly pursuit is part of a grander, more sinister plan that threatens not just the family but the very balance between worlds.
Did you plot Earth Protectors in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?
Honestly, I use both approaches. I’m a mix of a plotter and a pantser. My plot outline usually covers the first five chapters, and after that, I let the story unfold naturally. Once those initial chapters are outlined, that’s all I need to dive into the writing process.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Earth Protectors need?
The editing process for my book was a meticulous and personal endeavor. I chose to self-edit, dedicating months to rewriting and refining the manuscript to ensure it was polished and engaging. Additionally, I sought feedback from both beta and alpha readers, whose insights were invaluable in fine-tuning the story. This collaborative effort helped me deliver a well-crafted and compelling narrative.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
Take a chill pill, you have everything it takes to write a novel. Mistakes will happen, but they’ll only make you better over time. Don’t let fear of the unknown hold you back, you never know which book will catch fire. Happy writing!
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
I’m presently working on the second installment in the Slovian Chronicles (book two to Earth Protectors), book two of Shadow Fighter (My first book), and also delving into other genres readers would love to read when it’s released.
And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
Yes, I am incredibly proud of my accomplishment. The journey of writing and completing this book has been both challenging and rewarding. Every moment of effort, from the initial draft to the final edits, has been worthwhile. Seeing the story come to life and knowing that it resonates with readers makes all the hard work truly fulfilling.
Pop all your book, website, and social media links here so the readers can find you:
BOOK LINKS:
Amazon:
Earth Protectors
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4gq9bnQ
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3OLKbMd
Shadow Fighter
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4iG49WD
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3Bw4V7z
Hardcover: https://amzn.to/3B9cPE1
Selar:
Earth Protectors
https://selar.co/1h7me9
Shadow Fighter
https://selar.co/161a91
Bambooks:
https://bambooks.io/book/share/earth-protectors/16521
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/211102355-earth-protectors
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Connect with Samuel on:
Facebook (Samuel Lawson)- https://www.facebook.com/itz.samlexkeyz
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lawsonsamuel8
TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@Samuel.lawson
LinkedIn –
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-lawson-b4752b233
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