Lysander Lancaster Biography
Early life... Life before work
I was born in Lancaster (UK) in 1968, which feeds into the story of my life before writing. Growing up, my family didn't settle long in Lancaster; in fact, we moved around quite a bit as we followed my father's career in the power station sector across the UK. Our journey took us from Lancashire down to Somerset, then up north to Hartlepool, back down to Northampton, and finally returning to Somerset. It was there that I spent most of my formative childhood days, building the foundation for what would later become my Lysander Lancaster writing career, even as I learned about the diverse landscapes beyond my hometown and the experiences that would shape my life, including insights from my time in the Royal Navy Submarine Service.
Early working life... Before writing
I became part of the Royal Navy's Submarine Service in the 1980s, initially serving as a 'Radio Operator' and later, before leaving in 2006, as a Warfare Officer on Submarines. My experiences as a seagoing sailor included serving on both Diesel and Nuclear Submarines, while as a land-based sailor, I was stationed in London, Plymouth, Hong Kong, the Bahamas, and Faslane on the River Clyde. My life before writing was largely shaped by these journeys. I travelled the world, witnessed many incredible sights, and connected with diverse peoples. I believe that during my time in the Royal Navy, I filled my imagination tank to the brim, which ultimately inspired Lysander Lancaster's writing career, giving me the confidence to draw from those experiences in my writing.
A life of writing
No two ways about it, I have a vivid imagination. My journey into writing began long before my current work, reflecting on life before writing became a vital part of my identity. I have always enjoyed putting 'pen to paper'—or, these days, putting 'fingers on the keyboard.' My earliest memory of writing, aside from school and career assignments, dates back to 1993 when I was over 300 feet underwater on HMS Upholder during my time in the Royal Navy Submarine Service. Halfway through a foreign deployment and feeling somewhat homesick, I penned a poem about my wife and children, knowing I wouldn't see my family for another three months. In a way, I guess it all stems from that experience, which influenced my writing career as Lysander Lancaster.