Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a senior at Indiana University studying anthropology. So far I have one published book, Terminal Regression, and one self-published book, One Wish. Counting my unpublished books, I have written 43 books total and 44 is in the works.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Terminal Regression is a dystopian story from the point of view of a suicidal protagonist. I wrote this book when I was going through a rough time, and I wanted to create a character who was weighted down with some of my own personal issues and was still able to be a functioning person and make a difference in her world. It’s meant to be sort of an uplifting story.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I write everything by hand. I can’t type as fast as I think, and pen and paper seems to be a quicker way of jotting stuff down. I also write nonstop, meaning I constantly have a book in the works. When I finish one, I move on to the next and almost always have another storyline at the ready.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I honestly haven’t read a book in a long time, but I like a lot of dystopian stories like the Hunger Games and Divergent. I also like period dramas and historical fiction. Everything I read influences me because it gives me new takes on how to create a character’s voice.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I’m just trying to finish school. I do have a couple stories in the works, but I don’t know if I’ll try to publish anything until I get my life in order a bit more.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve used Facebook ads and newspaper articles to get the word out. I think having reviews also gets more people interested because they have a better idea of what the book is like.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Sometimes people get too in their heads about writing. They think it’s some big, overwhelming life accomplishment. I like to think of it as telling stories, just having fun and making stuff up. Writing for me isn’t about getting published or getting great reviews, I write because I like it and it makes me feel something. Just have a good time and see where that takes you.
What are you reading now?
I really just re-read my old stories these days.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m going to keep writing. It’s part of my life and I don’t see that changing any time soon. Maybe someday I’ll write something really good and try to get published again. We’ll see.
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?
Terminal Regression (of course), the Selection by Kiera Cass, The Luxe by Anna Godbersen, and some sort of desert island survival guide
Author Websites and Profiles
Mallory Hill Website
Mallory Hill’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
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