Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My writing habit began at age fourteen. I always admired people like Benjamin Franklin, who had been practiced enough by age fourteen to write beautifully. I knew that I had a lot to improve upon. I’ve written five books in their initial form: The Antarctic Circle I, II, and III (with gobs of unplaced material and outlines for future novels); Narquelie Ravenmagic; and March, Forest. Because I was so young an inexperienced at novel-writing, I had to go back and rewrite The Antarctic Circle completely. I’m still working on it, and I plan to have seven or eight in the series.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
March, Forest is due to publish in September of 2020. The inspiration came from a dream I had of a fierce merwoman entering her forest palace by means of a giant slide.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unusual… not really. Before my schedule was forcibly changed by adulthood, I used to get to the coffee shop by 5:00 PM and write until close at midnight. Then, I’d continue writing until 3:00 AM or later until I fell asleep.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, George MacDonald, Gaston LeRoux, Victor Hugo, Brahm Stoker, Francine Rivers, and J. K. Rowling. I hated reading before Rowling.
What are you working on now?
March, Forest is still with my editor at the moment, so I’m focusing on writing the first draft of The Antarctic Circle: Romeniel, which is Book II of the series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Book Funnel is super helpful when paired with Facebook. It allows people to see your ad on Facebook, then click over to download a free book or a paid book. Plus, it ensures they can get customer service assistance if they have issues downloading.
Also, Book Funnel does a ton of internal promos by letting authors pair up to share each other’s books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write obsessively. If someone criticizes your work, treat that like gold. Most people won’t want to hurt your feelings, so they’ll avoid telling you your weaknesses. But as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Listen to their criticism, reevaluate your work, and try rewriting. Just to see what happens. Whatever you do, don’t let criticism get you down. If you give up when faced with adversity, you’ll never succeed.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write what you would like to read.
What are you reading now?
Forbidden by Ted Dekker and also The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have so many stories waiting to be written, it’s hard to be patient. I’m looking forward to co-authoring a book with my husband in the future.
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?
I’m hoping we’re talking being stranded for a short time. Otherwise, this list would change.
The Bible.
The Lord of the Rings.
The Illusive, Perfect Gamelit Novel I Can Never Find
A Ted Dekker novel I haven’t read, like The 49th Mystic
Author Websites and Profiles
E. E. McGill Website
E. E. McGill’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile