Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a multi-genre novelist based in northwest Montana (USA), with four published novels under my belt. The first two are historical fiction set in the 1650s, dealing with the issue of Irish slavery. The second two are Books One and Two of my semi-autobiographical Jessie Morgan Series, set in the 1970s. When I’m not writing, I’m usually loving up my sweet black lab, growing container tomatoes, hanging out with friends, making blender salsa, or going camping.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is WEBS IN THE MIST: The Jessie Morgan Series, Book 2. This novel was inspired by my own years in San Francisco, 1972 to 1976, and continues the story of young Jessie Morgan – a clove-chewing, fiery Bohemian who wears cedar oil as perfume and will never be mellow enough to be a true hippie. Gee, that’s funny: that sounds like how I was in the early 70s!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think so, except for the fact that I write in my recliner, usually with my feet up. I just have never found a desk chair that is truly comfortable.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I would say women authors have influenced me the most. The early works of Barbara Kingsolver and Toni Morrison impressed me and left some marks. Anne Tyler, Anna Quindlen, Annie Proulx. All these Anns… One of my all-time favorite novels, besides TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, is SINS OF THE SEVENTH SISTER: A Novel Based on a True Story of the Gothic South by Huston Curtiss.
What are you working on now?
I have just released WEBS IN THE MIST, so now I’m working on promoting that, getting the word out about it. Once I’ve thoroughly launched it, I’ll begin working on Book 3 of The Jessie Morgan Series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I really do love Awesome Gang, especially the way Vinnie provides lists of additional book promotion sites where new releases and discounted books can be submitted for free. I’m a Vinnie fan!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes.
Be true to yourself.
Don’t expect to get rich publishing novels, but have fun with it.
Have your manuscripts thoroughly edited and proofread before publishing them.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I love this quote by Henry David Thoreau, which applies now more than ever:
“Our life is twittered away by detail… simplify, simplify.”
What are you reading now?
I’ve been enjoying Keith Richards’ autobiography, LIFE.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I need to get Books 3 and 4 of The Jessie Morgan Series written and published. After that, I’m not sure. Maybe I’ll publish my short stories and my poetry. (Did I just say that??)
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?
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD by Harper Lee.
SINS OF THE SEVENTH SISTER by Huston Curtiss.
A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT by Norman Maclean.
and
ANIMAL DREAMS by Barbara Kingsolver.
Author Websites and Profiles
Maggie Plummer Website
Maggie Plummer Amazon Profile
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