Today I'd like to welcome, Maureen Mayer!
Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions.
I'm excited to have you and can't wait to learn more about you.
1. Where do you find inspiration for your books?
2. Is there a routine to your writing?
3. Who are some of your favorite writers? How have they inspired you?
4. What are you working on now?
5. What advice would you give to unpublished writers?
I find inspiration for my books from every day life; from my own personal experiences to those of my friends and family. The phrase "never a dull moment" often holds more truth than I'd like admit, but without the day to day craziness and emotional turmoil that surrounds us, I'd be shortchanged for material to include in my books. Sometimes it's the situations and characters that we relate to on a personal level that draw us in the most, and I like to keep the subject matters in my books just that: real, relatable, emotionally charged, and driven by angst.
2. Is there a routine to your writing?
I think I'm a bit of an oddball when it comes to my writing routine. As much as I'd like to get most of my writing done in the morning, I find that words flow more easily for me at night. I need to have either coffee or an energy drink, typically Amp or Red Bull, and something to snack on like skittle or chef mix, otherwise I get so into writing that I forget to eat (yes, I know, bad Maureen!). I always make a playlist for my books, and I like to listen to them before I start writing, but while I'm writing I'll listen to something without lyrics like ocean waves or thunderstorms. Otherwise, I find myself singing along to the lyrics instead of writing. As for writing the book itself, I usually have the main structure of the story plotted out, except for the ending. I like to let it flow naturally and give the characters the reins for how the story will pan out. It's as much of a surprise for the readers as it is for me!
3. Who are some of your favorite writers? How have they inspired you?
Some of my favorites include, Molly McAdams, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Kristen Ashley, Rachel Van Dyken, Tara Sivec, Michelle A. Valentine, Olivia Cunning, A.L. Jackson, J. Sterling, Lila Felix, Monica Murphy, Karina Halle, K.A. Linde, Jamie McGuire, Jessica Park, Elle Aycart, Kirsty Moseley, Jennifer Foor, Jasinda Wilder, Teresa Mummert, S.C. Stephens, E.L. James, Kristen Proby…I could keep going, but it would take me all day!
I think they've inspired me by simply writing amazing books and continuing to follow their dreams. A lot of these authors have paved the way for writers who are new to self-publishing and thinking about submitting books to publishers, but they all started out the same way - they had a vision for a story, and even through all of the self-doubt (admit it, we've all been there) they followed through with writing and publishing a phenomenal book and continued to do so! Not only are they wonderful writers, but they are some of the nicest people I've had the pleasure of meeting.
Right now I'm working on a standalone, contemporary romance titled Her Greatest Mistake. I've been working on it for about a year now, and I'm very excited to publish it soon (no release date yet). The premise of the story focuses on how even the greatest mistakes can be worth making. The lead female, Mackenzie, seemingly has a perfect life, but one night of infidelity with Reid turns her whole world upside down. While she is drowning in the memory of their one night together and keeping her betrayal a secret from her family, Reid is battling his demons of his own, but when he unexpectedly comes crashing back into her life, he's determined to do whatever it takes to claim not only her body, but her heart as well.
You can add Her Greatest Mistake to your TBR list here:
5. What advice would you give to unpublished writers?
Don't give up. Whether you choose to publish or not, whether you're a bestseller or only sell one copy of your book, never stop writing. For me writing isn't just a hobby. It's a necessity. I feel as if I'm suffocating if I can't let the words out. It's just as much a part of my life as breathing, and in a way it can be very therapeutic. And don't ever be afraid to contact authors for advice. Get to know them and make connections. I would never have published my first book had it not been for some very kind and patient authors taking the time to answer my questions. It's definitely a learning experience, and mistakes will be made, but don't let that get you down. Keep learning, growing, and pushing forward.
Coffee or Tea
Coffee! Preferable Tim Hortons
Wine or Beer
Hmm either sweet wine or craft beer
Movies or Books
Books are always better ;)
Hemsworth or Pratt
You're really going to make me choose? Ugh, ok…I have to go with Pratt. I love his sense of humor.
Summer or Winter
Summer…I live in Buffalo, so I think I've endured enough winters.
Beach or Mountains
Beach! Pretty sure I was a fish in a past life.
Pizza or Cheeseburger
Pizza! I eat it at least once a week.
Love at First Sight or Friends to Lovers
I think it's different for every couple, but for my boyfriend and me (we've been together almost 11 years) we knew right away.
Halloween or Christmas
Love both, but I have to go with Christmas.
Game of Thrones or Outlander
Bio
Maureen Mayer was born, raised and currently resides in Buffalo, NY with her loving and supportive family and boyfriend of 10+ years. She’s always had a love for the outdoors, and when the city isn’t buried under snow, she can be found hiking, fishing, camping or lying on the beach. She’s a sucker for off-color humor, but holds a sweet spot for sick and twisted horror films. When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up in bed with her kindle, diving into a steamy romance novel and falling in love with the latest book boyfriend.
Relinquishing Liberty (FREE)
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1CLr6lm
iTunes: http://apple.co/1Mkt0fx
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1D5LTcZ
Unforeseen Heartbeat ($1.99)
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1RJNPER
iTunes: http://apple.co/1JbQ12z
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1zWxJMo
Bittersweet Catastrophe ($0.99)
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1ebOWe6
iTunes: http://apple.co/1HEIYNv
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1RJPhad
Social Media Links:
Website: http://maureenmayer.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorMoMayer
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AuthorMaureenMayer
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/AuthorMoMayer/
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1zSZrZA
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/mo_mayer
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