Edited and improved by the Galatea team.
Reposted from Inkitt.com.
Bitten by the Alpha author Lydia Rose describes her journey from childhood writer to published author
When she’s not writing, you can find Lydia Rose bingeing on Netflix or going on adventures with her friends. She lives in South England but dreams of traveling the world. An avid reader, she also performs in theater productions and has played on a women’s cricket team. Her werewolf romance, Bitten by the Alpha, is a Galatea hit.
We caught up with Lydia for The Writer’s Blog to see what she’s been writing lately and how publishing stories on Inkitt changed her life.
From childhood hobby to dream job
Lydia Rose started writing when she was ten years old. “I’d scribble a short story in one of my tiny notebooks whenever I visited my Nan’s house on the weekend,” says Lydia. “She’d always read my stories and tell me that one day I’d become a great author.”
“For a while during school, I didn’t write anything. But I did read. A lot. It was only when I started college [that]I felt a desire to start writing again.” With so many ideas floating in her head, Lydia thought, “Why not?” She delved into writing as a hobby. Eventually, she started publishing her work on Inkitt and fell in love with the app and the community.
“From then, my life changed,” she says.
Bitten by the book bug
One of her stories, originally titled Lupus Paulo, became the Galatea fan favorite Bitten by the Alpha. The story follows eighteen-year-old Quinn, a sheltered young woman who runs away from home. After being bitten by a wolf in the woods, Quinn discovers a world she never knew existed—a world of werewolves. Soon, she must adjust to a new life in the Shadow Moon Pack under the guidance of Jaxon, an alluring alpha.
“The idea for Lupus Paulo had been circling my head for a long time,” says Lydia. When asked where the idea came from, she responds, “I loved reading werewolf romance books, but I had never written one before. I tried to in the past, but it never went anywhere. After writing three young adult books, I decided enough was enough. I wanted to write a werewolf/fantasy book.”
“I knew I wanted to incorporate other themes and make it feel like a mystery. As for Quinn and Jaxon’s relationship, I didn’t want it to be a quick one. I wanted it to gradually progress over time. They were both clueless when it came to relationships and needed to learn how to navigate it together.”
A shocking development
So, how did Lydia feel when Lupus Paulo earned her a Galatea publishing contract? “Shocked,” she says. “I had to pinch myself when I first received the call. Then I asked my brother if I was dreaming. It was not only shocking to me but my family too because I hadn’t told them I was writing.”
The shock doesn’t seem to have worn off for Lydia, either. Before Galatea, writing was just a hobby. “I never imagined my books becoming this popular. Actually, I still can’t fathom it. I might have to pinch myself again.”
Writing every day
Now in university, Lydia makes time for writing in between classes, work, and visiting friends. “I try to write every day,” she says. “It’s such a big part of my life, I will try no matter what. Even if I write a few words or create a new story plot, I will always try and incorporate writing into my daily life. When I don’t manage to sit in front of the computer and write, I feel sad.”
“My favorite place to write is at my desk, with my cup of tea and a few biscuits. To me, that’s heaven.”
In the future, she hopes to hold a physical copy of one of her books in-hand. “I hope that one day it will become my full-time job.”
The special experience of writing online
Writing online is a special experience as readers can offer input or criticism as a story develops. Lydia has received tons of advice from readers and writers over the past few years. “Most of it has helped me,” she says, “but there have been times when I have received unhelpful […] comments.” Still, she is open to the experience. “Any constructive criticism on my writing is always welcome. I am always trying to improve.”
As she hones her craft, Lydia continues to publish on Inkitt and develop her ideas into engaging stories. Her latest book, Liberty, will appeal to fans of Bitten by the Alpha.
Liberty follows Libby, who is initially betrothed to a manipulative, cruel prince. When she flees through a mysterious portal, Libby finds herself in the territory of a werewolf pack. There, she meets Alpha Gabriel, who has been searching for his mate. Although their meeting is rife with conflict, soon Libby has no regrets about leaving her old life behind—despite how stubborn and competitive Gabriel is. Giving in to love won’t be easy.
A teaser from Bitten by the Alpha
As my mountain of canned food, blankets, batteries, and water bottles traveled down the conveyor belt toward the register, the clerk looked at me suspiciously.
“Just making a donation to the homeless shelter,” I smiled nervously.
Damn, I told my mother I was at the library. If I don’t come back with a book, she’ll know I was lying.
I noticed a faded Agatha Christie paperback mixed in with the magazines and tabloids.
“I’ll take this, too,” I said, throwing it onto the belt.
I paid and stuffed my backpack full of the supplies. I’d have to stash this in a bush before getting back to the house.
Tonight was the night.
What’s next?
Currently, Lydia Rose is working on a new dystopian fantasy book called The Kings Lost Queen which she plans to release later this year. We can’t wait to read more stories from Lydia Rose!
Download the Galatea app to read Bitten by the Alpha and more!
