Interview With Author Abigail Mandlin
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
So far, I only have one book published, but I’ve actually written many. I even wrote three in high school! I really took the energy I had back then for granted.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Muses. Muses is/was my grad thesis, actually. It’s inspired by my own experience with my mental health and how I moved on from a dark period in my life.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I always have to put my feet up. Can’t think properly otherwise. Also, if I’m stuck on a plot point or facing writer’s block, I put myself in the shower and don’t come out until I have at least somewhat of an idea on where to go from there.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
For Muses in particular, I usually cite these particular books: Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Looking for Alaska by John Green. I also credit the letters of the poet John Keats and The Iliad and The Odyssey.
What are you working on now?
Another book! It’s a secret, but I have the whole thing mapped out. Also, I regularly write bits of poetry as well.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Twitter, unfortunately. But since the platform is starting to deteriorate, I’m looking for new places.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Finished work is better than perfect work. Just finish the thing. You can always edit it later. Also, don’t be afraid to get weird with it. “Weirdness” is often the thing readers gravitate towards.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You’ll never regret being more educated. Learn stuff. It’s never a waste.
What are you reading now?
The Power by Naomi Alderman. (Still haven’t read The Handmaid’s Tale. Too much of a baby!)
What’s next for you as a writer?
Writing my next book. I’m also interested in maybe joining the publishing industry on the production side.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and Educated by Tara Westover–plus the dictionary, so I could write my own stories to entertain myself, of course.
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