Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am 20 years old, I live in South Africa, bi and my pronouns are she/her. I have finished a YA fantasy novel, but it is not yet published, and my debut poetry collection is self-published through Amazon. I am constantly having new ideas and working on new pieces, so here’s to hoping they will see the light of day soon!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“the darkest of times, the darkest of thoughts”.
It is a poetry collection wherein I describe my struggle with love, what happens when that love fades, grief, as well as my mental health.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I can go weeks without writing, then sometimes I’d be up until 3am hunched, over my laptop like a little goblin just tapping away. Though, I do not think that is a unique writer experience. Sometimes, when I need to write but my brain won’t give me words, I just stare forward until something simple (like my dead plant in a pot) suddenly gives me the inspiration I need.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. I have always known the story, but I only recently read it and it was amazing! To me, it was kind of a commentary on how society treats and views those who are different from the norm.
I also love Stephen King’s works, I am a huge horror fan!
Some of Emily Dickinson’s poems are constantly scratching the corners of my brain, she was a true genius.
The truth is, though I love to read, I am an extremely slow reader (in the sense it takes me forever to finish a book, even though I could do it much faster). I write more than I read.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a few short stories and poems to submit to magazines or websites who are publishing anthologies!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use my Instagram @/megandiederickspoetry mostly to promote my writing. It’s easy to interact with readers and I love making posts!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
The same advice I try to make myself believe everyday: Never give up, your writing isn’t horrible, just keep going at it until you make it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Every first draft is perfect, because all a first draft has to do is exist.” — Jane Smiley.
I saw this on a screenshot of a Tumblr post and immediately wrote it down in my notebook.
What are you reading now?
Red Dragon by Thomas Harris
What’s next for you as a writer?
I hope that it would be for my novel to be published, so that I can be somebody’s new favorite author!
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 President’s Vampire by Christopher Farnsworth
Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian
The Lake House by James Patterson
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Author Websites and Profiles
Megan Diedericks Website
Megan Diedericks Amazon Profile