Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
After thirty-five years of teaching middle school, I have changed careers to independent author. Two of the three volumes of The Duncullen Saga are published. Book One, Aroon, is set in 1750 Tipperary. Book Two, Harps Upon the Willows, takes place in 1766 when the tensions between the gentry and commoners has heated up. I have also written many short stories which have been published in magazines and anthologies.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The book I am now writing is untitled. I was inspired by true events that occurred in Barnwell County of South Carolina during the Revolutionary War. A local here, Tarleton Brown, wrote his autobiography in his dotage which lends itself to great drama.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I suppose I go against the grain of recommended practices by doing my research as I write. I will not move on from even a sentence until I have checked not only my facts, but also whether the words I’ve chosen were actually spoken in the time period. This makes for slow progress sometimes, but I am gratified when readers rave about the accuracy and authenticity of my novels.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite authors are Mark Twain and Harper Lee. Mark Twain’s use of dialect has greatly influenced my writing. Harper Lee’s approach to tackling social disparities has made a great impression on me. I hope my work shines a light on the plight of the poor brought on by oppression while drawing readers into the story.
What are you working on now?
I am working on Book Three of the Duncullen Saga.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website is found at mbgibsonbooks.com. I also write a blog called “Research Boring? Not in My Book” which can be found on the website. My best promotion has been face-to-face, but that is by nature limiting.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do not gloss over research, writing, or especially proofreading. Make the writing tight and strong. Don’t quit until it is the very best you can do.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Go for it. You were born to be a writer.”
What are you reading now?
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan to write a novel based on my ancestor, John Benjamin Pryor, the most prominent horse trainer of the mid-nineteenth century. He married the daughter of his employer, who was at the time, his slave. It will be called Pryor Knowledge.
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 Complete Works of Mark Twain
The Bible
A book on survival
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare
Author Websites and Profiles
M. B. Gibson Website
M. B. Gibson Amazon Profile
M. B. Gibson’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account