M. A. Anderson

What made you want to write?

I loved books as a young child and that encouraged me to want to write. From around the age of eight, I wrote stories to amuse myself and from there progressed to writing song lyrics and, in my teens, plays.

 

Who is your favorite character in your books?

I would have to say Reece Daniels from the Dark Legacy series. He stepped up and became the lead in my series when initially it was Andre Delacroix who was my intended lead character. Reece is a bit rough around the edges, but he’s a good guy with certain moral standards and doesn’t believe in going against them. He’s honest and loyal and expects the same from his friends and colleagues.

 

Do you have a writing routine?

Not really. I write when the muse sprinkles author dust on my head. I try to write daily but sometimes life gets in the way and I may not write for a few days. It hurts. I love writing and when I’m not I feel… guilty… for want of a better word.

 

Where do you write?

I have an office set up where I write. It has a wonderful view of Tamborine Mountain (Queensland, Australia) from my window.

 

How do you deal with writer’s block?

I have to push through it. If I'm on a deadline to finish a book I don't have the time to stop and wait until the muse hits me. Sometimes, I'll listen to music to stir the emotions or read or watch a movie too. These things usually help get the creative juices flowing again.

 

What’s the best thing about being a writer?

Being a writer enables me to escape the mundane every day and leap into the unknown. I meet interesting characters to write about and fantastic plots to journey through with them. I couldn't do anything else.

 

Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?

Because I know my characters so well it was easy to create a new thrilling plot for them to travel through. I love writing about supernatural/paranormal stories and they seem to come to me without effort.

 

How do you get inspired to write?

A character or story will pop into my head, sometimes at the most inopportune time (like when I’m sleeping) and I'll start putting something down either in a notebook (I have one next to my bed) or on computer. Reading, watching movies, and music also inspire me to write.

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What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

My advice to aspiring writers is to hone your skills. Ensure your book is as high a standard as it can be. Work with an editor to make sure of this. If your book has multiple errors, plot holes and bad editing readers will shout it from the rooftops, so make your story interesting and the best it can be. If you're planning on becoming an independent author then make sure your cover does your book justice. Readers want to be entertained visually as well as textually.

 

What are you currently working on?

I'm currently working on a new Paranormal Romance series, yet to be titled. I already like the characters, even the bad ones. I’m hoping to release the first book in November (2016).

 

If you have a question for Maggie just send it through the contact page. She will do her best to answer it personally, or if not, she’ll add it here.