Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written nine books so far, with books 10 and 11 to be released soon. My most popular books are the four novels in the Loving Husband Series. The books are a combination of historical fiction and paranormal sweet romance featuring vampires, witches, and a ghost within the backdrop of the Salem Witch Trials. I live in Las Vegas, and I love books, cats, and coffee–not always in that order. When I’m not writing I’m reading or cooking, and I love to bake.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Down Salem Way, which is the prequel to the Loving Husband Series. When I finished the Loving Husband Trilogy, a lot of fans asked for another book so I wrote Down Salem Way. I touched on the Salem Witch Trials in Her Dear & Loving Husband, but I felt I had more to say on the subject, so Down Salem Way covers the witch hunts in more depth. Since fans are still asking for more James and Sarah books, I’m continuing the story with more novels to come.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Great question. I don’t think my writing habits are particularly unusual. I give myself a daily word count when I’m writing a first draft because otherwise the first draft won’t get written. I hate writing first drafts, but so does every author I know, so I don’t think that is so unusual.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Definitely Charles Dickens and his novel David Copperfield. I read David Copperfield in college and I knew that that was what I wanted to do–write stories that were entire worlds unto themselves. I also love the poetic fluidity of Toni Morrison’s novels.
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on a new Hembry Castle story, a sweet Victorian romance which was inspired by Downton Abbey and Charles Dickens. I know, but it works. The first Hembry Castle book was named a best historical novel by IndieReader, and luckily it has a loyal legion of fans. It’s a holiday story so it’s coming out later this year.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My website is www.meredithallard.com, and that’s where I post all the latest information about my books and share book inspirations and other bookish thoughts. Many of my fans visit me there when they want to know what is going on with my books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up, and keep improving your craft. I’ve been teaching creative writing workshops for years, and I know sometimes new authors become frustrated because becoming a writer is not a fast process. It can take a long time to learn the craft. But stay with it and keep on keepin’ on. Writing is one of those skills that will only improve with time.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I love the advice about how time is the most valuable thing we have. I agree with that. I know that I could certainly be more mindful of how I’m spending my time every day. When I’m more mindful about my time I leave myself more time to write, and I love writing more than just about anything else in the world.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading A Christmas Carol by Dickens. I reread that one every year but it’s helping me write right now because the story I’m working on is a holiday story. A Christmas Carol is helping me get into the Christmas spirit.
What’s next for you as a writer?
After the new holiday Hembry Castle story is finished, I’ll be working on a new Loving Husband story. Luckily, fans keep asking for more and I’m happy to oblige. I’m also working on my first nonfiction book, which is a lot of fun and a very different process than writing fiction.
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?
Four books is definitely too few for me, but if I were pressed to take four they would be:
1. David Copperfield by Dickens
2. Beloved by Toni Morrison
3. Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman
4. I’m sure something else by Dickens, but I’d have to think about it. Probably something funny like Pickwick or Nicholas Nickleby.
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