Author Interview

In our weekly feature, we will take you behind the scenes with some of the talented authors who have been interviewed on Beyond the Pages by Deb McIlroy & Erin Shea on our YouTube channel. Get a glimpse into their creative process, inspiration, and the stories behind their stories. Stay tuned for exclusive insights and anecdotes from the minds behind some of your favorite books.

Could you describe your writing routine and how you maintain focus and creativity throughout the process?

My writing routine involves me writing most days. I try to write a little each day, but sometimes I need a break and make sure I take it. I tend to write out of order, focusing on a certain characters POV at a time, then switching when their chapter is done. As I write multiple POV’s, this helps me keep the story in line, as I write each characters POV for a specific scene in time with each other, keeping the story flowing.

Which themes resonate strongly in your writing, and what draws you to these particular themes?

Family, and morally grey characters. I think these themes carry through my writing a lot, as families and people in general are complex characters. In my book, there is one main family, and some are closer than others, exploring family relationships well. It also shows how people make their own choices, and where both sides can believe they are in the right, believing the opposing side is in the wrong at the same time. It plays on good and evil, right and wrong, and how subjective this can be depending on the characters own POV on the world around them.

What message or impression do you hope to convey to your readers through your work?

That people are flawed and make mistakes, but that doesn’t make them fall into one arc or another. It’s the choices we make in the end that define who they are.

What is your approach to crafting character arcs, and how do you ensure that they are relatable to readers?

I try to have relatable characters, ones that are flawed, and that allow readers to see the reasoning behind what they do. This can help readers understand them, even if they might not agree with what they are doing. I also let my characters evolve as I go. Characters change as they grow into themselves and adjust to the world around them. Some for better, some for worse, but always for a reason.

How do you tackle the challenge of pacing in your narratives? What techniques do you use to keep readers engaged?

I try to balance out action and slower paced scenes evenly. I also try to break up chapters with a mix of dialogue and description.

In what ways do you incorporate feedback from your peers or readers into your writing?

I go back and read parts again, seeing for myself what I think. If it was something a lot of people brought up, I would likely adapt future writing, but if its just one person, I don’t worry too much as, I have had some say one aspect was perfect, and another say they wanted more. With how subjective reading is, I am careful with what feedback I take on.

What has been the most surprising or rewarding part of your writing journey so far?

The holding of my book in my hands. Actually getting to hold my own book after all the work on it was surreal, and made it feel real.

How do you make your settings come alive in your stories? Are there particular methods you use?

I try to be descriptive, allowing the readers to see what the character see’s when they go somewhere new. I also like to add in their emotions, and how they move, feel think, to bring the world to life.

What role does a supportive writing community play in your life as an author? How has it influenced you?

This is so important. It really helps you having other writers around you, as they can talk to you, share their advice, and will generally be your biggest cheerleaders when you are publishing. Having a supportive community has helped me know what to expect, how do a lot on the marketing front and overall just being supportive of me as a writer. Something I regularly return to my fellow writer friends.

What advice would you give aspiring authors when it comes to getting published? Any tips on navigating the publishing landscape?

Find writer friends, especially those at a similar stage as yourself, so you have both people who can support you, and share ideas with. Don’t give up, it will be a difficult journey, but it is so worth it. Write your story for you first. Your story won’t be for everyone either, but its important you love your own work.