My first interaction with Megan was when she was a bookstagrammer. She had my debut on her shelf and I was really excited! Then she was announcing her own debut and having read it, I can promise that it’s a book you need in your life. An Unexpected Path is all kinds of perfect. The writing, the characters and the relationship that Marley and Bennett forge will stay with you for a long time to come.
In two days, Megan will be releasing her second book and after seeing the cover and all that magic that the book will hold, I’m thrilled for all of us lovers of romance. Because something tells me this one is going to be just as amazing as her first one. Years in the Making has a lot of my favourite stuff and I cannot wait to get my hands on it!
An Unexpected Path is available in Kindle Unlimited and paperback right now. Preorder Years in the Making this instant, you won’t regret it.
BEING AN AUTHOR
Who or what inspired you to write?
I’ve always enjoyed telling stories. But I’d imagine it’s every good book I’ve ever gotten lost in. I remember reading How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams and wishing I could make someone feel the way that book made me feel.
What’s the best and worst part about being an indie author?
Best is full control. Writing the story I want to write without anyone telling me it’s not what the market wants, or questioning things. Worst is, well all the stuff other than writing you have to do. Business and marketing are not for me.
Why did you choose to self-publish instead of going the traditional route?
Control. I’ve seen enough authors go this route and have success for sure, but ultimately I wanted to prove to myself that I could actually do it and do it my way.
When you’re not writing, what do you do to get the creative juices flowing?
I’m not sure they ever stop. I’ve always been artistic. The kind of kid who saw an outline of a person in a ceiling and automatically created a backstory. I’m a photographer by trade so visually I see stories everywhere. It’s much harder for me to turn it off. And just to be clear, just because they are always flowing doesn’t mean they are always good.
If you were to recommend books to me (in any genre), what would they be?
Anything by Tal Bauer. He weaves powerful love stories into all of his books no matter the genre he’s writing in. I’d say start with The Jock for a sports adjacent romance or The Murder Between Us for a thriller.
What are your top 5 tips or pieces of advice for aspiring authors?
Start.
Even if you think it’s not great, keep going.
Write what you want to read.
Expect disappointment but don’t let it control you.
Be open to feedback during the writing process.
ROMANCE AS A GENRE
Why did you choose romance as the genre to write in? What is your favorite thing about the genre?
I always want a relationship to cheer for. There are many great friendship centered books too but for me I desperately need a romantic relationship. I want to swoon. Some steam is always nice too.
If not romance/subgenres of romance, what genre would you like to write in?
Fantasy or thriller. I have an idea for a fantasy and if I wrote a thriller it would likely be super dark and leave me wondering if I should probably talk to someone. Maybe one day.
What are your most and least favorite tropes?
Sibling’s best friend/Best friend’s sibling gets me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.Least… I’m not a love triangle fan, mainly because it gives me anxiety. But I never totally write off a trope because I’ve been surprised more than once.
What are some tropes you want to write in the future?
Best friend’s brother and fake dating are in book 3. I was so excited to write both. A future book will definitely be an enemies to lovers scenario because I think that would be a good time to write. Although I really lean into cinnamon roll/golden retriever book boyfriends so it may be a challenge. (Bring it on)
What are some topics (sensitive and otherwise) that you think should exist more in romance?
I think we have done a great job with mental health. Physical health is one I think could be done more for sure. Representation in all forms should 100% be normalized. I want to read more books that apply to the world I see. I think indie’s are absolutely leading the way here and the big publishers are taking far too long to catch on.
If you write open door romance, why did you choose that and what inspires your sex scenes?
My first draft had nothing. Writing sex scenes was not fun for me. I’m a cringer so it took me a long time to do it in a way where I didn’t make myself cringe. But I think I found a balance and at the end of the final draft I couldn’t wait to write another one. And to be clear most scenes written by others don’t make me cringe, apparently it’s just stuff from my own head that does.
Years in the Making is definitely steamier but I kid you not I don’t recall writing a single word in those scenes. I think I blacked out and Nellie and Teddy took over.
YOUR BOOKS
What inspired your published stories? How and when did you come up with these stories and plots?
A Dodo Youtube video that came up randomly. Bennett’s whole setting was first but Marley was the character that guided the rest. For Years in the Making, my dad’s upbringing. The story is incredibly close to my heart.
Can you briefly tell me about your debut?
An Unexpected Path is a book about two lonely people who find one another in an unexpected way. Strong characters with flaws and a need to be loved, even if they can’t admit it. Plus lots of dogs.
Do you already have a favorite character from the stories you’ve written?
Marley, my FMC in An Unexpected Path.
If you were to cast your book for a movie/television show, who would you cast in the lead roles?
I think Jennifer Lawrence would be a great Marley. I have no idea if he can act but JJ Watt seems very nice and is the only one who can physically capture Bennett.
How much of yourself do you put into these characters?
Marley is basically me. Her inner monologues, her profession, PTSD, some of her physical features etc. Bennett’s empathy comes from me and his love of animals.
What is a story/stories that you really want to tell?
Hockey, but tackling the nonsense that happens behind the scenes. I’m a huge hockey fan but years of scandals have jaded me. I want to go after them in a book.
Is there one common element that readers can find in all your stories?
Wise side characters that are a bit pushy. And hopefully strong FMCs and emotionally intelligent MMCs.
What’s next on the bookshelf for you? Anything you can tell us about a future project?
Three side characters from An Unexpected Path are getting their own books. Years in the Making is Nellie and Teddy and book 3 is Sophie and Foster (a side character’s brother). Lots of emotional gut punches ahead.
When you write these stories, what are you hoping your readers will feel?
By the end I hope they feel joy, but during it I hope they feel what the characters are feeling. If they are able to tap into those emotions, then I’ve done my job.
AUTHOR’S CHOICE
Paperbacks, hardbacks, ebooks or audiobooks—I just want to read
Contemporary, fantasy, historical or romantic suspense
Single or Dual POV—I think sometimes an author doesn’t have the right POV to tell a character's story and it’s important to respect the decision to not try.
Standalones, series or standalones in a series
Open door, ajar door or closed door romances—just give me romance in a healthy way
Music or silence when writing
Plotter, pantser or plantser
Water, tea, coffee or….wine?
Cold or warm weather
Write better in the morning, afternoon or night?
Illustrated or photo cover?
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