Interview with Mary Lindsey!

Welcome to Jagged Edge!

Would you like to tell us a little about yourself?

I live in a house that used to be an art gallery on the Texas Gulf Coast with my husband, three kids, and a plethora of creatures—some of which could be considered pets.

What inspired you to write?

I started writing several years ago by accident. My daughter had just discovered teen literature and had burned through several popular series. She was lamenting the fact that most male heroes in paranormal books were demons, vampires or some type of inherently evil creature fighting their wicked impulses. She asked me why the hero couldn’t be a “normal” guy who has some kind of special/magical power, but wasn’t evil or didn’t believe himself evil.

I told her that for her birthday, I’d write her a book like that. (To this day, I have no idea why I would offer such a crazy thing. I’d never written fiction and had no desire to do so).

True to my word, I gave her a chapter a day for a month. The result was a 700-page young adult time-travel novel.

It had a cool premise, but was awful—truly awful with respect to craft. Reading a book and knowing what works is one thing; writing one is entirely another.

After spending a month writing 8-12 hours a day, I decided I’d found the perfect job. I LOVED it.

What authors influenced you as a writer?

I read all the time across many genres. I can’t really say any one author influenced me. Right now, I’m working on a Poe-based Gothic novel, so at this moment, Edgar Allan Poe is the most influential writer in my life.

If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world, which would it be?

I’d choose the world of Pre-Dolores Umbridge Harry Potter. Well, on second thought, maybe I’d choose post wizard-war Hogwarts. Yeah. Let’s get Voldemort and his cohorts out of the way before I jump in there.

What is at least one thing that every writer needs to have or do?

A writer needs flexibility, thick skin, and patience...lots of patience.

Are your books different to your personal favorite books by other authors?

Yes. I read YA, but I also read and love other genres.

What is your favorite part of the writing process?

This sounds a little sick, I know, but I like revising. I particularly like revising with a deadline. Did I say that sounds sick? Yep.

Least favorite part of the writing process?

The days when the story just doesn’t happen. Some call it writer’s block. Fortunately, it doesn’t last long for me usually.

What are you currently working on?

I’m working on a young adult gothic novel based on Edgar Allan Poe’s final poem, “Annabel Lee,” coming from Philomel/Penguin in 2013.

Where can readers find you?

All my networking links are on the left menu of my website home page. http://www.marylindsey.com

LAST QUESTION:

Was there a question you wish I would have asked but didn't?

Nope. Your questions were excellent and I appreciate the opportunity to be interviewed on your blog. Thank you for having me.

Links

My Website:

http://www.marylindsey.com

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Shattered-Souls-Mary-Lindsey/dp/0399256229/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312213813&sr=8-1

Barnes & Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shattered-souls-mary-lindsey/1101075440

Shattered Souls at Penguin

http://us.penguingroup.com/nf/Book/BookDisplay/0,,9780399256226,00.html?Shattered_Souls_Mary_Lindsey

Goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9366996-shattered-souls

About the Author

Mary Lindsey's debut young adult novel, SHATTERED SOULS, is scheduled for release December 8, 2011 from Philomel/Penguin.

Having received a B.A. in English literature with a minor in drama from the University of Houston, she currently teaches acting to children and teens at a private studio in Houston, Texas.

Mary lives with her husband, three kids, two dogs, her daughter's pet rats, an Australian Bearded Dragon, and dozens of Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches.

She is represented by Ammi-Joan Paquette from the Erin Murphy Literary Agency.

About Shattered Souls

A thrilling debut story of death, love, destiny and danger

Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries.

Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.

Advance Praise for Shattered Souls

"Drawing readers into a world where the past holds secrets that can offer salvation or destruction, with spirits haunting every nook and cranny, Mary Lindsey crafts a tale that is frightening, beautiful, and wonderfully memorable."

--Andrea Cremer, New York Times bestselling author of Nightshade

For More Information:

http://www.marylindsey.com