Meet author Lainey La Shay

Lainey La Shay is a writer who shines light on the deep issues of life and relationships. While she can’t show you her face or tell you her real name, she is passionate about being a champion for those who have faced insurmountable odds and helps them come out the other side standing tall. Lainey is a lover of adventure. When not lost in a good book, she is an avid hiker, nature-lover, and cyclist, and enjoys spending time with her loved ones.

Tell us about your newest book.

More Than a Survivor is a seven-day devotional and journal for survivors of trauma and abuse. The book includes short devotionals, prayers, journal space, inspiring quotes and Bible verses, and coloring pages, all created to help survivors process and heal.

What inspired you to write More Than a Survivor?

I am a survivor of abuse and trauma. When I was fleeing my abusive marriage, I craved a book like this but didn’t know where to find one. It was hard to read or write, but I craved an encouraging word to remind me I wasn’t crazy or alone, and a place to jot notes or just scribble if I needed. I wrote this book for others who are walking through that valley and share that need.

What genre do you focus on?

I focus on contemporary women’s fiction and non-fiction, because I believe it’s vital to share the stories that are difficult to talk about and the emotions behind them. I love diving deeper, exploring those truths, and bringing them out into the light.

Why do you write?

Writing and storytelling is as essential and natural to me as breathing. It’s a passion God put in my heart since I could hold a crayon. The opportunity to tell stories that infuse hope into the lives of others, to bring healing and remind my readers they’re not alone, is what drives me.

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?

My schedule is intermittent when I’m writing. I may write hard for two hours and come away from the computer depleted, so I will go do something else (chores, nap, go cycling) and come back to it an hour or two later. I’ve found this rhythm keeps me refreshed when writing. I also do my best writing after dark, so my family often falls asleep to the clickity-clack of me typing.

What’s the best part of your author’s life?

The freedom to write what God has put on my heart, and the opportunity to use it to bless those who are reading it. Knowing that it may touch that one person brings me great joy.

How have you changed or grown as a writer?

The biggest change has been my focus. When I first started writing and learning the craft, my focus was on myself and the stories I wanted to create. Now, my focus is on the stories God wants me to tell and how they can bring hope and help to others.

What is your favorite pastime?

Spending time in God’s creation, whether it’s cycling, hiking, gardening, or just sitting on the porch listening to the birds sing.

Do you have other books? We’d love to know.

My first novel, No Tangible Threat, is releasing in January 2024. It follows the journey of Avery Morgan – a woman who has discovered her abusive husband has plans to take her life – and what she must do to survive.

What are you working on now?

I am putting the final polish on my novel, No Tangible Threat, and am starting my second novel, Love Takes Guts, a redemptive story about a woman with a chronic illness.

Website: laineylashay.com

Link to book: https://www.laineylashay.com/shop/

Social media links:

Facebook.com/laineylashay

Instagram.com/laineylashay

Twitter.com/laineylashay