Megan was happy to answer some questions I had for her. I am grateful that she took the time to do so. I know her time is limited, especially now that she is the mother of 3!

Interview

Picture this: You feel uninspired and you’ve sat at a computer for an hour without conquering any words. How do you get your creativity flowing?

I usually have a million stories and characters in my head at once just dying to get out, but I have hardly any time to write. When I do get to sit down and type away, it’s more like picking which story to write. However, like many writers, I do experience writer’s block. To get the creativity flowing, usually, a good sugary snack and a trip to my Pinterest inspiration board does the trick.

Do you have a favorite character you have written? If so, Who and what makes them so special?

I love all of my characters, even the ‘bad’ ones. Amira in The Coin and The Crown was fun to write because she is so unlike me. She’s spunky, outgoing, and strong. I liked being able to live through her and have her make choices that I normally wouldn’t. My personality falls more in line with the co-protag, Arryn. So, writing about someone who seeks trouble and can stand up to people helped me explore a different side of me.

What is your favorite word and why?

The first word that comes to mind is adoration. To be honest, I’m not entirely sure why. Maybe it’s the way it sounds as it rolls off of my tongue. Adore, adorable. I’ve been called ‘Adorkable’, which isn’t a real word. Maybe I have a deep desire to be adored. I’ve often wanted to name a fictional city Adorria. Possibly soon.

What makes this particular genre you are involved in so special?

I write in many sub-categories; Christian fiction, Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance. It’s important for me to always find ways to represent my faith, without pushing it on others. I want to give young Christian’s a wider variety of fantasy books that can be deemed appropriate, yet… awesome. We live in that Nonfiction world. I think it’s so important for us to stretch our imaginations in the world of fantasy. Imagination helps us to make sense of the world around us in creative ways. At the end of the day, my favorite thing is to shed off the stresses of my everyday life and dive completely into a different world and engulf myself in a reality that is both completely different from my own, yet similar in certain aspects.

Do you read much? Who are your favorite authors?

I read when I can. I have three kids, one of which is a new baby. I hardly have time to shower or eat. I sneak any chance I get to read, even if it’s in the parent pick up line at Kindergarten. Growing up I was obsessed with Jane Austen and William Shakespeare. Of course, I would be lying if I said Rowling wasn’t a favorite. Recently I have fallen in love with Marie Lu, Marie Rutkoski, Lauren Kate, and Mary E. Pearson. If I could, I could go on for days on other authors, but these are all authors I am currently reading. I listed everything on my nightstand. If I went to my bookshelf we’d be here all day.

What did you want to become when you were a child? Did that steer you toward becoming an author?

I have always had the same goals, more or less. I would go to college, get married, have kids, become a teacher, and write. I was once told that writers didn’t make money, so I put it aside. Self-doubt ate at me. One day, I just woke up with a story that wouldn’t go away, so I wrote it down. I haven’t stopped since. To this day, I have a husband, three kids, and plan on teaching soon. Writing is one thing I will never give up. I’ve had a taste, and now my hunger grows every day.

Does your most recent book have a lesson? A moral?

I try to add morals and lessons in all of my stories. Instead of one specific lesson, The Coin and The Crown has many smaller ones I believe. I want people to understand that they can be more than one thing. A.K.A, not just a mom.

In the story, characters are given a destiny. Fisherman, crafter, soldier, etc. Amira is given servant but has a desire to lead. She’s a warrior at heart. Toward the end of the book, I think she comes to realize that leading and serving go hand in hand. The story will dive deeper into the next book. Aaryn’s character arch will really show as he learns he can’t please everyone and he truly comes into his own person. Amira grows into a darkness but finds redemption is always possible.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

When I’m not writing… I’ve breastfeeding, changing diapers, cleaning the house, cooking, driving kids everywhere, trying my hardest to get the kids asleep at the same time so I can steal a nap, or watching Doc McStuffins for the millionth time. Sometimes I sneak away to my closet with a bag of Oreos and a good book.

Share a photo with the readers that embodies your idea of happiness.

I chose this photo because I find reading and water relaxing. Peace is happiness, especially as a mom.

What advice would you give to writers struggling with their first novel?

Just write. The water can’t flow if the faucet isn’t on. It doesn’t have to be good, it doesn’t even have to make sense. Write it and make it right later. A page full of bad ideas is better than a blank page. Writing takes practice and hard work. Keep notes, take breaks to clear your head, and read. read. read. You can’t get anything out if you don’t put anything in.

Giveaway

Now, I know this is what you are all really here for…the chance to win a free paperback copy of Megan’s most recent novel, The Coin and the Crown. I do have to mention this is a U.S. only giveaway due to the extreme shipping costs overseas. I hope you understand. Goodluck everyone!

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