Meg M. Robinson

Author Bio: I am an indie author from North Georgia, and while I primarily write paranormal romance, I also delve into urban fantasy. I use a lot of mythology in my books, along with mixing in real world places and legends. I currently have 12 books out across three series.  

Author/Writer Interview:

1.What inspires you most to write?

I find inspiration in all sorts of places for stories, and once they get in there, I just HAVE to get them out. They live in my head, hounding me, until I put them on paper. But what inspired me to begin writing was just my love of books. I’ve been an avid reader for basically my whole life, and I always admired the authors who could write something to take someone to someplace new for a while, or make them laugh or cry, just from ink on paper.

2. What is your favorite genre?

Romance without a doubt, especially paranormal romance, though romantic suspense is up there.

3. Who is one author you admire if any and why?

Sherrilyn Kenyon. She writes intricate stories that capture me, so I forget about what’s going on outside of the book, and she’s still the only author to ever make me ugly cry while reading a book. You have to admire someone who can inspire that kind of reaction.

4. How do you overcome blank writing spells?

I don’t ever have issues with not having any idea of what to write. My problem is getting too much in my head. The two things that help me most with that both involve just stepping away and relaxing for a while—going for a motorcycle ride with my husband or working in my craft room. Both get my mind on something else for a while, which just makes it easier to dive back into a book.

5. What legal publishing advice can you give?

I’m obviously no lawyer, but I will say that before anyone publishes (at least in the US) check the laws in the state/county you live in. Some require business licenses if you’re making any income off book sales. Beyond that, registering your copyright is definitely something every author should consider.

6. How many books have you written, are any a bestseller yet?

My thirteenth novel is being released December 12^th. No bestsellers yet, but I’m hopeful!

7. If you had the opportunity to rewrite one movie script which would it be, why?

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, but only because it REALLY didn’t follow the book and since I read the books first, that bugged me a lot.

8. What are some difficulties you've experienced in your writing career; how do you handle book critiques/criticism?

Since I’m an independent author, I’ve obviously made some mistakes along the way. Not starting social media sooner was one of them, because if you’re an introvert/don’t like social media, it can be difficult to get a following, even if you have a good budget for ads. As for the critiques, I listen and decide if the criticism/suggestion is something that needs applied. Not all suggestions work when it comes to a story, but sometimes it can make a book so much better.

9. What are your best experiences in your writing career?

Meeting readers at events for sure. Even better is when you attend an annual event, and before the next one, someone reaches out asking if you’re going to be there again. It gives major warm fuzzies and helps make me feel validated as an author. I’m not just writing into the void, I’m writing stories people like and want more of.

10. Do you prefer to write in silence and or have some sort sound in the background?

Oh, I absolutely have to have sound. I have a few shows and a handful of movies that I’ve seen a million times that I put on. That way I’m not constantly stopping to pay attention to the TV, and if I try listening to music, I end up accidentally typing the lyrics about half the time.

11. What are some encouraging words you'd give to another author/writer?

Just keep writing. Don’t fret too much about the first draft, and don’t worry about editing until it’s done. You can’t edit a blank page, and no one’s first draft is perfect. Don’t give up. Very, very few authors have immediate success. It’s definitely something you have to keep working at if you want to be successful. Also, don’t judge your success on what others think is success. Figure out what YOU want from writing, and strive toward that.

12. How did you decide the pricing of your material; how did you go about promotion/advertising and distribution of your work?

It’s a mix of things. First consideration is how much the books need to be priced at for me to make a profit. A lot of authors only make a dollar or two on each book sold online, and no one can undervalue their own work. Books aren’t things that are finished in a weekend. It can take weeks/months/years to get the first draft done, then there are MANY rounds of edits. For promotion, I try to post multiple times on various social media sites, and I attend as many events as I can (conventions, book fairs, etc.)

13. Why should anyone read your book?

I write books steeped in mythology, especially Greek but not solely, and often romance (and those generally have at least some spice). They’re meant just to let someone get lost in the story and not worry about anything else for a while. My main characters always get a happily ever after, even if it takes a few books to manage it. I tend to shift themes, so there’s a little something for everyone. Mystery, adventure, save the world, and various tropes, too—second chance, enemies-to-lovers, etc.

14. Did you have a book coach?

I did not, but I have worked to find a couple of communities of writers and they’re all more than happy to help offer advice and support.

15. What was your favorite subject in school?

I’d love to say English, but I never could stand being told what I had to read, or wondering what the symbolism in the blue door is. Science was my favorite, but ancient history was a close second.

16. Are you self-published or have an established publishing contract elsewhere?

I am an independent author.

https://www.megmrobinson.com