Q&A With Lyndsey Croal
In our latest author Q&A, get to know Analog newcomer Lyndsey Croal, and learn how she leaned on her background in in environmental policy and
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In our latest author Q&A, get to know Analog newcomer Lyndsey Croal, and learn how she leaned on her background in in environmental policy and communications to write her Analog debut story, “We Maintain the Moons,” from our [July/August issue, on sale now!]
Analog Editor: What is the story behind this piece?
Lyndsey Croal: This story was initially written as a short flash for a call which asked for stories inspired by gargantuan structures in space, and I got reading about Alderson disk worlds. The initial draft didn’t quite work out for that call, as the world needed a bit more space to grow, and I was delighted the newer version was a good fit with Analog. The thing that struck me about it while researching the possible worlds, was imagining how the disk might be the further away from the sun communities were, and how that might affect societal structures. This inspired the Big Freeze in the story, and the need for moon maintainers.
AE: What made you think of Analog for this story?
LC: I thought the story might be a good fit as it was character-focused, but the science of the disk world itself is integral to how the story unfolds. I did get some help from my physicist brother to construct the world—it’s very handy to have that family connection as an author of science fiction!
AE: What is your history with Analog?
LC: This is my first Analog story, but I hope it won’t be my last! I already have some new ideas germinating.
AE: What is your process?
LC: I’m more of a pantser, though this has slightly changed over the years. I used to entirely wing it, which led to chaotic first drafts, and then I tried fully plotting, but found it actually stifled my progress. So now I take maybe the Goldilocks route of pantsing/plotting. I generally write with a loose outline—usually some sketches of main characters and settings, and I always have the ending before I start—but the rest I figure out as I go.
Routine wise, I like to write with friends, either in cafes, on short writing breaks, or even just co-writing online or at our flats. Accountability helps! Though, if I’ve got a deadline to spur me on, I’ll write on my own at home or take myself away on a writing retreat. Also, some of my most productive work has been done while travelling—there’s something magic about a train journey for writing.
AE: What other projects are you currently working on?
LC: I’m currently writing an eco-horror/thriller set mostly in the deep sea. It follows a science research team who crash their submersible and end up being rescued by a secret deep sea research station that shouldn’t be there. They end up joining the strange crew there, become trapped, and find there are strange secrets lurking in the deep . . . ! It’s part eco-conspiracy, part claustrophobic horror, with a mystery to solve as the main character grapples with the grief and guilt she left behind on land. I’m almost finished the first draft, and can’t wait to hopefully get it out in the world!
Some of my most productive work has been done while travelling—there’s something magic about a train journey for writing.
AE: What is the weirdest research rabbit-hole that working on a story has led you down?
LC: Speaking of deep sea, I ended up researching a lot about deep sea algae and lichen for my current book. In my research, I came across a type of algae that scientists are genetically engineering using human blood cells to help algae grow in lower light conditions (which primarily has functionality for space travel). Basically, it’s like vampiric algae—very cool! Algae features a lot in the book, and I definitely drew some inspiration there.
AE: What are you reading right now?
LC: I’m currently reading Calypso by Oliver Langmead which is brilliant so far (more science fiction novels in verse please!) and Below the Edge of Darkness by Dr. Edith Widder, a part memoir, part non-fiction book about deep sea exploration.
AE: Do you have any advice for up-and-coming writers?
LC: I always say to newer writers that it’s so important to find your writing community—whether online or offline. I’ve gained and learned so much from being in writer community groups. It’s something I hugely value, and beyond critiquing and sharing work and intel, writer camaraderie is so important in this industry!
AE: What careers have you had and how do they affect your writing?
LC: I’ve worked for several years in climate and nature policy, advocacy, and communications. This has definitely made me more interested in writing eco-fiction, or at least incorporating environmental themes into my work. I’ve worked on both more hopeful and darker stories inspired by possible futures of exploitation or climate solutions. I also guest edited Shoreline of Infinity Magazine’s Special Climate Change Issue last year, which was a great place to combine my reading, writing, and professional interests!
AE: How can our readers follow you and your writing? (IE: Social media handles, website URL…)
LC: My website is www.lyndseycroal.co.uk and I’m on Twitter/X as @writerlynds and BlueSky/Instagram as @lyndseycroal. I also have a newsletter on Beehiiv www.lyndseycroal.beehiiv.com.
