Ask the Author: Meg Lelvis
Answered Questions (9)
Meg Lelvis
There are way too many to list, but I recently enjoyed City of Girls and The Last Book Party. Our book club read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, which was a great classic about America in the early 1900's.
Meg Lelvis
In the past 20 years, I've wondered about the details of my German relative who survived the Battle of Stalingrad in WWII. I've visited him and family several times near Munich, but no one talks about those years. Even his grandchildren know very little, except his sacrifice of losing a leg in the battle, which sent him home; thus undoubtedly saving his life. As one of the many 'good' Germans, was he forced to join the Nazi party, or forced into the Wehrmacht without joining? What was their life like before and after the war? How did the battle change him? Understandably, he wants to keep that door closed, but I've wanted to write his story, adding fictionalized characters.
Meg Lelvis
Jane Eyre and Rochester popped into my mind. After major obstacles which would destroy many couples, Jane saw the man underneath a gruff, unhappy veneer, and they truly shared their deep love in the end. Some readers dislike Rochester, but I find the depth of his caring, along with the ending so romantic!
Meg Lelvis
I've read many articles and heard opinions that writer's block is a myth; it doesn't exist. For me, the jury's still out on that viewpoint.
During times of distraction, like "life getting in the way", or having a dry spell, I read, read, read. I read in my genre, as well as other fiction and nonfiction of interest. That, for me, is the best antidote for detours on the writing road.
During times of distraction, like "life getting in the way", or having a dry spell, I read, read, read. I read in my genre, as well as other fiction and nonfiction of interest. That, for me, is the best antidote for detours on the writing road.
Meg Lelvis
One of the best things about writing is expressing myself through my characters, as well as revealing underlying themes I find valuable like hope, love, overcoming adversity, strength of character, etc.
I also love being part of a community of writers, a group that welcomes everyone who wants to write. These groups for me range from a small critique circle to larger city, state, and online groups.
I also love being part of a community of writers, a group that welcomes everyone who wants to write. These groups for me range from a small critique circle to larger city, state, and online groups.
Meg Lelvis
My advice for aspiring writers is the same as I've received; if you have the passion and desire to write, keep writing and keep trying. At times you'll feel you're so engaged it doesn't feel like work; other times you need to glue yourself to the chair and perservere. Also, find a group or at least a friend who will give you honest criticism. There's a whole writers community out there, with people happy to encourage and support you.
Meg Lelvis
I am currently working on the next Jack Bailey detective novel. A new set of challenges face him, and there are additional interesting characters as well.
Meg Lelvis
I get inspiration by reading books by writers I admire, as well as from other writers in my critique circle and writer friends I'm fortunate to know. When they accomplish their goals and enjoy success, it spurs me on!
Meg Lelvis
My first novel, Bailey's Law, began as a short story, and I liked Jack Bailey as a character and didn't want to forget him. I decided to write a novel using him, as well as several other characters from the short story, An Eye for an Eye.
As for the story itself, the issue of campus assault going unpunished or being covered up really bothers me. That's how the plot line of the murder of Todd Kaplan came about.
As for the story itself, the issue of campus assault going unpunished or being covered up really bothers me. That's how the plot line of the murder of Todd Kaplan came about.
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