Hey hey, bonus interview time! Yes! You guys might be used to the idea of having two interviews on Monday, but what about an interview on a THURSDAY? Anyone’s mind blown yet?
S McC is a new author who loves reading just about anything that comes my way. Her Husband reckons she eats books, while this may be true she does enjoy other hobbies, mostly consisting of some form of arts and crafts, and spending time with animals.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
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I’ve always written stories when younger. I even had a journal and lots of notepads with ideas. Some of which survived until now and I guess the push came to get back into writing when I refound the old battered notebooks and the fact I’d have more time on my hands, in the oncoming years.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
My ideas really do come from everywhere, I love pulling inspiration from nature and a lot of them come from dreams or daydreaming. I also do some research for information in the books.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Probably that I have to write several different WIPs in a day to stay focused. A lot of them are in different stages, and if one is going through a slower pace than another I tend to switch off and not concentrate. So switching it up helps.
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I remember making a very small book as a child. I don’t remember what it was about, possibly could have been about animals or pokemon at the time.. And I think I was around 7years old, sneaking in to my mums desk and stapling the pieces of paper together.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
When I’m not writing I work, draw, read, go for walks with the dogs and spend time with my family.
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What does your family think of your writing?
The closest ones to me care. A few have read the first draft of the first book I wrote FIRE, and some have read the rest. My sister has helped me with book cover designs with some of her photos. I just tweak them lol
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
That it’s not as easy as it looks… but persistence is key along with a word count that I stick to daily.. Its 100 (it may seem small but in the days I’m extremely busy with other things I can still hit it and say I did something for the stories that want to come out)
How many books have you written? Which is your favourite?
I’ve written 7 books, 2 of which are in first draft and a third that is going through to a second round of writing. My favourite would probably be the short prequel to the Elements series. It’s called The Silver Dragon and is free for readers to get a taste of my work.
Do you like to create books for adults?
My series is for YA, but the ages blur with NA, as in they are older teens.
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What do you think makes a good story?
A good plot and great characters make a wicked combination for a good story.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to be a veterinary surgeon. Yes, I know very left field and specific. Maybe one day I’ll go back into education for it.
What is the first book that made you cry?
Marley and me by John Grogan. It’s the only book I’ve cried over, and yes I sobbed at the film adaption.
Does writing energize or exhaust you?
It can do both for me. Sometimes all I want to do is type as fast as my fingers will let me. Other times I slog through the 100 words.
Have you ever gotten reader’s block?
Thankfully no, not yet. I dread the day I may get it.
Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?
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I kind of do. Lol. I decided on using my initials and no facial images before I published. Im not overly fond of the camera, I like taking pictures but not being in the picture.
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
I like to be original. But I may have a couple ideas that will blur these lines a little.
Do you think someone could be a writer if they don’t feel emotions strongly?
Hm, that’s a toughie, it would help with the editing process to be able to detach from your work. But I think when you need emotions in the work it might be harder to do.
What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I’ve recently befriended a few, and they are slowly challenging me to become a better writer and have more confidence.
Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
For my first published bodies 5 books in total, they connect to each other. 4 are from the same series Elements, and the other one is set in the same world. My other wips are a mix of finishing the series and new works that have nothing to do with the Elements land.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
That I may not be a big author yet, but one day I might find myself on the shelves of bookstores like the other books I spent hours perusing through.
How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
It gave me the confidence to keep at it. To work on my writing no matter how I felt.
What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?
It would be Blind Beauty by K. M Peyton. I absolutely loved it as a teenager. And when I lost the first copy I immediately replaced it.
As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
A dragon. I am Welsh and it is on our flag… It also reminds me of stories that my grandad (Taid) tells about a cave when out walking.
What do you owe the real people upon whom you base your characters?
So two of my characters are based on my grandad (Taids) teasings when I was younger. He used to call us or other people by those names just to make us giggle. And yes he still uses these names! 🙈
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
So currently I have 7 others in various stages 2 of which are related to the current series. One a short spinoff set in the same world and the other 4 are brand new ideas in various stages.
What does literary success look like to you?
Just selling one book to a random person and that person loving it as much as I did with other writers works.
And now for the goodies!
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