My guest this week is Megan Hart, best selling author – and good friend. She will be discussing her newest book, All Fall Down, among other things.
BLURB FROM ALL FALL DOWN:
In the midst of a chaotic midnight assembly, Sunshine is forced out into the darkness. Holding a scrap of paper scrawled with a stranger’s name and address, Sunny grasps the hands of her three small children and begins her escape.
Liesel Albright has dreamed of starting a family. She never bargained on inheriting one already in progress…or one so deeply damaged. When nineteen-year-old Sunshine appears on the Albright’s doorstep claiming Liesel’s husband Chris is her father, all they can think to offer is temporary shelter. The next day, they’re stunned by the news that the Family of Superior Bliss, led by a charismatic zealot, has committed mass suicide. Sunny and her children haven’t just left the compound–they’ve been left behind.
Now, instead of a baby of her own, Liesel must play mother to the four survivors while Chris retreats into guilt and denial. For Sunny, however, a lifetime of teachings is not easily unlearned. No matter how hard she tries to forget, an ominous catechism echoes in her mind, urging her to finish what the Family started.
INTERVIEW WITH MEGAN HART:
1. What genre do you write in? Why?
I write in many different genres, including spicy romance, historical fantasy, young adult horror and mainstream literary fiction. Why? Because…I…can? Or because I am an overflowing cauldron of ideas? Or because I’m crazy! Your choice.
2. Please tell us about your latest book.
All Fall Down is the story of a young woman raised in a cult by her mother, who forces her to leave and seek shelter with her biological father. Sunshine takes her three kids and flees to her father’s house, where he and his wife take them in — but are they all really ready to become a family?
3. What can we expect from you in the future?
More mainstream fiction. More horror. More romance. More of everything I’m doing and maybe some new stuff, too!
4. How do we find out about you and your books (URLs, blog, etc.)
5. What motivated you to start writing?
I’ve been writing stories for as long as I can, which is since kindergarten. I decided when I was twelve it was what I wanted to be when I grew up.
6. What kind of research do you do?
It depends on the story. For All Fall Down, I read a lot about cults and their methods. For the short horror serial I’m writing, I researched natural disasters. If I don’t know something and can’t reasonably make it up, I try to make sure I’m accurate.
7. Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?
I mostly write Monday – Friday from about 9 am to 3 or 4 pm. I work on other things in the evenings, editing or research or promotion. If I’m in between writing drafts, I’ll edit during the day, etc. So I do have a set schedule, but the content of what I’m doing is fluid.
8. Who, if anyone, has influenced your writing?
Stephen King, absolutely, as a kid.
9. Have you always wanted to be a writer?
YES.
10. What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?
The letters that say “I loved your book.” The ones that say “you’re my favorite author” are amazing. But the ones that say “your book taught me something about myself” — those are precious.
11. Among your own books, have you a favorite book? Favorite hero or heroine?
Tempted. Alex Kennedy. He’s also a fan favorite. But I love and hate all my books. Love all the characters.
12. Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?
Keep working. Learn your craft. Pay attention. Don’t try to skip ahead of the line — put in the time. Make sure you’re really putting your absolute best work out there.
13. Where can we buy your books?
Everywhere books are sold, I hope!
14. Now for something fun (Please pick a few of the questions below to answer – do not feel that you have to answer all.):
Chocolate or vanilla? chocolate
Favorite color? purple
Favorite TV show? Supernatural
All time favorite actor? Keanu Reeves
Actress? Kate Winslet
All time favorite book? Hmm. That’s a tough one. I usually say The Stand, but I also love Imajica by Clive Barker, Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey, Swan Song and A Boy’s Life by Robert R. McCammon…so many favorites…
Favorite Movie? The Matrix, The Wizard of Oz
What makes you laugh out loud? I’m blessed in that many things make me laugh out loud.
If you could go anywhere in the universe where would that be? To sleep.
What do you like to do in your “down” time? Play the Sims 3. Watch movies. Read. Sleep.
Vicky Burkholder 