I had the privilege of interviewing Bethany Macmanus. I met Bethany online through ACFW. She's a talented writer and a sweet person!
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO WRITE SIX SOLITUDE ROAD?
The idea
formed while I was reading the book “The Anatomy of Story,” by John Truby. His
unique story-building format helps writers plot, not plod. Everything, even the
theme/takeaway, was developed through his model.
WHAT IS THE THEME OF THE NOVEL?
Very little of your life
is left to your control. At some point, you have to let go and trust God.
ARE ANY SEQUELS PLANNED?
ARE ANY SEQUELS PLANNED?
Yes, in fact, there's a trilogy
planned. I'm at work on Twelve Tragedy Lane, which will be followed by Eighteen
Illusion Court. Twelve Tragedy Lane features Croft Thames, the man who will one
day marry Allie Reese, the woman victimized in Six. I would call it “suspense
with romantic elements.”
IF YOU COULD TRAVEL ANYWHERE, WHERE WOULD YOU GO?
My
dream vacation spot is Ireland. But right now I just want to go to L.A., where
my WIP is set.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ASPIRING WRITERS?
Don't be
afraid to reach out to other writers, and “normal” people, too. It's a lonely
road we travel, butt in seat, hands traveling the keyboard. If we don't live in
the “real” world some of the time, how will we research our characters? There
is such a thing, however, as TOO connected. I think one of the most important
things you will do for yourself as a writer is establish your social
boundaries—for one thing, to know when to turn off your cell phone's
notifications. (hee...the extrovert in me struggles with that one daily!)
WHAT IS THE MOST INTERESTING THING YOU’VE LEARNED FROM
WRITING RESEARCH?
Well, at one time I thought I wanted to write about the Masons.
Especially after the movie National Treasure, I was interested in how nearly
every president this country has ever elected was a Mason. It didn't take me
much research to learn, this secretive cult was not something I wanted to delve
into as a Christian, no matter how provocative their story might be.
WHAT IS YOUR WRITING SCHEDULE LIKE?
Eek...well, right now
it is summer, and my two children are hanging out with me. They are only this
little once. :) So if I get any writing time, it's when my writing partner and
I schedule a playdate for our kids. That, or during a Veggie Tales movie. Next
week they both will start school, and I will start writing full-time. I plan to
reward my solid word count days with one, maybe two Panera Bread writing days!
If you're wanting to know what having a writing partner
is like, she and I write in different genres, and we met at our local ACFW
chapter meeting. At first I wondered if it would work out because we both like
to talk a lot. But once we have our lunchtime conversation out of the way, and
actually start writing, we find it extremely helpful to bounce ideas off of
each other, and can get a lot done!
HOW CAN FANS CONTACT/FOLLOW YOU?
I am blogging short,
suspenseful stories (1500 words or less) at http://bethanymacmanus.com.
Come comment! I am active on my Facebook author page http://facebook.com/bethanymacmanusauthor
, but not as much on my Twitter (@bgmacmanus). I like to post novel bonus
material on Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/bethanymacmanus ).
Great interview, Bethany, and I love the sound of your book. The title (and those coming) are intriging! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteCarole, thanks for the sweet comments! I appreciate you stopping by.
DeleteBethany, thanks for being on Sleuths and Suspects. I really like your book trailer and look forward to your other books.
ReplyDeleteHeidi
Heidi, it was an honor and a great opportunity to be interviewed. I love this blog, and see it has become a thriving community. I always enjoy finding ways to communicate with readers. Thank you again!!!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this interview, Heidi. I had the privilege of critiquing a small part of this good story. Congratulations, Bethany, for getting it published. I also had the privilege of reading Truby's good book. Have a blessed day.
ReplyDelete