Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello. I was born and raised in Frederick, Maryland. I now live in southern Pa. I wrote all the time as a child into my college years but writing took a back seat as I began my career in education then became a wife and mother. I have been a first grade teacher for over 20+ years.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My last book published to date would be book three, Heart of Mine. It is the last book in my Irony of Time series. This book brings together all the major characters from book one and two for an incredible ending. The series began with a very vivid dream. After waking up I had to know more about these characters and what was going to happen to them. Chapter one in the first book contains elements from that dream. From there the series just took off and led to the final book where the main character at the helm is one that needs to be heard and is the perfect one to wrap the series the up.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think I have any unusual habits. I am not one to map out the whole book or chapters ahead of time. I let the process take over as I write. I usually have the major character and events or the surprise twists and turns thought out, but even that can change. I develop the overall plot first then I go back for months and work on character development and all those wonderful little juicy in between details.
If I find myself blocked then I take a nice hot bubble bath and let my mind take me through that certain scene or next chapter. I have to keep a notebook and pencil beside the tub. Is that unusual?
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I remember loving Janet Daily as a young adult. Later my taste turned to historical romances and then paranormal romances. I like a good mystery, but there has to be a romance or interesting relationship somewhere within the pages. I also have become fascinated with stories where we can get inside the head of someone who has mental challenges.
My favorite author seems to change the more I read. It was Diana Gabaldon (big Outlander fan here!). I really like Gillian Flynn, but I have found that I can’t read too many of her books in a row because they are so dark and deep that I have to quickly find something happy/humorous to read. With paperback, I tend to give them away after I’m finished reading them, but I have held onto a Pamela Clare book for quite awhile now because it is my “sensual fantasy fun read.” I love Brenda Novak and Nora Roberts.
What are you working on now?
I am really excited about what I am working on right now. It is a contemporary romance with paranormal elements. The main character is a first grade teacher (Hello! Like me, but not me).
She strives to be that over achiever, fresh out of the gate teacher, but a tragedy two years ago won’t release its strange and troubling hold on her.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website is: mlcrum1.wix.com/author
My facebook page is: www.facebook.com/authormlcrum/
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I don’t know about other authors, but I find the writing process to be rewarding, but the marketing and promotion process to be down right frustrating. So for new authors, make your voice heard and your presence known way before you publish your first book.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Just keep putting yourself out there and keep writing.
What are you reading now?
I usually don’t read two books at a time, but I was in the mood for a little romance and mystery so currently I am reading When Lightening Strikes by Brenda Novak and Rapture in Death by J.D. Robbs (a.k.a Nora Roberts). I was so luck to be invited to be a part of a book signing at Nora Roberts book store in MD with her and Brenda. Love these ladies!!!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am going to get my new book all polished up and then query some publishers. Keep your fingers crossed! But I’m REALLY excited about being invited back to Nora Roberts for a book signing event on January 27, 2018!!!! It is in Boonsboro, MD…..would love to meet any of you!!
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?
My guilty pleasure….Ride the Fire by Pamela Clare (I tend to give books away after I read them, but this one I kept). This book just reminded me of the movie Last of the Mohicans and I love that movie!
I think I would pick a classic I never read. Not sure which one, but something long. Maybe War and Peace.
Author Websites and Profiles
M.L. Crum Website
M.L. Crum Amazon Profile
M.L. Crum’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
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