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Interview with Suspense & Horror Author Meg Hafdahl

Jonuel: What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Meg: I believe that when writers start out, myself included, we focus too much on the deconstruction of writing rather than the construction. For much too long I would write a sentence and then delete it, over and over, certain I could craft a better string of words. It was not until I saw my lack of progress over the course of years that I could see this hyper-editing as the death it can truly be. I finally let myself write without trying to edit and fix along the way, and this has led to my success.
Also, I would say another pitfall would be the rejection of any well-meaning criticism. Just as in any profession, we all need to hear and process the comments of others in order to grow and learn. My publisher pointed out to me a certain repetitive trait I have in my work. I was so close to my writing I had never noticed it before and since then I’ve been able to be cognizant of this, and switch up my sentence structures. It is hard to take in critiques, and there will be undoubtedly moments an aspiring writer, or even a seasoned one, will get their feelings hurt. But, I implore all writers to be open to change. Yes, writing is an art, and you as the author should have the ultimate say in your work, but don’t let that prevent you from hearing others. My willingness to alter my course at times and be open has helped me along the way.
Jonuel: Do you want each Book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
Meg: My answer to this is both. I am the author of the Twisted Reveries books which is a short story series. In the first Twisted Reveries, I introduced a fictional town named Willoughby. As my publisher and I brainstormed the second book in the series, we agreed diving into this town and getting to know its creepy history would be a fascinating way to link short stories. It led to me to really rich world building and now my first novel, which will be released from Inklings Publishing this fall 2017, also takes place in Willoughby. So in all three of my books I have characters intermingling and familiar settings. But, I made certain that each book can be read and appreciated on its own. I think this important in order to make my books attainable and attractive for all.
Like many of you reading this I’m sure, I’m a huge Stephen King fan and it was fun for me to sort of play with a town in the same way he has with places like Derry and Castle Rock. I have planted many clues in Twisted Reveries and my upcoming novel, which if not noticed they won’t hinder one’s reading, but if noticed they will enhance the world. It has made Willoughby, MN a kind of real place to me unlike any other setting I have explored. Although, I will admit, now that I am in the last edits of my novel, I am looking forward to stepping back from Willoughby and its inhabitants, and spending some time on other works. I think authors need to challenge themselves, and I’m ready to write some novels and stories that exist wholly apart from my others.
Jonuel: What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?
Meg: When my first short story was published in an anthology, Eve’s Requiem: Tales of Women, Mystery and Horror by Houston based Spider Road Press, I was invited to the book release in Houston, TX. I live in Minnesota and I, like many writers, would consider myself an introverted sort of person who runs away from any sort of party or gathering. But something told me I needed to take the plunge and do something that scared me. So, I spent the money in order for my husband and myself to fly to Houston, have a weekend away from our kids, and go to the release. I read an excerpt of my story there and ending up meeting Fern Brady from Inklings Publishing. Fern changed my life.  She has been publishing my work ever since, not to mention teaching me so much about the business of authorship. She has even trekked up to cold Minnesota in order to throw a party for my latest release of Twisted Reveries. If I hadn’t spent that money on a plane ticket, I would have missed out on so many opportunities. My advice is be daring and do things that scare you, even spending a little bit of money if you can. You’ll be happy you did!
Jonuel: What does literary success look like to you?
Meg: Recently, I received an email from a woman who had bought one of my books at a Comic Con. She wanted me to know it was her favorite book and she really wanted me to sign a copy of my latest release. It made me so happy! I also received a message from another reader, detailing how he had been reading Twisted Reveries to his wife, who suffers from Alzheimer’s, and how the short story form worked well with her limited memory. This is success to me. Yes, I strive for those brass rings, the publications, awards, etc. But, these letters are the kindling for my creative fire. Knowing people out there, (not just my mom!) are enjoying and relating to my work, that is true success.
Jonuel: If you didn’t write, what would you do for work?
Meg: I think it is SO important for writers to stand back and realize how fortunate we are to do what we do. I have the best job in the world. Writing can be hard, and the marketing aspect is not my favorite, but so what? I get to be creative for hours a day. I get to sign copies of my book, meet new people, be my own boss and take a day off whenever I choose. I know there are people out there who have to both write and work another full time job, and as a mother of young kids I understand how straining that can be. But my pet peeve is seeing writers complain about their job. We’re not digging ditches! We’re writing our account of the world, we’re processing our emotions through writing, and we’re creating characters and worlds. If I wasn’t a writer I have no clue what I would do! Probably something in the publishing world, and I have an interest in law, too. But I hope never have to give up being a writer. It is such an essential part of my identity.
For more information on this Author;
Authors official Website:meghafdahl.com
Follow on Social Media:Facebook
Buy Authors bookHere
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HARVEST HAS ENDED. THE BATTLE FOR POWER HAS BEGUN.
THE HUNTERS ARE NOW THE HUNTED.
 


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Interview with Suspense & Horror Author Meg Hafdahl

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