Interview With Author Maryan Pelland
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
With a background in journalism and a passion for helping others find their voice, I dedicate my energies to the art of writing. I have well over 1,000 bylined articles and features on a wide range of topics from lifestyle and travel to technology and business. My work has been published in renowned newspapers, magazines, and online platforms. I have authored or ghostwritten more than a dozen books, which all sell consistently.
I’ve been an editor, helping countless authors bring their stories to life. I’m grateful that my eye for detail and my commitment to the craft make me a sought-after professional in the publishing world. I use my wealth of knowledge and experience to guide and mentor writers and self-publishers through every step of their creative journies. I love empowering other writers.
We provide editing, content writing, and mentoring/coaching services on request.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“OnText Complete Guide to Copyrights for Creatives” is an information packed ebook dedicated to writers everywhere who are boggled by the rapidly changing copyright laws and rules. I wrote it so al of us have an idea of how to protect our work and our intellectual properties. I’ve spent a good part of the last six months attending conferences and webinars held by the U.S. Copyright Office, the Senate, Copywrite Coalition, and other stakeholders. There’s a lot changing, day-by-day, and my goal is to keep you informed!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know, is it unusual that I write every day, even if it’s just for 15 minutes?
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King’s “On Writing” has some of the most inspirational and motivational ideas of any book I’ve read. I don’t love every book he writes, but this one is special to me because it’s so honest and real. I guess to some extent, every book I have ever read has influenced me. There are a number of editors at various publications who have been incredibly helpful to me and have made my writing so much better!
What are you working on now?
A series of ebooks for writers of any age and at any career level.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I like social media groups like “Make Money Writing” on Facebook. It’s great to exchange ideas with people who write or love to read. I learn a lot and find other users to be very supportive. Advertising on social media is helpful, too if you choose your audience carefully and craft your ad well.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Don’t obsess over typos or word choices — write the way your story flows from you. When you’ve finished several chapters or even your first draft, then go back and polish it to perfection. If you have the budget, it is essential to work with an experienced editor who can see you work with a clear eye. You can’t do a final edit on your own writing because you already know the words by heart and you won’t see thee flaws.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Murder your darlings. If something in your work just seems to you that it’s the most wonderful thing ever written, take it out. It isn’t. And write the way you would talk to someone. Forget the writerly vocabulary and high-fallutin words. Tell the story. If you are more interested in your prowess than in communicating, you need more practice.
What are you reading now?
Jane Seymore by Alison Weir. A good, readable history.
and
Beyond Religion by the Dali Lama
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’ll continue to build and expand my website at Ontext.com to empower writers. Hoping to add a page where writers can promote their work. Working hard at building my fourth Facebook group — Make Money Writing.
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?
Little Women
Hearts in Atlantis – Stephen King – my all time favorite, I think
Mists of Avalon by M. Zimmer Bradley
The Prophet — Kahlil Gibran
Author Websites and Profiles
Maryan Pelland Author Profile on Smashwords
Maryan Pelland’s Social Media Links