Maggie Blackbird

The Writer’s Tag was created by Lorraine Ambers and Ari Meghlen as a fun way to connect with other writers, and help us get to know each other better.

I have been tagged by my friend and fellow eXtasy Books author V.J. Allison.  Check out her blog at Word Processor, Romance, Cats, Kids, and Creed.

Name one novel that inspired you to write.

It wasn’t a novel.  The couple was Ken and Barbie.  I loved making up stories for them.  As I grew older, I couldn’t keep playing Barbie dolls, so I started writing stories instead.

What’s your favorite genre to write and read?

I love writing contemporary romance.  As for reading, my fave genre is historical romance.

Do you prefer to write standalone or series?

It all depends what the story and characters call for.  Sometimes the story’s done in one novel.  Other times a series is demanded.

Use three words to describe yourself.

Mellow.  Silly.  Kind.

Reveal your WIP aesthetics or an image that represents your MC or setting.

This is how I see Adam.  He’s the hero for Redeemed, Book Two in the Matawapit Family Series.  I wanted a tough, silent guy with a BIG presence, scary voice, and booming, low laugh.  Native American actor, the late Sonny Landham in his prime, fit the bill.

 

How long did your first MS take to draft?

I don’t know.  I wrote it so long ago.  I’ve been writing my whole life and wrote many novels.  I think it was three months.

Who is your author idol?

Johanna Lindsey.  I recall waiting and waiting for her next novel to come out.

Share a writing memory that made you determined to carry on.

I was taking an editing course.  One of the editors in my group was confusing the heck out of me.  I wasn’t sure what this person wanted exactly or what they meant.  I recall feeling very dejected, unsure if I had any talent.  I contacted an instructor who taught a course I’d previously taken, begging her for help because I had no idea what the workshop editor wanted exactly.  If not for her, I don’t know what would have happened.  She became my mentor and helped me through the novel.  She continued to guide me through another novel.  And another.  Today, she’s a writer friend and crit partner.  I owe her so much.

Tell us something surprising or unique about yourself.

I love playing fantasy golf.  And I’m hooked on golf.  It’s fun going to the three web sites and making my picks, then watching the tournaments (I watch the PGA and European tours) to see if I picked correctly.  During the summer, I love heading to the links and playing a round of golf.  I sometimes go out alone because none of my girl friends golf.  Just lil ol’ me.  It’s hard finding women golf partners, so it’s me, hubby, and the guys LOL.  My mom golfs, too, so we try to get out whenever we can.

Share the hardest part of being a writer and how you overcame it.

Finding the discipline to consistently write every day.  It can be difficult, especially when life gets in the way.  I came up with a schedule and stuck to it.  I write even when I’m not in the mood.  Whatever I manage to splat out usually ends up working for me and the book.  I always remind myself the first draft is telling myself the story and not to worry about whether I’ll keep what I’m writing or not.  Yes, I have the folder of unused writing for each novel I draft.

What’s your favorite social media, and why? Share your link.

Check out the Book Carousel.  It’s a great group on Facebook where you can interact with eXasty Books and Devine Destinies authors.  They’re lots of giveaways, games, coupon codes, author take-overs, and tons of fun.

Share some uplifting wisdom in six words or less.

Sit butt in chair and write.

I hereby nominate:  Cameron Allie, D.S. Dehel, and the other awesome authors at the Book Carousel.