Title: Myth and MagicAuthor: Mae Clair
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Format: Kindle
AS CHILDREN THEY PLAYED GAMES OF MYTH AND MAGIC…
Veronica Kent fell in love with Caith Breckwood when they were children. As a teenager, she was certain he was the man she was destined to marry. But a traumatic event from Caith’s past led him to fear a future together. He left Veronica, hoping to save her from a terrible fate. Twelve years later, Caith, now a P.I., is hired to investigate bizarre incidents at the secluded retreat Veronica manages. Returning to his hometown, Caith is forced to face his nightmares—and his feelings for the woman he’s always loved.
THEN ONE DAY THE MONSTERS BECAME REAL.
After the callous way Caith broke her heart, Veronica isn’t thrilled to see him again. But strange occurrences have taken a dangerous toll on business at Stone Willow Lodge. Forced to work together, Veronica discovers it isn’t ghostly apparitions that frighten her, but her passion for a man she has never forgotten. Or forgiven. Can two people with a tarnished past unearth a magical future?
PRE-ORDER INFORMATION Myth and Magic is available for pre-order at Amazon, B&N, Kobo and Google Play
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in
your life?
I’ve got a wonderful husband, a great marriage, a successful (day) career, and now I’m writing professionally at long last. All of these things make me proud. J
I’ve got a wonderful husband, a great marriage, a successful (day) career, and now I’m writing professionally at long last. All of these things make me proud. J
How has your upbringing influenced your writing?
I come from an extremely close-knit family and had a wonderful relationship with both of my parents (both have since passed away). Because of those bonds, every novel I’ve written has a strong secondary plot revolving around family dynamics. Most involve conflict, but there is always healing and redemption at the end.
I come from an extremely close-knit family and had a wonderful relationship with both of my parents (both have since passed away). Because of those bonds, every novel I’ve written has a strong secondary plot revolving around family dynamics. Most involve conflict, but there is always healing and redemption at the end.
When and why did you begin writing?
I started in grade school. I think the gene for writing can be hereditary. My father was an artist, but he dabbled in writing for a good portion of his life. I simply can’t remember a time when I wasn’t dreaming up stories and writing them down.
I started in grade school. I think the gene for writing can be hereditary. My father was an artist, but he dabbled in writing for a good portion of his life. I simply can’t remember a time when I wasn’t dreaming up stories and writing them down.
Do you recall how your interest in writing
originated?
My parents were avid readers and took me on weekly trips to the library. My father and I used to sit outside on summer nights, look up at the stars, and invent stories. He was a great believer in “what ifs” and passed that on to me.
My parents were avid readers and took me on weekly trips to the library. My father and I used to sit outside on summer nights, look up at the stars, and invent stories. He was a great believer in “what ifs” and passed that on to me.
When did you first know you could be a writer?
Honestly, I don’t remember ever not wanting to be a writer!
Honestly, I don’t remember ever not wanting to be a writer!
What inspires you to write and why?
Writing is a drug for most authors. It’s something we have to do or suffer withdrawal. I can last about a week without writing before experiencing the pangs of addiction. Simply put…I write because I have to. Don’t get me wrong—I want to write—I crave it insatiably. There is always some character or story percolating in my head, but I write because I can’t imagine not writing.
Writing is a drug for most authors. It’s something we have to do or suffer withdrawal. I can last about a week without writing before experiencing the pangs of addiction. Simply put…I write because I have to. Don’t get me wrong—I want to write—I crave it insatiably. There is always some character or story percolating in my head, but I write because I can’t imagine not writing.
What genre are you most comfortable writing?
I started out writing paranormal romance (which I still do on occasion) but I am most comfortable writing romantic suspense laced with mystery. Myth and Magic is a combination of mystery, romance, and suspense—my favored blend. I guess I fit best in the romantic suspense genre. Myth and Magic definitely falls into that category.
I started out writing paranormal romance (which I still do on occasion) but I am most comfortable writing romantic suspense laced with mystery. Myth and Magic is a combination of mystery, romance, and suspense—my favored blend. I guess I fit best in the romantic suspense genre. Myth and Magic definitely falls into that category.
What inspired you to write your first book?
Werewolves! Didn’t I mention it was a paranormal? Weathering Rock is also a time travel novel, bringing a Civil War colonel into modern day. And yes, it involved werewolves!
Werewolves! Didn’t I mention it was a paranormal? Weathering Rock is also a time travel novel, bringing a Civil War colonel into modern day. And yes, it involved werewolves!
Who or what influenced your writing once you
began?
My earliest inspiration came from Ray Bradbury and the novel Something Wicked This Way Comes. Bradbury was a master at magical realism, and I spent a lot of years writing MR shorts and one full-length novel (all languishing in a drawer somewhere). I’m still motivated by myth in most everything I write.
My earliest inspiration came from Ray Bradbury and the novel Something Wicked This Way Comes. Bradbury was a master at magical realism, and I spent a lot of years writing MR shorts and one full-length novel (all languishing in a drawer somewhere). I’m still motivated by myth in most everything I write.
What do you consider the most challenging about
writing a novel, or about writing in general? Finding the
time! I’m sure you will hear every writer lament the lack of time, but it’s
painfully hard squeezing hours from a day that is already filled with family, a
full-time job, housework, grocery shopping, exercise, appointments, pets, etc.
I’m sure you get the idea!
Did writing this book teach you anything and what
was it?
That I can write a novel with a Halloween setting during the summer, LOL. Seriously, that might sound silly, but it’s hard to channel pumpkins, Halloween parties, and autumn settings when it’s 90 degrees outside. Myth and Magic is set in October with a strong Halloween theme, but I actually wrote the bulk of it last summer.
That I can write a novel with a Halloween setting during the summer, LOL. Seriously, that might sound silly, but it’s hard to channel pumpkins, Halloween parties, and autumn settings when it’s 90 degrees outside. Myth and Magic is set in October with a strong Halloween theme, but I actually wrote the bulk of it last summer.
Do you intend to make writing a career?
I would love to, but as of yet, it doesn’t pay the bills. Hopefully, one day.
I would love to, but as of yet, it doesn’t pay the bills. Hopefully, one day.
Have you developed a specific writing style?
Yes, I believe so. Others tell me they can recognize my voice and style.
Yes, I believe so. Others tell me they can recognize my voice and style.
What is your
greatest strength as a writer?
I’ve always had a knack for writing description and immersing a reader in the scene. Reviewers and readers frequently comment on it. Interesting because I actually prefer writing dialogue. J
I’ve always had a knack for writing description and immersing a reader in the scene. Reviewers and readers frequently comment on it. Interesting because I actually prefer writing dialogue. J
What is your favorite quality about yourself?
Empathy. I can always see the flip side of the coin and put myself in the other person’s shoes.
Empathy. I can always see the flip side of the coin and put myself in the other person’s shoes.
What is your least favorite quality about
yourself?
Empathy. When you’re extremely empathic, you have a tendency to hurt for everyone around you. Sometimes, I actually have to close that side of myself off.
Empathy. When you’re extremely empathic, you have a tendency to hurt for everyone around you. Sometimes, I actually have to close that side of myself off.
What is your favorite quote, by whom, and why?
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” ~ Les Brown.
It reminds me of my father.
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” ~ Les Brown.
It reminds me of my father.
Mae Clair opened a Pandora’s Box of characters when she was a child and never looked back. Her father, an artist who tinkered with writing, encouraged her to create make-believe worlds by spinning tales of far-off places on summer nights beneath the stars.
Mae loves creating character-driven fiction in settings that vary from contemporary to mythical. Wherever her pen takes her, she flavors her stories with conflict, romance and elements of mystery. Married to her high school sweetheart, she lives in Pennsylvania and is passionate about writing, old photographs, a good Maine lobster tail and cats.
A great interview, Mae! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the "bits and pieces" of your life and writing endeavor!