by Cyrus Web
Tony Lindsay is one of those authors that can literally write anything. I've had the privilege to read a variety of titles by him as well as engaging non-fiction work that he has shared in the pages of Conversations Magazine.
In 2025 he gave us another great mystery/thriller called WHAT IF I DON'T. It takes readers on a wild ride that draws you into the character's lives and have you wondering what will happen next. We discuss his literary path and more.
Tony, it is great to catch up with you as we are celebrating 19 years of the magazine and your new book WHAT IF I DON’T. What has it been like to reflect on your extraordinary writing career?
Reflecting can be bittersweet; the obstacles / hurdles standout, but so do the accomplishments – simply getting published proved to be a major feat, and the people I meet on the journey was a strong positive. It was and is good to have help, and it was and is good to be of help to others, so when I reflect, my mind recalls the friends I met that made this career possible.
When did you discover your gift of storytelling?
My mother says I have been telling good stories since I learned to talk, but I was in elementary school when I noticed that the stories I wrote held the attention of other kids, and it wasn’t until high school did I discover that holding other’s attention was a talent.
You’ve been able to give readers so many different types of reads, each one with its own heart and message. Is that what keeps it fun for you?
Yes, writing in different genres is fun, and it allows me exposure to different readers; I can reach mystery readers, street lit readers, and those who enjoy thrillers, vampire stories, and espionage tales. Yes, writing tales with varied parameters and structures is indeed fun.
Tell us about WHAT IF I DON’T. How did the story initially come to you?
WHAT IF I DON’T came to be because I wanted to write something different. I wanted to write a story with more than one protagonist, and I also wanted to comment on the need for community mental health facilities, and I wanted to show a family working together for a common goal, and I wanted to play a bit with the word family because there are so many examples and definitions of the word. The family in WHAT IF I DON’T grows, helps, and supports which is what a family should do. The story came out of my own growth as a writer; it came from trying something new.
As a reader there are so many layers to this new story, but the main one is what would you do to protect yourself and others. Is that one of the things you’re hearing from readers?
Yes, protection is a strong theme within the story, and readers have reflected on it in terms of strength, commenting on characters being strong enough to protect themselves and others. Readers are also commenting on unexpected plot twists both large and small. And surprisingly, the love and emotion in the story has drawn repeated comments on the romantic relationships in the tale. Readers were seriously invested in the characters, and the plot twists have sparked some “polarized” responses. I am loving all the comments.
Tony, the publishing world has changed so much since you first appeared on the scene. What do you attribute your staying power to at this point?
I love to create a story; I enjoy providing a reader with a story that holds their attention. I believe readers know I enjoy the craft, and they continue to read me due to this dedication. They read me expecting a good story.
Social media is one of the things that has become integral in pretty much every career, but especially for authors. How do you navigate that and not let it become overwhelming as you’re making time for writing?
I am not as astute as I should be in regard to social media; however, there are others who are. I buy services to reach my target audience. I am guilty of concentrating more on the “social” part of those media services, but I do market on them, and I am aware of the necessity.
I know the new book WHAT IF I DON’T is just out, but is there anything else we should be on the lookout for?
I am working on the next novel. I like the title a lot, so I will keep to myself until the story is released. There are some upcoming events that will be posted on the social media outlets.
Any advice you want to share for aspiring writers when it comes to sharing their stories and gifts with the world?
Read, keep writing, meet your readers, and remember your story is unique.
Thanks again for all you do, Tony. It’s an honor to call you a friend. How can our readers stay connected with you?
I feel the same, friend. Continued success. Readers can email at writinging.night@gmail.com, and I am on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X – just search my name.
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