Happy September everyone!
It’s the first Wednesday of the month, so that means it’s time for a special #WCW – Author Edition.
Every month I sit and chat with a fellow author. We talk books, writing processes, character building and other fun things.
This month we’re throwing the spotlight on author M.L. Preston.
Let’s get into the chat, shall we?
Thanks for taking the time to chat today!
Let’s talk all about your writing style and process first…
How do you handle writer’s block?
MLP: I usually step away from the project and allow myself to disengage from the world I’m writing or ask my critique partner/book buddy to help get me out of the corner I’ve written myself into.
What comes first, the plot or characters?
MLP: A little of both. A ‘bunny’ will sometimes appear in a scene leaving me with a plot to flesh out and an image of my characters.
Do you prefer writing in silence or to music?
MLP: Both. If my head is already ‘full’ I have to write in silence, but for the most part, I write with some kind of music in the background.
Do you find it more challenging to write the first book in a series or to write the subsequent novels?
MLP: Subsequent. Sure, you know what the big picture looks like overall, but getting there is the hardest part. Having to keep up with your timeline, making sure you carry over important facts and getting your characters in line, make all subsequent novels a task.
How many books have you written?
MLP: Published: 12; Soon To Be Released: 1; Waiting on me to write: Too Many (LOL)
Which is your favorite?
MLP: Ugh, that is hard. They are all my favorites. I think if I had to choose, it would be…
If you were to genre-hop, which genre would you most like to try?
MLP: I recently released Bella and Her Beast, a fairytale retelling in the Once Upon A Temptation Anthology. Of course it is Fantasy, and my character was a shifter. I enjoyed researching and learning about that genre and may be tempted to do it again. Other than that, maybe Dark Romance.
Which of your books was most enjoyable to write?
MLP: Bella and Her Beast. First time outside my norm and it was exhilarating.
Where do you get your inspiration?
MLP: I usually get it from songs/music, and things people say that spark a plot bunny. Other times a storm can generate steamy scenes and more often than non my own marriage can give me inspiration.
If you had to recommend one of your books to a new reader, which would you recommend?
MLP: If you like second chance of sorts, I say High Roller. If you like one-night stands that turn into something more, Southern Charm.
THREE FUN FACTS ABOUT M.L. PRESTON
What are you reading now?
I am catching up, so my Kindle App is in a constant carousel. I just finished Playboy Pilot.
Favorite book when you were a kid?
Where the Wild Things Are
What famous author do you wish would be your mentor?
Michelle Obama
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT M.L. Preston & HER BOOKS, CHECK OUT HER SOCIAL MEDIA
IGNITION is part of the Love Me Always anthology.
Releasing September 15, 2020
https://www.amazon.com/Love-Me-Always-Romance-Anthology-ebook/dp/B089QSYM42
The Scoop on
IGNITION
Can you share something about your current book that isn’t in the blurb?
MLP: The heroine in this book is in a non-traditional role for a female.
What was the inspiration for the story?
MLP: My own love of taking things apart and putting them back together. Also, the opportunity to write my first AA book which is something I will expand on in the future. Probably near future.
Do you write listening to music? If so, what music inspired or accompanied this current book?
MLP: This is the playlist we collectively put together to help us with our journey. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ZTPwcJ6AS3zJC3TlS6LtD?si=El9pLX6NTFS1oYk-Et4iAw
If you had to describe the main character in THREE words, what would those three words be?
MLP: Tall, Handsome, Smooth
If your book was going to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it?
MLP: Romeo Miller, (yes, Lil Romeo), and KeKe Palmer.
BEHIND THE PEN & PAGE…
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
MLP: Crafting and making T-shirts. I’ve actually started a business.
What was your dream job when you were younger?
MLP: I always knew I wanted to be somewhat famous. Either dancing, singing, or stylist to the stars.
Favorite artist and favorite song?
MLP: Prince and I Wanna Be Your Lover (among others)
BEFORE WE WRAP THIS UP LET’S DO A RAPID FIRE ROUND!!
Would you rather be in a room full of snakes or a room full of spiders?
MLP: Ewwww, can’t answer. Just ick!!!
Would you rather have an endless summer or an endless winter?
MLP: Summer.
Would you rather always be an hour early or be constantly twenty minutes late?
MLP: An hour early.
Movie or Book
MLP: Book
Toilet Paper: Over or Under
MLP: Over
City or Country
MLP: Country
Share a photo of a character inspiration
ChaNelle Baines as Tiffany Lang from High Roller
Greg Vaughn as Carter Jackson
