Author Interview Spotlight
with M. B. Feeney
Welcome Mich!
1) What is the most encouraging thing anyone has ever told you about your writing?
When Honour was released, I got reviews telling me people had to put the book down due to ugly crying. This always makes me feel good because the stories are supposed to evoke emotion due to the subject matter. If I can elicit that kind of reaction, then I must be doing something right.
2) Do you have a specific writing style?
Not really. Well, I don’t think I do, but I have been told (and this is a HUGE compliment considering who said it) that my writing is very lyrical. And that I have a knack for putting just the right words in the right places. I simply get an idea and write it down. Yes, it’s edited, but my editor is very conscious of not losing my “voice” which I appreciate, even if I don’t truly know what my “voice” is.
3) Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I never consciously put a message into my writing, I merely want people to enjoy the tale I have to tell. Whether they get more than that out of it, that’s wonderful, but it’s not an aim of mine.
4) What books have most influenced your life most?
Uhm… I think every book I read 9which is a lot) leaves its mark on me, regardless of whether I enjoy it or not. I’m a big believer that all authors should be readers. Reading increases vocabulary and grammatical knowledge. It’s also a great way of keeping on top of trends, even if you branch out into those trends or not.
5) If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
I don’t think I have a mentor in particular. I admire so many authors, both ‘big name’ such as JK Rowling or indies such as LJ Harris (a DEAR friend). I try not to emulate anyone as I like to be my own person.
6) What book are you reading now?
I am currently reading Wallbanger by Alice Clayton. I LOVED the fanfic and am loving the published version. It’s definitely a keeper and a re-read!
7)Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
I discover new authors all the time. I’m a netgalley member and I am constantly discovering new genres and authors. I also download a lot of free kindle books. I will read anything by anyone as long as it has a well written story with realistic and believable characters
8)Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Sure. A short teaser:
James grinned at his best friend as he tucked his phone back into his pocket feeling pleased with himself, his brown eyes flashing.
James grinned at his best friend as he tucked his phone back into his pocket feeling pleased with himself, his brown eyes flashing.
“An hour, tops. Let’s sort this shit out.” He and Carl huddled over the laptop and began researching British stately homes.
“Dude! Can you seriously afford this?” Carl asked as he looked, amazed, at the astronomical prices on the screen.
“Yeah, I reckon have about twenty grand budgeted and my parents have offered another ten if I need it.” Carl stared at his friend, astounded at his flippancy about money.
“You have that kind of money, yet you still dress like a hobo?” He indicated James’s ripped jeans and stretched t shirt which fit in with the dirty blond hair buzzed close to his head. The perks of being his own boss as a mechanic were many, but his favourite was not having to wear a suit everyday.
“I like to save up for special occasions, and what’s more special than me marrying Jessie?” James smiled, excited by the idea even more. Marrying the woman he loved was the next logical step in their lives, and he couldn’t wait for her to become Mrs Graham.
“Wouldn’t it be even more special if she was involved with the wedding, or even . . . you know, knew about it?” Carl was still skeptical about the whole thing.
9)Do you have any advice for other writers?
Keep writing. Also, an editor is KEY! Yes, it may be expensive, but that is money well spent. Be proud of what you have written and give the readers a book that is the best it can be. There’s nothing worse than seeing a review for a book that say the grammar or spellings in a book are bad and make the book unreadable.
10) Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
A huge Thank You! I may not have a wide circle of readers, but I appreciate each and every one. The feedback I have gotten from them is amazing and they make me want to keep going.
11) While you were writing, did you ever feel as if you were one of the characters?
I do. I think any author that doesn’t feel as if they are their main character is a fibber. We pour so much of ourselves into our writing that, even if it isn’t autobiographical, we are our main character. With a twist.
12) I want to know what your journey has been as a writer. Were you that girl who was always with a book and constantly writing story ideas down like me?
I was, and still am, a bookworm. I freely admit it. I was the kid in the corner of the playground with my nose stuck in a ook, oblivious to what was going on around me. Even when I was surrounded by my circle of friends. It was just accepted. ‘Oh look, she’s reading again!’ My friends never shut me out, they just chatted around me. As for writing, yeah. It was just a part of me, like having blue eyes and blonde hair. My friends always read my shorts and cooed, but hey, they’re friends, they were supposed to be bias!
13) Does any particular moment stand out as that moment when you considered yourself a "real" writer?
I’ve always been a writer, but the day I received a physical copy of my first book was surreal. I don’t really consider myself a ‘real’ author, but I have to be careful who hears me or I’ll get a slap to the back of the head and a stern talking to.
14) What advice would you give to an aspiring author?
As above. Keep writing. Write what you as a reader would want to read, and above all. Get an editor. That is the most important piece of advice I can give anyone!
Bee’s random 20 quick fire questions for M. B. Feeney. :)
Hot or Cold? – weather, both, bath HOT!
Night or Day? – for writing, night, everything else, day
Beach or Sea? – neither. I’m a city girl
Cola or Pepsi? – Coke all the way!
Angel or Fairy? - Angel
Thor or Iron Man? – Iron Man is HILARIOUS!
Wuthering Heights or Pride and Prejudice? – P&P every time
Dog or Cat? - Dog
Twitter or Facebook? – Twitter (I may or may not be an addict)
Tea or Coffee? – Tea (at least 20 cups a day if at home)
Sun or Rain? – Sun. I hate the rain (unless I’m inside, listening)
Chocolate or Candy? – Chocolate, hands down!
Paperback or Ebook? - Both
Hope or Faith? - Hope
Love or Lust? - Both
Sweet or Savory? – Depends on my mood
Beauty and the Beast or The Lion King? – Neither. Robin Hood
Heart or Soul? – Both.
Bon Jovi or Aerosmith? – Bon Jovi (old stuff)
Home or Away? – Home (with the odd time away)
Check out M. B. Feeney's books!!
Link
http://www.amazon.com/Right-Click-Love-Sugarplum-Dreams-ebook/dp/B00ALUN1MS
http://www.amazon.com/Just-Like-Movies-Summer-Heat-ebook/dp/B00DQDQ5RK
Link
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