Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a high school English teacher and now an author. I have written since I was a teenager, but wasn’t serious about my writing until 2010 when I made my first New Year’s resolution. I found a publisher that year and it has been an adventure since that time. I have an epic fantasy series, The World of Samar, the fifth book of which will be published sometime this spring. I also have a murder mystery series, the Peyton Brooks’ Mysteries, the seventh and final book having been published last month. I also have a contemporary romance, Ravensong, and will be publishing a new contemporary fantasy this spring.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My last book was Murder on Treasure Island. My murder mystery series takes place in my hometown, San Francisco, so it seemed natural to set the last book in a beautiful, spooky setting like Treasure Island. My sons and I had a wonderful time exploring the island and photographing it for inspiration.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really. I don’t set a word goal for myself. I feel that’s too restrictive. The only thing I do that might be “unusual” is I think up the entire plot, ending included, before I write anything down, then I spend a few months acting it out in my mind before I write.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love American authors, especially John Steinbeck and Ernest Hemingway, but more recently, I decided my favorite author is Zora Neale Hurston. I teach Their Eyes Were Watching God to my 11th graders and every time I teach it, I find more to marvel at.
I have always been influenced by Shakespeare and this summer I will have the opportunity to study him at the Globe Theatre in London. This is a lifetime opportunity and I am beyond excited.
What are you working on now?
Write now I am editing the fifth book in my epic fantasy series for my publisher and finishing the final chapters in my new contemporary fantasy series. I’ve never written in first person before, so this new series is a departure for me since it is in first person.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am a true believer in advertising. Exposure is key and so I’m always looking for new ways to get my books in front of readers. That’s why opportunities like the Awesomegang are so important to me and I’m delighted to be included here.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I know it sounds trite, but write and then write some more. As with anything, the more you practice your craft, the better you’ll become. And people watch. Become a student of humanity. In order to create convincing characters, they have to have a mirror in real life.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Ironically, it came tonight. I was watching the Beatles’ 50th anniversary and Alicia Keys and John Legend sang “Let It Be”. I had an aha moment listening to the lyrics. Sometimes you’ve just got to let it be.
What are you reading now?
I have become addicted to the Stephanie Plum mysteries by Janet Evanovich. I’m waiting for the next one to come out. They are fun and the characters are engaging. My credit card isn’t happy about this obsession, though.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am excited to publish my new series, the Avery Nolan Adventures, and then begin work on the spin-off to my murder mystery series, which will be entitled Peyton Brooks, FBI. I’ve enjoyed creating new characters, but I’m also wanting to visit with my old favorites.
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?
Hamlet
The Grapes of Wrath
Their Eyes Were Watching God
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Author Websites and Profiles
ML Hamilton Website
ML Hamilton Amazon Profile
ML Hamilton Author Profile on Smashwords
ML Hamilton’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account