Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written three books so far: Minor, Novice and Limbo. I’ve been keeping journals for 28 years and I’m transcribing all of them and sharing them with readers. I love to write and read and be in love. I like camping and hiking and campfires and folklore and ghost stories and crossword puzzles and human beings and all our messy emotions and puzzling behaviors and choices.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Minor: The Journals of Meghan McDonnell Volume One
Novice: The Journals of Meghan McDonnell Volume Two
Limbo: The Journals of Meghan McDonnell Volume Three
A couple of years ago, a friend suggested I publish one of my journals. It stuck in my subconscious and months later I thought, “Why just one of them? Why not publish all of them?” And here we are. I just published volumes 1-3 and am about to begin working on volume 4.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I still write with pen and paper.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Russians (Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, et al.)
John Steinbeck
O. Henry
Charles Dickens
Olive Kitteridge – Elizabeth Strout
A Little Life – Hanya Yanagihara
What are you working on now?
A series of journals I’ve been writing since I was 8 years old. I’m 36. I’m publishing them semi-anonymously in order. They’re a 28-year account of my entire life – the mundane and the amazing and everything in between. They’re my thoughts, emotions, and impressions of people, our culture, books, music, movies and random details of life that make me laugh or cry or get mad or compel me to put pen to paper.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still learning the answer to this question and it’s always changing. I’m very grateful for Amazon’s KDP and avenues like Smashwords but it’s up to writer’s to get the word out after publishing. The possibilities and roads to take are infinite.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Simplify as much as you can. It can be overwhelming so keep lists and do a little bit every day. The more you familiarize yourself with something that intimidates you (formatting, social media, marketing, etc.), the more knowledgeable and confident you become and that can compel you to keep going even when you feel defeated or stuck. If you want to write for a living, make sure you love the process and all it entails. Your love for it makes the pain more acceptable and helps you weather the roller coaster.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Whatever you’re meant to do, do it now. The conditions are always impossible.” – Doris Lessing
What are you reading now?
The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand at the behest of my sweetheart and Flash Boys by Michael Lewis on my brother’s recommendation. The Witches: Salem, 1692 by Stacy Schiff is on hold for me at the library.
What’s next for you as a writer?
With transcribing, editing, formatting and marketing the next 20 volumes of the journals, I’ve got my work cut out for at least the next 3 years.
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?
A compendium of American folklore
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
A book of Van Gogh’s paintings
The Bible
Author Websites and Profiles
Meghan McDonnell Website
Meghan McDonnell Amazon Profile
Meghan McDonnell Author Profile on Smashwords
Meghan McDonnell’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account