This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
Molly McAdams is the US author of several bestselling books including, From Ashes and Taking Chances, which were both out in the UK on 9th May. Today she's answering a few questions for our Novelicious readers.
Can you tell us a little about your average writing day?
My average writing day, I try to get at least 2000 words in, hopefully more if I'm able. I seclude myself to one area of my house and keep the TV off and the music on. For some reason, having music on helps me concentrate. There's usually some yelling at my computer, maybe some crying, it all just depends on what my characters are giving me that day.
When you are writing, do you use any celebrities or people you know as inspiration?
I've been known to use both! I already have an idea for who my characters are, and sometimes they'll remind me of a certain person in my life, or their appearance reminds me of a celebrity. So, definitely both.
What is your favourite Women’s Fiction book of all time and why?
Pulled by A.L. Jackson. First of all, the author isn't afraid to shy away from difficult topics, and is always bringing out emotions in you. Second, that book hit home to me, and it's just not something that I'll ever be able to forget.
What is your writing process? Do you plan first or dive in? How many drafts do you do?
I usually just dive on in. If I'm in the middle of another story and can't get to one that's in my head, I'll think about it for a long time and expand on in mentally, but for the most part I just write. If I'm struggling with trying to figure out how to get from where I am to where I need to go, I might write it out in an outline-type form just so I can get it down on paper. The number of drafts actually varies on all my books. I can't tell you how many different times I've completely changed where a story had been going, but it's never anywhere near the same number from book to book.
What was your journey to being a published author?
I started out just writing down my dreams and then expanding on them. Before I knew it I was writing my first book. I still wasn't writing actively, only when I had free time. But I began writing Taking Chances, the first book I published, at the end of January 2012, and published it September 1, 2012.
What do you think is the biggest myth about being a novelist?
That writing a novel is easy. That anyone can do it. I'm working on my fifth story, and I still think it's one of the hardest things I've ever done!
What advice can you give to our readers who want to write a novel of their own?
Don't ever give up, and always write for yourself. If this is what you want to do, don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it.
What are you working on at the moment?
I'm working on Deceiving Lies, it is the sequel to Forgiving Lies which will be available on Oct. 29, 2013. This book is definitely going in a completely different direction that I'd originally thought it would!
Thanks, Molly!