Today's guest author on Interviews with Dante is M.C Walker. Enjoy learning a bit about this wonderful author.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
I am M.C. Walker, a women’s fiction writer from the great city of Atlanta. I’ve been studying the craft of writing for ten years. Presently I’m gearing up for the release of my debut novel Before the Lights Go Out, out April 30, 2015. My year is off to a great start with a short story featured in the Bestselling anthology from Brown Girls Publishing titled The Dating Game.
Tell us about your latest book.
The Dating Game is a collaboration featuring myself and a few other talented female writers, aspiring and established. We have written some of the most hilarious, realistic and charming tales of finding love in the modern world. Between speed dating, blind dates, and believing in true love, readers will fall in with the characters and the writers. I promise…lol!!
What do you have coming out in the future?
I am so excited to be self publishing my debut novel Before The Lights Go Out through my own publishing company Walker Publications, LLC. It’s the chilling tale of one women’s journey of discovering the woman she left behind. It’s the story of the ultimate sacrifice, a test of faith and survival. Readers will not only cheer for the leading character, but find hope in the beginning of their own tomorrows.
What genre do you enjoy writing the most and why?
I enjoy writing women’s fiction because I like the evolution of hope and growth with the character. The stories linger in your soul long after the book is closed.
From where do you draw your inspiration?
I draw most of my inspiration from real women, like single mom who are the undercover superheros of our communities. I want to tell their stories because often they are the stories that go unheard and unnoticed. I am a champion for women and building fearless female leaders of tomorrow.
Do you ever base your characters on real people in your life?
Only on myself mostly and from random strangers.
What authors inspire your writing?
I love the writing of Eric Jerome Dickey and Maya Angelou. It’s poetic and the storyline wraps you up from the first pages and lives in your heart forever.
What kind of books do you like to read?
I love contemporary women’s fiction, erotica, romance, and suspense.
How have your real life experiences influenced your writing?
My real life experiences have pushed me past my own obstacles and trials. There have been good and bad times, each time is more memorable than the last. I want people to feel like there’s hope at the end of any obstacle that life gets better…just never give up.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I love being with my kids, enjoying a movie, or reading a book. Eventually all roads lead back to writing….always.
What was your road to publishing like? Tell us about it.
Like most writers I enthusiastically submitted my first draft to a publishing company. I was eager and desperate for a book deal. Long after reality set in with rejection letters and life obstacles I knew I needed to make a decision. Either I would keep pursing an agent and wait for the contract that led to a publishing deal or take my career and passion into my own hands. After pitching to an agent I realized my dream belonged in my hands and no one else’s….thus self publishing is the best option for me.
How did you come up with the title of your book?
For at least two years the title of my novel was “Perfectly Imperfect”. I loved it. On the night before my pitch I changed it. Something in my gut told me that the title didn’t reflect the essence of the novel. I followed my gut and the agent loved it!!
Is your book a stand alone or a series?
Stand alone.
I am M.C. Walker, a women’s fiction writer from the great city of Atlanta. I’ve been studying the craft of writing for ten years. Presently I’m gearing up for the release of my debut novel Before the Lights Go Out, out April 30, 2015. My year is off to a great start with a short story featured in the Bestselling anthology from Brown Girls Publishing titled The Dating Game.
Tell us about your latest book.
The Dating Game is a collaboration featuring myself and a few other talented female writers, aspiring and established. We have written some of the most hilarious, realistic and charming tales of finding love in the modern world. Between speed dating, blind dates, and believing in true love, readers will fall in with the characters and the writers. I promise…lol!!
What do you have coming out in the future?
I am so excited to be self publishing my debut novel Before The Lights Go Out through my own publishing company Walker Publications, LLC. It’s the chilling tale of one women’s journey of discovering the woman she left behind. It’s the story of the ultimate sacrifice, a test of faith and survival. Readers will not only cheer for the leading character, but find hope in the beginning of their own tomorrows.
What genre do you enjoy writing the most and why?
I enjoy writing women’s fiction because I like the evolution of hope and growth with the character. The stories linger in your soul long after the book is closed.
From where do you draw your inspiration?
I draw most of my inspiration from real women, like single mom who are the undercover superheros of our communities. I want to tell their stories because often they are the stories that go unheard and unnoticed. I am a champion for women and building fearless female leaders of tomorrow.
Do you ever base your characters on real people in your life?
Only on myself mostly and from random strangers.
What authors inspire your writing?
I love the writing of Eric Jerome Dickey and Maya Angelou. It’s poetic and the storyline wraps you up from the first pages and lives in your heart forever.
What kind of books do you like to read?
I love contemporary women’s fiction, erotica, romance, and suspense.
How have your real life experiences influenced your writing?
My real life experiences have pushed me past my own obstacles and trials. There have been good and bad times, each time is more memorable than the last. I want people to feel like there’s hope at the end of any obstacle that life gets better…just never give up.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I love being with my kids, enjoying a movie, or reading a book. Eventually all roads lead back to writing….always.
What was your road to publishing like? Tell us about it.
Like most writers I enthusiastically submitted my first draft to a publishing company. I was eager and desperate for a book deal. Long after reality set in with rejection letters and life obstacles I knew I needed to make a decision. Either I would keep pursing an agent and wait for the contract that led to a publishing deal or take my career and passion into my own hands. After pitching to an agent I realized my dream belonged in my hands and no one else’s….thus self publishing is the best option for me.
How did you come up with the title of your book?
For at least two years the title of my novel was “Perfectly Imperfect”. I loved it. On the night before my pitch I changed it. Something in my gut told me that the title didn’t reflect the essence of the novel. I followed my gut and the agent loved it!!
Is your book a stand alone or a series?
Stand alone.
Do you read the genre you write for or do you prefer other genres?
I read different genres as well as my own. Other genres keep my mind sharp and my muse very happy.
What celebrity would you chose to play the main character(s) in the movie rendition of your book?
I love Anika Noni Rose. She is a small powerhouse whom has a strong presence when she enters a room.
Have you joined any writer’s groups?
I’m a part of the Atlanta Writers Club.
Have you won any awards for your writing?
Not as of yet. Fingers crossed.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
I’m a seat of the pants type writer. The ideas flow easily. However, it leaves me unorganized and scratching my head at the end of the process. I love it and would not change it!!
What is the easiest part of the writing process for you?
I love creating the character. You can make them strong or weak. You can draw from real life and watch this person in your mind come to life on a page and it all starts with just a name and an idea.
Which of your characters is your favorite and why?
In my novel my main character has a daughter, Chloe. Chloe is only five. But, there is a beautiful essence in her untainted view of love and life. It gives you hope and makes you reflect on how life changes our perspectives as we get older.
Who or what are your inspirations/influences?
I draw most inspiration from strong women, not celebs. But, single moms who raise kids on their own or young women whom defeat the odds and make a difference in the community. In my opinion they are a true reflection of God’s grace and continued mercy on our lives. They are brave and courageous and I wish more women understood there power.
What is your preferred writing environment?
I prefer to write in the comfort of my bedroom, in my pj’s, at two in the morning while my house is silent.
How would you describe your writing style?
Hard question. I would definitely say there is vulnerability in my writing that makes it relatable to anyone. I love to be descriptive and draw out the emotional perspective of the characters. Each page leaves me breathless, sometimes I surprise myself.
Do you have a careful plan when plotting your stories or do you just go with the flow?
I prefer to go with the flow. Not every story needs an ending. I like readers to come to their own conclusion.
With many publishing routes available today, which felt the most reliable to you when it came to the many choices?
After studying the craft, reading the books, introducing myself as a writer, and etc. I realized it was time for me to either put up or shut up. I knew self publishing would be a huge risk and expensive. But, the payoff would be worth the headache. For me failure is not an option. I’d rather fail trying than to never try and constantly dream of the life I wish I had created.
When did you know you truly wanted to give writing a shot?
I’ve always known from childhood. My commitment grew the more I went in search of knowledge and understanding. Once I make up my mind about something I’m pretty stubborn about the results.
I read different genres as well as my own. Other genres keep my mind sharp and my muse very happy.
What celebrity would you chose to play the main character(s) in the movie rendition of your book?
I love Anika Noni Rose. She is a small powerhouse whom has a strong presence when she enters a room.
Have you joined any writer’s groups?
I’m a part of the Atlanta Writers Club.
Have you won any awards for your writing?
Not as of yet. Fingers crossed.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
I’m a seat of the pants type writer. The ideas flow easily. However, it leaves me unorganized and scratching my head at the end of the process. I love it and would not change it!!
What is the easiest part of the writing process for you?
I love creating the character. You can make them strong or weak. You can draw from real life and watch this person in your mind come to life on a page and it all starts with just a name and an idea.
Which of your characters is your favorite and why?
In my novel my main character has a daughter, Chloe. Chloe is only five. But, there is a beautiful essence in her untainted view of love and life. It gives you hope and makes you reflect on how life changes our perspectives as we get older.
Who or what are your inspirations/influences?
I draw most inspiration from strong women, not celebs. But, single moms who raise kids on their own or young women whom defeat the odds and make a difference in the community. In my opinion they are a true reflection of God’s grace and continued mercy on our lives. They are brave and courageous and I wish more women understood there power.
What is your preferred writing environment?
I prefer to write in the comfort of my bedroom, in my pj’s, at two in the morning while my house is silent.
How would you describe your writing style?
Hard question. I would definitely say there is vulnerability in my writing that makes it relatable to anyone. I love to be descriptive and draw out the emotional perspective of the characters. Each page leaves me breathless, sometimes I surprise myself.
Do you have a careful plan when plotting your stories or do you just go with the flow?
I prefer to go with the flow. Not every story needs an ending. I like readers to come to their own conclusion.
With many publishing routes available today, which felt the most reliable to you when it came to the many choices?
After studying the craft, reading the books, introducing myself as a writer, and etc. I realized it was time for me to either put up or shut up. I knew self publishing would be a huge risk and expensive. But, the payoff would be worth the headache. For me failure is not an option. I’d rather fail trying than to never try and constantly dream of the life I wish I had created.
When did you know you truly wanted to give writing a shot?
I’ve always known from childhood. My commitment grew the more I went in search of knowledge and understanding. Once I make up my mind about something I’m pretty stubborn about the results.
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