Meet Lanie Goodell | Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lanie Goodell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lanie, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve always wanted to be a writer. When I was about 17, I signed up for a writing critique workshop at the college I was attending. They tore me to shreds, convinced me I had no talent, and I walked away from writing. Fast forward 15 years and I found myself dabbling in short stories. A friend asked me very nicely to write him a short story. I told him I would be happy to as long as he gave me a prompt. The original prompt evolved and grew into the 80,000 words that make up my first novel, Salvagium. It was one of the greatest gifts I could have been given, this belief in my ability to write and create something interesting. It fed a piece of my psyche that needed nourishment. As soon as Salvagium was finished, I started on my next project. Having an outlet for those ideas has really let my imagination grow and I can’t imagine not having that in my world. I’ve been lucky to have the opportunity to pass that along to my students.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being a writer is a challenge in and of itself, but when you add mom and teacher and student and Mimi (which in this context makes me Cool Auntie) to the mix, it becomes even more difficult. I love writing and I’m quite proud of the books I’ve published. I like to mix genres to create something unique. My first novel was a horror/romance. The Bestienmörder Chronicles is a modern fairy tale mixed with fantasy and sci-fi. Nihil Aeternum is modern noir. But mostly, I write what I want to read. I’m lucky to have an amazing son, who is also a writer, and understands when the words are working for me. Not only that, but he’s the pickiest editor-in-training ever. Learning well from his honorary aunt, Jen Ownbey (editor extraordinaire and best friend) and his Papa (my dad who does the final read through).

Along the way I’ve had to learn to take criticism but not let it control me. I honestly believe that’s the most important thing I’ve learned. I could have let that writing critique workshop I mentioned destroy my dream, but instead, I eventually remembered that criticism is someone’s opinion, and not everyone will share that opinion. I was able to move forward and make *my* dream come true. Seeing my words in print has been one of the most fulfilling feelings.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We actually do this once a year! Jen lives in NC and flies out to visit our family. We have a few spots we have to visit every time she’s here. We always start at Herbs and Arts. It’s our favorite place to find new crystals, fun jewelry, and interesting new books. Afterwards, we generally head down the street to the Tattered Cover. Their selection of books is wonderful, but the atmosphere makes it a place we feel we have to go every time she’s in town. As far as food, neither of us can eat gluten or too much salt, so we’re fairly careful. Snooze is a personal favorite. Their gluten-free pancakes are some of the best I’ve ever tried. And the vampire slayer burger at the Federal Bar and Grill is one of my favorite things to eat… however, it rivals their gluten-free fish and chips. Fish and chips is something gluten-free people don’t often find on the menu. On one of her first visits, we went down and spent hours walking through Garden of the Gods. She still talks about how beautiful it was.

On her next trip out we’re planning on going out to the Stanley Hotel. Any place that is supposed to be as haunted as that building is a definite yes in my book! I’m also a big fan of Cheesman Park. The history of that is something I’ve written into more than one book because I find it so interesting. We also try to make it to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. My son and my nephew are in love with the exhibits. They’re both fascinated by the wildlife halls and learning about the animals native to Colorado. Finding a place that interests both a five year old and a seventeen year old is wonderful.

I’m all about the creepiest spots, so we’re making a list for following trips. I’m always up for recommendations, so if anyone wants to send me ideas, I’m easy to find on Twitter!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve been incredibly lucky to have an amazing support system. My parents, both of whom read my work and encourage me to keep writing. My dad even does the final run through on edits for me! My son, who is turning seventeen, helps me figure out the more horror-y plot twists and points out lines that I should change. My best friend is a professional editor and makes sure I sound like I know what I’m doing as I’m working.

I’m also lucky to be part of an amazing group of women here in town that supports and encourages one another in all our creative (or life) endeavors. We call ourselves ‘Moms Writing Scary Shit’. It’s been amazing to be part of a group of moms that are interested in horror and the darker aspects of writing. I feel like finding a group who is as into the darker aspects of fiction (both writing and reading) and still so devoted to being great moms is rare and I’m happy to have them in my life.

Website: www.meligoodell.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laniegoodell/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LanieG321

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/msgfindingme