Author, Author, Tell Us More
January 25, 2008 | Interviews
ST: Good morning, M.C. Please describe your writing space.
MC: At one time, I had an upstairs office in the cottage but it proved too hot in the summer and too isolated; I was away from the many windows on the ground floor and the dogs wanting in and out at the back doors. So, I began to think…there was a large alcove off the kitchen under the high lofted ceiling that wasn’t being used. I had placed a deacon’s bench there but as it was away from the front and back doors, no one sat on it although it was handy for storage. I got rid of my wooden desk in the office and transformed the alcove with a glass L-shaped desk and an internet connection. The added bonus was the old office became another bedroom. (I adore guests coming to stay.)
ST: Sounds wonderful! Do you find writing to be fulfilling? If so, in what way?
MC: Writing is fulfilling for me, absolutely! There are voices, sometimes atrocities that must be written to release my demons, further my need to understand the world and explore motivations, fulfill my desire to stretch my imagination and find some answers through my characters.
ST: What’s your favorite part of writing?
MC: The moment of sudden inspiration, followed by the actual writing as it flows from me, the act of creating, really.
ST: What do you absolutely hate about being an author?
MC: I can’t say there is anything I hate, the reclusive work suits me. But if I was to pin point one area I have some difficulty, it would I be writing and editing books from different time periods on the same day. I can’t simply switch as I become immersed in the heroine of an era, seeing as she would, hearing as she would, thinking her thoughts and feeling her reactions in her particular era and situation.
ST: In your opinion what’s the most important thing for a new writer to learn?
MC: Most important, I believe is to find your voice and trust it. Style is so important and can transform a mere story into a tale with wings of light.
ST: Your website is beautiful. I recommend everyone cruise over and check it out. How did you decide on the content and design?
MC: Haha, like everything else I do, I thought of what I’d like: some beautiful art of women in history, lists of the series and single titles and some linked excerpts. Nothing complicated, very simple and on one long page.
ST: Why do you think a website is important for authors?
MC: Mainly, to find a book list, excerpts and what’s coming soon. Other than that, I don’t see the point of clicking here and there for added bits and bobs. That said, I have read that some readers enjoy the extras so perhaps I should consider it.
ST: I’m looking forward to tomorrow and learning what’s in the works for you. See you then?
MC: Definitely!
ST: Until then…
Happy Writing!
Sloane
I really can’t wait to read the rest of this interview, you have given us all a true insight into who you are MC and I thank you.
On January 25th, 2008 at 5:23 pmSavannah, I am grateful my truth resonated with you.
On January 25th, 2008 at 5:51 pmMC, your writing space sounds lovely. Mine is cramped in a corner of the room where I have a computer for my children. Talk about distractions.
On January 25th, 2008 at 8:57 pmI hope you’re seeing lovely scenery outside your windows and not the bitter cold we’re having in the northeast. I’m going over to your website now. Glad to learn some things about you.
Susan,
My writing space is lovely but overflowing with books, note pads, calendar, CDs, pens, papers, candles, cards, and assorted bits and bobs. Oh, and a new mask I have yet to put up. I collect masks and have 4 on the walls in my alcove (2 are least 2′ high), 9 in the living room, 2 on the upstairs landing and one in my bedroom.
I think it’s admirable that you write while raising children! Kudos to you, Susan!
The scene outside my ‘dragon protected’ window is a enormous stand of fir trees in the centre of my gardens. Always a view of green, unless we get some rare snow.
You take care in the cold! And many thanks for your interest…I checked out your website, too. Well done!
On January 26th, 2008 at 12:26 pmSusan, my writing space is well equiped and very pretty but also overflowing with books, note pads, calendar, CDs, pens, papers, candles, cards, and assorted bits and bobs. Oh, and a new mask I have yet to put up. I collect masks and have 4 on the walls in my alcove (2 are least 2′ high), 9 in the living room, 2 on the upstairs landing and one in my bedroom.
I think it’s admirable that you write while raising children! Kudos to you, Susan!
The scene outside my ‘dragon protected’ window is a enormous stand of fir trees in the centre of my gardens. Always a view of green, unless we get some rare snow.
You take care in the cold! And many thanks for your interest…I checked out your website, too. Well done!
On January 26th, 2008 at 12:33 pmSo sorry about the double post!
On January 26th, 2008 at 12:35 pm