AUTHOR INSIGHT: Monique Mulligan

Teena Raffa-Mulligan interviewed me for In Their Own Write this week, so I thought I’d share this author insight.

MONIQUE’S TOP WRITING TIP: Read widely, read well, and think about what you’re reading. Use your reading time to enjoy the words but also to learn about writing techniques and styles. I’ve learnt a lot about writing from reviewing books – it’s made me analyse and appreciate the diversity and talent out there.

Why do you write? I write because it’s what I’m meant to do. I love crafting words into something beautiful and meaningful.

What would you be doing if you weren’t a writer? I’ve always imagined having a bookstore/tea shop of my own. I’ve even picked out a name.

What was your toughest obstacle to becoming published? Me. I had to commit time to write the things I yearned to write. And I kept thinking, “One day, when X happens or Y happens”. Once I made time, which meant getting up earlier in my case, things fell into place for me. First I had a romance published in an anthology called Rocky Romance, and then I had My Silly Mum published. But I suspect when my novel is finished, there will be more hurdles to jump.

What’s the best aspect of your writing life? Writing, talking about writing with other writers, and the writing community.

—the worst? When time gets taken by something else.

What would you do differently if you were starting out now as a writer? Start earlier! And stop doubting myself. That has been one of the biggest killers of my creativity.

What do you wish you’d been told before you set out to become an author? I wish I’d met the people I know now earlier because they have given me so much encouragement, feedback and support. I feel so privileged to know them. But before this? I wish I’d been told how much other stuff (marketing and so on) went into the business of being an author.

What’s the best advice you were ever given? Make some time for yourself to write. No excuses, just do it.

Full post here.