Q&A with Author Lyndsey Gallagher

I will never get over how may authors I have read who I would never even know about if other authors hadn’t bragged about them. The Romancelandia community is amazing in that respect. Authors are readers, too. And when they love a book, they share it and brag about it to their readers. And since I know I already love that author’s books, I grab the book they’re recommending. That’s how I found Lyndsey Gallagher. After both Avery Maxwell and Sara Madderson recommended Lyndsey’s novel The Christmas Crush, I dove right in. Best decision ever. Not only is it a fantastic story, it had me adding Lyndsey’s entire backlist to my TBR.

And if I didn’t already know her and love her and her books, reading the answer to her first Q&A question would have had me reaching for her debut novel.

That’s honestly why I have been loving these Q&A posts. The questions really don’t change, but the answers couldn’t be more diverse and wonderful. I have learned so much about so many authors, and Lyndsey is no different. From her inspiration for her first book to those influential in her writing career, I’ve enjoyed finding out so much more about the person behind the words.

And in April of 2025, I’ll get to meet Lyndsey and hug the frack out of her. She mentions below about how social media has brought her together with so many amazing people, and I 100% echo those sentiments. I cannot imagine how different my life would be without the amazing people I have found through the on-line book world.

More about Lyndsey in her own words:

How did you get started writing?

I literally had a story in my head that I had to get on paper. I couldn't sleep for thinking about it. Funnily enough, it’s the story of how I met my husband. I wanted to write it for our daughter in case I didn't get the chance to tell her myself. It’s a bit controversial! But I wanted to get down my version of events, and it really did sound like a romcom movie! I couldn't have made it up!

 Where do you recommend a new reader start with your backlist?

Falling For The Rockstar At Christmas. (It’s book 1 in a series of 3 books which lead on to the next series). Or Wreck Me, which is book one in my new Beckett Brothers Billionaire Series. 

Do you have a favourite/most memorable scene/ part in a novel you’ve written?

The changing room scene in Falling For My Bodyguard will live rent free in my head forever! It is SMOKING hot! But the Epilogue of the first book I ever wrote, The Seven Year Itch, makes me bawl every time (happy tears!)

Is there a part of your career as an author you thought was going to be difficult but has wound up being really wonderful?

When I gave up my day job to write full time, I thought it might be lonely, and in some ways, it was at first! But now thanks to some wonderful Facebook reader groups, and conferences, I’m so fortunate to have an army of friends, both authors and readers, some of which I’ve yet to meet in person. Roll on CCR! It’s crazy how sometimes our best friends and biggest supporters are the ones we meet only twice a year, or even on a video call! I’m blessed to have met friends all over the world through my writing career. 

Are there specific themes, tropes, or subgenres you’re more drawn to as an author, reader, or listener?

My favourites tropes are fake dating, forced proximity, bodyguard, and single dad. And I love a good slow burn… It’s just SO satisfying when the characters FINALLY come together. No pun intended   ; ) I love laugh out loud banter between characters!

What is your favourite part about being an author?

Meeting readers is the best. I love it when people connect with my characters. When they tell me they’re rooting for them! But I also love the process of writing. It’s so therapeutic. It’s like therapy. I love going into my office and closing the door and disappearing into another world!

Scrolling through hundreds of half-naked male models looking for cover images and graphics isn't too bad either I suppose…   ; )

Seriously, it’s amazing to have a job that works around my family life too. I get to be at the kids’ soccer matches. I get to pick them up from school. I feel really really lucky.

What do you like to read or listen to? Any favourite authors you want to send a shout-out to?

Priest is one of my favourite books of all time. Sierra Simone is unbelievably talented and articulate. Her writing is beautiful. 

Obviously, I’m a huge Lucy Score fan. The woman is a queen. I nearly exploded with excitement when I met her in London. Pretend You’re Mine is up there as one of my favourite books of all time. 

I love Avery Maxwell’s books. I’m a massive Ana Huang fan too. King of Wrath (also narrated by Jacob Morgan) is in my top five books of all time. 

Sara Madderson is my bookish bestie. We became friends on Instagram a few years ago and then I read her book, A Very London Christmas, and I immediately fell in love with her writing.  

I tend to stick to romance. Sometimes, if I want to get out of my own head I might read a thriller. The Silent Patient was superb. 

The list could go on and on…

Is there someone who’s been influential in your life as it relates to your career?

My editor, Adrian Wills, has been hugely influential. He’s actually a really successful British crime writer, who I’m lucky enough to employ as an editor. 

We became friends on Instagram (this is becoming a theme, right?) and he was always the person I’d ask to read my work before I hit the upload button to the Zon. He has no qualms about critiquing my work, his comments are always constructive, if a little blunt in delivery! Thankfully, we laugh about it, but usually only after I’ve cried! 

But seriously, I’ve learnt so much from him. He also taught me how to run my Facebook ads which played a huge role in finding new readers. 

And I’m sorry, I know it’s soppy, but I have to mention my husband. From the first time I said, ‘I know this sounds crazy, but I’d love to write a book,’ he’s supported me one hundred percent. We live in a small town, and I made no secret that the book was loosely based on how we met. He got a bit of stick about the story because it’s a little colourful in places! But he’s well able to handle it!

We often talk through my WIP and he always comes up with some great ideas. 

And he’s the reason I can write romance! 

How have your life experiences influenced your career as an author? 

My characters have pretty much had every job I ever had before I became a writer! They go to the places that I love. 

My relationships, the good, the bad, and the ugly, have all influenced what I write and helped me get into different head spaces for different characters. I’ve loved. Lost. Married. Divorced. Remarried. Became a mother. Without those experiences I wouldn't have the ability to inject so much emotion into my stories. 

There’s learning in every experience. 

This or that?

Kindle or paperback? Why choose? I love both!

Beach or Mountain Vacation? Beach.

Dogs or Cats? Dogs. I have a Boxer fur baby. He’s my 3rd child. 

Ice Cream or Cake? Cake.

Action Flick or Rom-Com? Rom-Com.

Tea or Coffee? Coffee in the morning. Tea after midday.

Road Trip or Air Travel? Air travel. Ireland is a beautiful country but jeez the weather leaves a lot to be desired!

Connect with Lyndsey Gallagher:

You can find more information about Lyndsey and her books, and how to connect with her on social media here:
https://www.lyndseygallagherauthor.com/