I love writers who made a point of showing just how much power the “underdog” characters can hold. Nothing beats a classic diamond-in-the-rough character!
Stacey Lannigan – 26 July 2025
The Back Flap
In the aftermath of King Arthur Pendragon’s death, Britain stands on the edge of ruin. The once-united Knights of the Round Table are fractured and lost without their king. Determined to protect Arthur’s legacy, the legendary wizard Merlin embarks on a mission to ensure his king’s memory endures. But Merlin’s journey is far from simple.
Amidst a world on the brink of chaos, Merlin uncovers an ancient prophecy—the return of the Once and Future King. With this hope burning in his heart, Merlin retreats to the mystical Crystal Cave, a place where time stands still and magic pulses through the earth, awaiting the day when Arthur will rise again. But as Merlin seeks rest and renewal, a dark and sinister force stirs in the shadows, threatening to destroy everything in its path.
About the book
What is the book about?
After Avalon is a fantasy novella which acts as a prequel to my modern-Arthurian series Saving Albion, a trilogy of three novels that focus on the prophetic return of the Once and Future King. The short story begins post-Camlann and follows Merlin as he learns of the prophecy and seeks to ensure that the tales of the Pendragon king are not lost to history.
When did you start writing the book?
I started writing the book years before it was published, around 2016. Originally, I had planned for After Avalon to be a single novel. However, as I continued to brainstorm and write, the single novel turned quickly into a series.
How long did it take you to write it?
Once I started writing the story and crafting the events out of the tons of notes and drafts I’d made, writing the novella didn’t take long. I work full time and used to spend my lunch breaks in the office tapping away at my phone to complete scenes—that was always fun!
Where did you get the idea from?
As a fan of Arthurian legends, I loved watching TV shows like Merlin and reading any piece of fiction I could find. One of the things I came to notice is that the story always ended with the death of Arthur Pendragon and made mention of the promise of his return. However, so few books, movies, and television shows cover that part of the legend. I suppose the desire for a story to exist of a reincarnated King Arthur meant that if I couldn’t find a story including it, then I’d write one. I’ve told only one other person this in an interview but the idea of After Avalon, long before it turned into a series, came to me as I sat on a beach in Jersey, in the Channel Islands. There was a black pebble buried under some sand and the sight of that sparked the backstory for one of the characters: Marcus. I won’t give too much away but as the series progresses, readers will be able to make the connections.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
When it comes to stories, I am two things. I am excitable and I’m an oversharer. A massive part of the book that I struggled with was how much to reveal. This became increasingly more difficult as the book turned from its own standalone novel to the kickstarter novella that it is today. In the final chapter, Merlin travels to the Crystal Cave and is shown glimpses into the future. I had to really hold myself back writing those scenes because there is so much more that I could have divulged.
What came easily?
What came easily was the creation of Merlin’s familiar, Emrys. Emrys is a small Merlin falcon who Merlin (the mage) named after himself. I’ve seen so many depictions of Merlin having an owl familiar or the power to transform, specifically into an owl. I just feel that the wise old wizard / owl is a trope that’s a little overused. In addition to this, I wanted to explore a more arrogant side to Merlin that will feature more in the books that follow.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
In After Avalon, I use the characters from Arthurian legend. Whether you believe them to have existed is up to each individual’s opinion. One character who is confirmed to have been real, and features in my story, is Sir Geoffrey of Monmouth. In After Avalon, he is a childhood friend of Merlin’s and the one whom Merlin turns to in order to keep Arthur’s story alive. Merlin’s falcon familiar is a play off my own familiar, my cat, Weasley, who is just as mischievous, curious and lovable. Emrys the falcon also has a secret which readers will discover in the later books.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
I’m a massive fan of the Harry Potter series. Controversy with J.K. Rowling aside, as an author, I admire her story as a writer and the stories she has created. The rich detail used within the Harry Potter series is something I love to try to incorporate into my writing as well. She’s not the only author either. I love writers who made a point of showing just how much power the “underdog” characters can hold. Nothing beats a classic diamond-in-the-rough character!
Do you have a target reader?
Primarily, I write for young adults / new adults, though I do have a children’s book series as well. I enjoy writing coming-of-age fiction that allows me to focus on such a crucial time in a person’s life as it was during that time in my life that books really were my best friends.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
My writing process is a blend of structure and creativity. I outline each project in advance and work to a chapter-based schedule that fits around my full-time job, writing mostly on weekends and Friday afternoons. I focus on emotional depth, character-driven scenes, and strong narrative flow, often revisiting and refining my drafts to strengthen voice and tension. As an indie author running my own imprint, I also build in time for marketing, editing, and planning ahead for publication and promotion.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
While I first outline the book (or series) as a whole, I do much of my outlining in ‘sections’, focusing on each individual chapter. I’ll have a spreadsheet readily available with the chapter number, title, and a brief overview of what happens within that chapter.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I edit as I go. I’ve seen so many YouTube and TikTok video’s of other authors giving advice on how you shouldn’t but I can’t stop myself from tweaking sections as I write them. I’m slowly getting better at not letting this delay my completion of my books though!
Did you hire a professional editor?
I do! My editor is Kirsten Rees. I was lucky enough to find her through searching online and since hiring her, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made in my writing career. As an editor, she is extremely helpful and provides the perfect amount of constructive criticism, staying open to suggestions and questions throughout the editing process. I don’t know if she knows how much I value her opinion but I do, greatly. As a person, Kirsten is extremely patient and encouraging. I honestly don’t believe that After Avalon would have been published without her guidance. She’s provided and continues to provide me with great advice and tips that aid not just in the writing/editing of my books but in my career as an author. Safe to say, I would highly recommend her services to anyone. For reference, if this can be included, her website is https://www.kirstenrees.co.uk/
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
I do! I also make book playlists for all of my works. Depending on the book and scene that I’m writing, I vary from classical music to pop/rock. My favourite type of music at the moment is country, so Taylor Swift has been playing non-stop on Spotify, especially as I write romantic scenes.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I have never done this. However, it is something that I am considering for a potential future project. That’s all I’ll say for now, but stay tuned!
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I made the error of signing a contract with a hybrid publisher and I learned my lesson. After thousands spent, very little income and a terrible experience, I then learned that I could publish my own books. I’m a bit of a control-freak, so this seemed like the best option for me.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
For the majority of my books, I do the covers myself. Unfortunately, my income at present doesn’t allow me to spend money on hiring both an editor and an illustrator for all of my books. For After Avalon, I want to ensure that the story is the best it can be and so decided on using my funds to hire Kirsten. However, I do have a children’s series in which I have an illustrator, Carolyn. Her work is exceptional! If you want to check out her drawings and designs, they’re all available on her website: https://carolynsehgal.com/
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
For After Avalon, I was only just learning how to market my own books. I’m terrible at marketing, I think, though I do enjoy it. Exploring the creation of a proper marketing plan is something that I’m currently in the process of doing for future books.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Just keep going. That’s what I’m doing! There are months where there are no sales, low sale royalties, where it seems like you’re getting nowhere but it’s not a fairytale that happens overnight. Determination and perseverance are key. If this is what YOU want, then just keep working at it.
About You
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a small suburban town outside of Glasgow, Scotland.
Where do you live now?
In December of 2024, I moved out of my childhood home and finally got my own little flat. I now live there, in a busier town, with my pet cat Weasley.
What would you like readers to know about you?
When I’m not writing, I love to read and watch movies and TV shows. As well as being a massive Harry Potter fan, (Slytherin and proud!) I love Marvel, Squid Game, Merlin, The Mortal Instruments, Percy Jackson, and so much more. I am also horror-obsessed and a bit of a fanatic when it comes to legends and myths, whether it’s Arthurian or something more creepy like cryptids.
If you’re looking to connect with me, you can do so via the following platforms:
Website: https://www.authorstaceylannigan.co.uk/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorstaceylannigan
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorstaceylannigan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorstaceylannigan/
What are you working on now?
Right now, I have three projects underway:
Le Chien de Bouley, which is currently being edited, is based on the Jersey legend of the same name. It follows Nate Hargreaves as he attempts to uncover the truth about his brother’s death, all the while trying to keep his own mind, body and soul from being lost.
The Coming of the King, which I’m currently writing, is the first in the Saving Albion trilogy. This book is set in 2017 and sees the events that Merlin witnessed in the Crystal Cave in After Avalon begin to come to pass.
Unnamed Project – I haven’t told anyone about this current project until now. However, I have a little something that’s still in the planning stage at present. Fans of horror, cryptids and all things spooky will love what’s lurking in the shadows of my writing room.
End of Interview: