Luke Settle Talks ‘Forever’

by | Jun 10, 2021 | Author | 14 comments

After publishing my first book A Certain Shade of Lipstick in November 2020, I decided to flip the script for my second release (published February 2021) and write something completely different. A daring move from an author with only one book to his name, right?

Nearly two decades of recording and performing music have been put on hold and I must say, I’m enjoying the break. Lyrics are (for the most part) no different to stories, the noticeable difference being that they’re delivered in rhythm surrounded by instruments. I’ve always had a keen interest in words, how to arrange them and how to verbally prod a response from my listeners. For years I’ve read my stories out loud into a microphone.

Since last year my words have gained a new outlet.


Forever, my second book, is a romantic drama about looking back on life and seeing all the finer details that were taken for granted the first time around. It’s a very personal story with certain references I hold deep in my heart. At around 14,000 words this novelette challenged me to juggle a number of contrasting emotions whilst delivering a message that I believe to be pertinent to us all . . . life is short, love it. Here on Authors’ Lounge, I’ll open up for the first time about the book written for my partner, Carly.

. . . my mind is a maze and that in itself can be very exciting, avenues of imagination to nurture the child within – or feed the devil below. I believe there’s always something to take from day-to-day life that most of us would overlook and it’s these simple observations that form the basis to most of my ideas. Whilst writing Forever, I paid particular attention to all the idiosyncrasies my partner (affectionately known as my queen) displayed around our home. These moments of apparent triviality became the spine backbone of my book . . . .

LUKE SETTLE

Whenever asked what inspired me to write such an emotive story I simply say, ‘Life’. It’s a funny answer (but so too is the word itself) and I think people are generally surprised at the abruptness and singularity of my response. The deeper layers of life are great motivators because you can take so much from them, shape them and create something truly magical. Of course, you have to combine experiences in life with the other side of it, the side that renders you vulnerable to the outside world. I’ll be the first to say my mind is a maze and that in itself can be very exciting, avenues of imagination to nurture the child within – or feed the devil below. I believe there’s always something to take from day-to-day life that most of us would overlook and it’s these simple observations that form the basis to most of my ideas. Whilst writing Forever, I paid particular attention to all the idiosyncrasies my partner (affectionately known as my queen) displayed around our home. These moments of apparent triviality became the spine backbone of Forever and made the connection between the characters more believable. I was writing from a place of comfort which always makes for good foundations.

Then my old friend Doubt crept in to say, ‘Hi’ and I began to ask questions . . . .

There was one question that particularly bothered me. It’s the sort of question that has the power to abort weeks if not months of hard work by encouraging you to hit the RESET button and move on. ‘How do I form the connection I want to with my readers, when I’m portraying a life that’s decades away from me?’

I asked myself this over and over and over again . . . .

I mulled it over and realized I didn’t have to, I just needed to find a way to make people fall in love with similar things I had fallen in love with whilst wrapping that love in fear – fear of it all suddenly coming to an end. I realized that I didn’t need decades of time behind me to understand the life I was attempting to portray, quite the opposite. I now knew that I had to find a way to pull from memories because they’re the sprinkles of magic that got me here, writing . . . about her.

For Eric and Sally Alban it’s always 1986, even in 2020 but which one knows the true face of time?

The months that pass will bring precious memories to the surface that appear more vivid and meaningful than ever before.

An island of paradise awaits in the Indian Ocean whilst an empty space on the stairs awaits another photo worthy of framing.

Before any such photo can be taken, one of the Albans must make a heartbreaking decision.

It’s not all romance though.

I’m an avid horror fan, a thrill seeker in search of darkness. My happy-medium is a place between the two because I love the light that’s often hidden within the shadows. My favorite books/films have always had the ability to build strong relationships and that’s what I really focused on with this one. I feel that anybody can pick Forever up, finish it the same day and sit there for a while longer thinking about the beautiful gift of life.

I feel a sense of immense pride upon reading reviews from all age groups on Amazon/Goodreads and believe me, I do read every single one of them. The feedback from my first two books has been overwhelming with the only complaint being that they were shorter than people had hoped for. Fear not, (and you’ll get to know fear) my next book is the longest of the three and will surprise many of you I’m sure – that’s all I’m saying for now!


What does the future hold for this book as well as my others? Well if I was a soothsayer I’d be able to tell you but for now all I can hope for is wider exposure, out of county and even overseas. Living in the area that I do (almost the English equivalent to Des Moines, Iowa) it’s very hard to get noticed. Through all the crops and acres of field, there’s little old me, typing away in hope that the world enjoys my words.

So there you have it, a slight insight to Luke Settle ‘The Author’ and his second publication. I’ll save a word or two for my third book, Terminal Command which is due out any time soon – the initial release date of April 2021 was pushed back due to personal commitments taking priority.

Having answered some questions surrounding my work, I’ll end on a question of my own . . . .

Why does it take us so long to realize life isn’t forever?

14 Comments

  1. James Sweeney

    Ive followed this Author since his first book. I thoroughly enjoyed this peek behind the curtain into the mind and world of the author. I feel like you get to know a lot about him through the words he puts on the page, however this definately gave me the ability to understand not only him, but his work. Hopefully more to come from this young Tallent!

    Reply
  2. Helen

    Forever is an absolutely fantastic story filled with love and emotion, making you connect with the characters and allowing your imagination to build a picture. Luke has perfected his story in every way, keeping you captavated the whole way through. Can’t wait for his next book!

    Reply
    • Mandy Sawyer

      I loved this book. From the first page I was hooked and I lost myself in the story…lovely written by luke…its heartbreaking but built on love and the connection between two people….cannot wait for his next book.

      Reply
  3. Eva

    Forever is small in size but substantial in depth of love!
    This book within the first few pages got my heart aching and by the end of it, was broken!
    Such a wonderful insight to the man behind the ‘Notebook’ of this generation.
    I can’t wait for more of his books and am pleased he is getting the recognition he deserves.

    Reply
  4. Abi R-D

    I’ve purchased both books by this author and I’ve got to say. I’ve not been disappointed!
    It excites me when he mentions he enjoys a horror, I can only hope he produces something along those lines one day!

    Give him a read – you won’t be disappointed!!

    Reply
  5. Claire P

    I certainly will be giving him a read – loved the snippet behind the keys and thoughts, so on that alone I’m hooked to find out more. I’m off to buy them now 🙂

    Reply
  6. Maxine

    This author was recommended to me and I was not disappointed, I downloaded and read both of his books on the same day. They are insightful and well written. Everyone deserves to be as loved as the characters are in ‘Forever’, and knowing that Luke took inspiration from his ‘Queen’ makes it all the more poignant

    Reply
    • Richard H

      Thoroughly looking forward to ‘Terminal Command’ as the first two books have been such engaging reads. I have been following Luke since day one and have not been disappointed. His work is thought provoking, gripping and memorable.

      Reply
  7. Margaret

    Thoroughly enjoyed ‘Forever’, I read it all in one sitting as I couldn’t put it down. It certainly makes you think about what is important in life and how you should cherish it. I can’t wait to read the next book

    Reply
  8. Sarah

    I have followed Luke Settle since his first short story, thought provoking and I was hooked from the beginning. Looking forward to more from him- and fingers crossed he publishes a thriller!

    Reply
  9. Chris Chandler

    Having read Lukes review on his second book, i am going on the search for this and his first book !
    His words just in his review are very inspiring and so true, especially, the time it does take us to appreciate life is so short. Time machine needed !
    All the best Luke on this books success and I look forward to reading it.
    Strength and Honour

    Reply
  10. Richard

    Having been pointed in the direction of the author’s works I’ve not been disappointed yet. I love the way the stories are written and the personality evident in this article comes across – opening up about the inspiration is wonderful. Would recommend to anyone!

    Reply
  11. Julie Bartram

    I loved this book and highly recommend the read. Truly moved by the story which depicts the love of life and the cruelty of death and all inbetween. Another great book from Luke!

    Reply
  12. Jade

    Following the reviews from Forever, I ordered the book and read within one evening. A captivating story of a true love bubble trying to escape the cruel realities of life and not burst. A really lovely read – well done Luke.

    Reply

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