Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Just a young woman who has always loved reading and writing since I first learned how. I’ve always had a very active imagination, spending a lot of time daydreaming and I find inspiration from all sorts of places – video games, artwork, music, scenery, etc. I just end up wanting to write what I see and feel, though I suppose what author doesn’t?
I’ve written 2 books so far and a handful of short stories that could evolve into something more someday. Only one of those books have been published, though; the first novel I wrote still needs some more polishing before I publish it.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, Deserted, is the first of a series that was inspired by quite a few things. It started with a random thought of Christmas; it was around the corner at the time and the spirit was everywhere you looked. I wondered what it would feel like for someone to have something horrible happen at such a happy time of year, which inspired my main character. Surprisingly, this little tidbit ended up having a very small role in my novel when all was said and done, when it was the single driving force for me even writing the novel to begin with.
The setting of a desert/wasteland and the feeling of being utterly alone was inspired by the scenery in a video game I was playing at the time as well. The rest just came from my own personal experiences.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really ‘unusual’. I try different ways to write to see what works best for me. Sometimes I just let the story tell itself as I write and sometimes I prefer to outline before I start. I find both have merits and I suppose that could be construed as unusual.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Surprisingly, I don’t find myself inspired by novels that much, although a story that I am currently working on reminds me of George Orwell’s 1984 in certain ways.
There’s also a novel I read while I was a teenager that left me in tears when I finally finished it – and then I immediately started reading it again. I can’t remember the name or author, though, but it’s never left me. I can only hope to one day write something as powerful.
What are you working on now?
I have far too many projects on the go. I’m working on getting the sequel to Deserted out in time for Christmas, but I also have quite a few random stories in the works saved to my computer – a steampunk novel, a YA novel about dragons, and another story that I’m not even sure I know how to classify just yet.
While it’s a nice break to escape into other worlds every so often, my sequel comes first.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Facebook has been my best friend through this adventure thus far. Granted, I’ve only been published for a few days but the amount of support and shares going on have been amazing. It’s a great feeling when people you don’t know start messaging you about how much they love your work.
That being said, the links that Vinny sends out with his emails have been a great resource as to new places to promote myself and I plan on starting that lineup soon.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just do it. Don’t let fear, insecurities, or naysayers hold you back; you never know if your work will touch someone.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I don’t know if this is the best advice I’ve ever heard in my lifetime but it is the most recent and it did speak to me.
“Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on a broken glass.”
– Anton Chekhov
What are you reading now?
Currently finishing up the Maze Runner series and Stephen King’s The Wind Through The Keyhole.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To just keep on getting my ideas out there and finish up the two series that have been on my mind for a good 10 years or so now.
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?
1984 and Animal Farm would be guarantees and probably anything by Bruce Coville. While intended for a younger audience, they’re such fun reads and worlds to escape into.
Author Websites and Profiles
L.M. McCleary Website
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