Author Interview: A. M. McPherson

 

A.M. took writing classes at Kent State University before graduating with her Associate of Arts degree. Writing was originally a tool to help her overcome her postpartum depression, but quickly became a new found passion. She hopes to inspire others to follow their dreams no matter what. Her upcoming novel, a YA superhero romance called The Guardian's Daughter, is available for purchase on the 21st of September 2021.

Q&A:

Q1: What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?

 The Guardians’ Daughter is a fantasy/superhero romance story full of mystery & suspense. I was going through postpartum depression after having my son, and suffering from anxiety attacks. During this time I had a dream revolving around two people who wanted to be together, but there was some reason as to why they couldn’t be (in the dream I wasn’t quite sure of what it was), and they were going to school and had abilities. After having this dream I couldn’t stop thinking about them, and decided I wanted to try to flush out the story - and that is now The Guardians’ Daughter, which releases 9/21/21.

Q2: What are five words that describe your writing process?

 Slow. Steady. Consuming. Madness. Passionate.

Q3: What authors, or books have influenced you?

This is always such a hard question for me. So many things have influenced me from books, people, TV shows, and movies. And I’m absolutely terrible at remembering names - but one of my favorite book series is The Hunger Games. Suzanne Collins really created a world that made you think about society, and people’s way of life. Yes, we don’t necessarily put kids in a literal killing arena in today’s world, but there’s definitely something said about the disconnect between the poor and the rich in everyday life. I inspire to write like that, to truly make people think about what comes across as “normal” but it really shouldn’t be.

Q4: What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?

Mainly I need quiet, or very light background music. If there’s too many things going on it interrupts my focus. Also a hot beverage, usually tea or decaf coffee is nearby as well.

But let me be honest, most days I’m trying to write with my four year old on my lap while trying not to spill anything. Ah, the life of a working mom!

Q5. What, to you, are the most important elements of good writing?

I love stories of growth, and ones especially of strong-women making the best out of their life, and defying social norms. If I have to stop reading for a moment because the author has truly made me rethink something, they have done their job wonderfully.

Q6: What is the best advice you have ever heard?

I once talked to my writing professor at Kent State about my aspirations to write a book. She was supportive but told me, “Writing was a heartbreaking profession.” It was almost a shock to hear that from my professor, but I’m glad she told me. I don’t want to set myself up for heartbreak, so I’ve tried to approach every aspect of self-publishing with an open mind and heart, knowing I could easily get heartbroken if I let myself. I’ve always had a horrible habit of getting into something, but soon as it got hard or I felt like “I wasn’t good enough” I gave up quickly. With writing I did not want that to happen because it’s something that truly drives me, and I can’t imagine my life without it now. If she never told me what she did, I may have fallen into my old pattern, but hearing her say that registered with me that I just need to push through the feelings of self-doubt. That it’s natural. Sure, I have some rough days, but the rough days will happen. With writing you have to acknowledge you’ll have good and bad days, and that’s OK. What’s not okay is giving up on your dreams.

Q7: What is your favourite genre to read?

Definitely fantasy, but I do enjoy a good self-biography, and horror story as well.

Q8: What comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?

Definitely plot nowadays because I use characters to help me achieve where I want the story to go. In the beginning the plot was based off of a handful of main characters, but now since I have those characters I need to create more to help me achieve the end game of the series.

Q9: What are you working on now? 

I’m working on the second book to The Guardians’ Daughter, and hope to have it released by the end of 2022.

Q10: What are you currently reading?

Kiki’s Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono (if you love the movie, you’ll definitely enjoy the book!)

Keep reading to find out more about The Guardian's Daughter

Secrets bind them together. Secrets may also tear them apart.

The day Ember’s parents were murdered was the day she lost her faith in heroes. Alone and adrift, she tries to forge a life for herself in the rubble the Guardians who failed her left behind. She vows to never trust heroes again, but will that vow also keep her from finding love?

Aiden wasn’t looking for love, just a chance to do some good. What he found instead was a young woman as captivating as she was cold. He should stay away, but he can’t. Now he’s faced with the choice of whether to keep a terrible secret about his past—one that links him to Ember’s parents—or risk telling Ember and losing her.

Ember wants to stay true to herself while figuring out her future. But Aiden’s secret may have her second guessing everything, leaving her more heartbroken than ever before.

Find out more about A. M. McPherson by following the links below:

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