M.J. Padgett's Blog, page 4

A Day in the Life of This Author

Some days, I’m not sure how I get anything done. Others, I’m kind of a rock star. But usually, there’s a lot of panic to-do list checking, followed by some downtime at night. I’ve tried planners, calendars, lists—you name it, and I’ve thrown them away by March each year. It turns out we kind of thrive in spontaneity and mystery when it comes to our days in the Padgett household. That said, here’s a peek at what is usually included in our day.

With a firefighter husband, our schedule changes A LOT based on whether he is home or at work. His shifts last for two to three days, so there is quite a bit of time that I am alone with my daughter. Those are more structured days, so we’ll go with that.

We get up in the morning, and our routine is pretty standard—all the hygiene stuff, let the dogs out, feed everything alive in the house, clean up, then jump into homeschool. I’ve homeschooled my child since pre-school. It’s been a huge learning curve for me (I went to public school), but it’s been worth the effort. We adore the Harbor & Sprout curriculum, and we do some supplemental subjects to fill in where it is lacking.

When school is finished, we do lunch and then chores. Usually dishes, laundry, general cleaning—anything that doesn’t get done during the weekly cleaning. Sometimes we go shopping, other times we visit the grandparents. There’s outside play and exploration, reading time, and all of the fun stuff before Mommy has to work.

Work time for me means something different each day. If my husband is working, I can’t really have the quiet, alone time necessary for writing, so my kiddo is usually doing art projects or playing quietly while I work on the “business” part of my work. This includes social media batching, writing blogs, fussing with ads, joining promos, responding to emails, formatting books, etc. If the hubby is home, he usually tries to give me an hour or two to write with the office door closed. That doesn’t always happen, but that’s okay. If it doesn’t, then writing time comes at night.

By dinner time, we’re ready to settle down and spend some more time together. When it’s just the kiddo and me, it’s an easy dinner followed by snuggle time on the sofa (usually watching a movie or Veggie Tales, something like that.) Then there’s the bedtime routine which only seems to grow as my daughter gets older—hygiene, ten minutes of quiet playtime, story reading, bible reading, and lights out.

I’m a night owl, so I’m usually up writing until eleven or twelve. If I’m not inspired to write, I try to read a little before bed.

Obviously, this schedule isn’t exactly a schedule so much as a to-do list for the day, but it works for us. One day I would really love to add “feed the chickens, collect eggs, play with the goats, and tend the garden” to that list… but it’s a work in progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

I get a lot of questions from readers and other authors, so I thought it would be fun to collect the ones I see most and answer them here!

What made you decide to become an author?

After my daughter was born, we moved from Florida to Georgia for my husband’s job. I didn’t know anyone, I wasn’t working (I decided to stay home and raise our daughter), and I was dealing with post-partum depression. Writing became an outlet at first, a type of therapy that helped me process a lot that I was dealing with at the time. It turned out to be something I believe God has called me to do outside of taking care of my family.

What made you decide to independently publish?

I like to control every aspect of my work, from idea development to distribution. While traditional publishing might be the best path for some writers, it was never going to work for me. I like having the deciding hand in everything, including cover design, what stays in the story and what goes, marketing, platforms, and more. It just suits me better.

Why did you choose the genres you write?

I started out writing young adult romance and eventually moved into fantasy. Now I write across several genres, including ya romance, adult romance, ya and adult fantasy, and ya sci-fi. Moving from fantasy to sci-fi felt like a natural progression, and I enjoy writing both. I still write ya romance, but it is exclusive to PirateCat publishing now. As for adult romance, it goes straight to Kindle Vella, then Kindle Unlimited, and there’s no timeline for it. I write romance when I’m in the mood or need a good brain cleanse between the massive worlds in my fantasy and sci-fi books.

As for other genres, I did dabble in suspense and mystery. I have a paranormal mystery series with the first book published, but I’ve found I’m not as good at laying out a mystery as I am at other things. It’s fun, but… it’s not where my ability lies.

What platforms are you on and why?

For social media, I’m on Facebook and Instagram. Honestly, I don’t like either one, but they seem to be necessary for authors. I have met several great people on the platforms, so the frustration of social media has been worth it. As for sales platforms, I’m on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and I use Draft 2 Digital for wide distribution. However, I am shifting to a more personal shopping experience by selling directly from my website. My goal is direct sales with a more personal touch.

Where do you get your ideas?

Everywhere. Life experience, my friend’s stories, things I see and hear, music, etc. Most often, when I’m in the shower and have nowhere to write it down. I think the best ideas come when you are quiet and open to the flow of incoming information, AKA your brain finally getting to speak over all of the other noise of life.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Don’t try to force your process. It has taken me years to realize that my instinct is right. The way I write is okay, and it doesn’t matter if it’s not how other authors do it. Some will plan, others will not, and still, others will have a happy place in between. Don’t try to fit yourself into someone else’s mold, and don’t fight what your body and mind tell you.

What is the first book that made you cry?

Message in a Bottle by Nicholas Sparks. I was a senior in high school when it came out, and I remember reading it during lunch break, and all of my friends thought something was wrong. I remember it being the most impactful story I had ever read. I have no idea why. Honestly, I’ve read it since then, and it didn’t hit me the same way, so it is possible my young mind hadn’t been jaded yet.

What is your favorite book?

After the Bible (I know, I know… that’s MANY books), A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

What book do you dislike the most?

There are many books I have stopped reading part way through, but Macbeth is probably the one that I will never give another chance. High school probably ruined it for me, but it was the most ridiculous thing I had ever read, and even now, when I try to wrap my mind around it, I just can’t. I understand the point of it, but I simply dislike it.

Do you write under a pseudonym?

I did write suspense under a pen name, but nothing else. I don’t plan to write under a pseudonym again. Obviously, my real name is not M. J. but those are my initials and what my friends call me.

How much research do you do before writing? Planning?

It depends. I did a fair amount of research on sword fighting for one of my fantasy series and a lot into Celtic mythology for another. Some books, like my romance novels, take less time to research. I might just Google a certain topic to get a general feel for it, but other books require hours of reading to make sure I’m not butchering my work with inaccurate portrayals of professions, ideas, etc. As a pantser, my planning is mostly bullet points of what I need to include, maybe some scene sketching, and possibly a more detailed outline of the next chapter as I go.

If you didn’t write, what would you do for work?

Probably genealogical research.

What was the hardest book or scene for you to write?

There have been a few, and it depends on what is meant by “hard.” If by hard we mean emotionally stressful, then I think the books in The Demolition Series and a few installments in The Secret Author Series were the most difficult. Many of the scenes were based on real events, and the people were based on real people. Some of it was based on social realities that are in dire need of attention.

If we mean hard, as in stretched the limit of my abilities, I would say that began with Eiagan’s Winter. I did not think I was skilled enough to write that book, let alone a whole series of adult epic fantasy. It ended up being one of the series I am most proud of to date, and it sparked a desire to keep moving out of my comfort zone.

How long does it take you to write a book?

That depends. A young adult romcom might take three weeks, whereas an adult epic fantasy might take three months. On average, it takes about six weeks for the first draft of most novels.

So, there you have it! If you have more questions, feel free to ask!

The Ferguson Sisters Inspiration Board

Sometimes you need a little inspiration when writing, or there’s a need for a fun graphic to post on social media, or people want to know how you picture your characters. In those cases, it’s sometimes fun to create a character inspiration or mood board. I never spend much time on these, but some authors love them and make them for each character. If I make one, I’m usually looking for a general feel to kick-start the project.

One of my favorite Vella stories going right now is The Ferguson Sisters. This family drama/romance is posting now on Wednesday and Thursday to Kindle Vella (it will be available in eBook later) and focuses on the four Ferguson sisters and their lives after their mother passes away. It’s told in a soap opera style with many, many POV’s along with multiple character and plot arcs. In short, this one is a lot to keep up with as a writer.

Here’s a short summary:

When their estranged mother dies, the Ferguson sisters return to their hometown for her funeral, only to discover she left behind a fortune. But the sisters can only claim it under one condition: they have to complete the restoration of a historic inn and run it for one year. To do it, they must face painful pasts, manage present complications, and plan a future they never expected. But nothing stays a secret in small towns for long, and the vultures descend before the sisters even get started.

Just for fun, I made a little mood board to help me get back into writing between posts since I bulk write them ahead of time, then take a break to work on other projects. What do you think? Would you want to hang out with the sisters on their adventures?

Hobbies and Work-Life Balance

One of the questions I’m asked frequently by other authors is how I manage to be so prolific while homeschooling and running a household. The question is both easy and challenging to answer.

The easy answer? I am just a fast writer. That’s it. I can get a great idea, develop a few scenes, then mostly pants my way through the first draft of a novel with little trouble in a matter of a few weeks to a couple of months. That’s not to say there’s never any trouble. Sometimes there’s a whole boatload of issues to tackle, especially during editing. But for the most part, my first drafts are pretty smooth. And the reason I can write fast? Practice. A lot of it.

The challenging answer… dedication. Why is that the challenging answer? Because it took me a long time to figure out how to shuffle all of life’s to-do’s around in a way that worked. My child comes first—always. Family and God must come first; otherwise, there is no reason to write.

There’s homeschooling and housework, bill paying and doctor’s appointments, gatherings, social responsibilities, and other things that take time from the day. That’s just life, and you have to fit all of those into each day whether you want to or not.

Writing is a big task, especially if you intend to publish. See, there’s writing for yourself where the end product is only seen by you (maybe a select few friends and family) then there is writing for publication. If you publish, there’s editing, rewrites, proofing, formatting, marketing, blah and blah and blah… all of which need your time, energy, and focus.

So… there has to be some sacrifice somewhere, right? Yes. That’s the key… to be as prolific as I am, you have to sacrifice something. To be clear, I am not saying YOU, specifically, have to sacrifice anything. I’m only saying people make time for what matters most to them. Each thing that matters has a priority ranking, and the time allotted to those things reduces as you go down the list.

For a lot of authors, writing is just not at the top of the priority list. That’s okay! There’s no judgment here at all. If you write one book a year or fifteen, it doesn’t matter. But there is sacrifice if you WANT to make it a higher priority. For me, that means that writing isn’t just a fun side hobby that I do when I’m not working or performing other life work. It’s work, and I make time for it in my schedule. Granted, it’s not at the top of the list… it’s more like in the middle (below homeschooling, playing dolls with my kiddo, and paying bills, but most definitely above dusting baseboards and organizing that junk drawer.)

Honestly, it breaks my heart when I hear people say they wish they could write as much as I do. Or they ask me what my secret formula is and if I can teach them all the Jedi ways. Actually… no, I can’t. All I can do is tell you to evaluate your priority list. If you like everything just the way it is, then keep it that way and make your one book a year the best it can be. You’re doing great! If you find yourself wasting time on things you don’t have to do or even want to do… well, you could fill that time with writing more.

It’s not a popular answer, but it is the answer.

And the second part of my blog topic… What do I do when I’m not writing. Well, life.

Hobbies for me include thinking about writing, visualizing scenes, hearing character dialogue in my mind, and researching obscure topics to include in my worlds. When I’m not doing that, my other favorite hobbies include genealogical research, clock tinkering, and reading.

I’m also a Christian, a homeschool mom, a wife, a friend, a daughter, and a sister. The most important thing for me as a writer is to fit in the time for writing while not sacrificing anything pertaining to those titles. Once I am sure those titles have been well fulfilled for the day, then I write.

And that’s my secret.

PirateCat Publishing Giveaway!

Crystal Crawford and I are hosting a FREE one year subscription to PirateCat Publishing for one lucky winner! Just tap on the image below to find the details on our Instagram page! Not sure what PirateCat Publishing is? You can find more information here.

My Business Origin Story: How I Became a Writer

As an author, people ask me many questions about my career and how I started out as a novel writer. I wish I had a grand story about how I was inspired by this or that, but the truth is a lot less glamorous. Actually, no. I’m glad it happened the way it did, without all of the glitz, glamor, and special effects. So, here goes…

I was depressed.

That’s all. I was in the midst of post-partum depression, having just moved to a new state where I didn’t know anyone, no longer working since we decided I would stay home to raise Lily, and I learned that a dear friend of mine had committed suicide. Depression, coupled with my new friend anxiety, sparked a lot of gloomy days. I hated that feeling, but whenever I spoke to my doctors about it, they wanted to load me up on medications and move on.

That wasn’t good enough for me.

So I found a therapist who said no to medications and yes to working through those things that caused so much grief in my life. As I began to heal, my faith in God did too. Turns out, I’d blamed Him for many things that were all my fault. And let’s be honest… pretty much everything that goes wrong in our lives is a product of poor decision-making on someone’s part… but certainly not God’s.

But I still needed an outlet for all of that energy. A place to put my feelings that was productive, not destructive. So, I opened my computer. I’d played around with writing a little in the past, but it was never more than a short story or a few chapters of something that died before it even had a chance to spark my interest past that initial idea phase.

This time I was determined to finish a book even if it was utter garbage. And it was. Seriously, it was grammatically, thematically, and all other “—allys” disastrous… but I put it on Wattpad anyway because it was meant to be fun, a release of emotion that helped me heal, not a literary masterpiece.

Only… people liked it.

I was convinced no one would even read it, but someone did. She commented on my little story, following along with the characters in a way even I hadn’t. Someone else came along and had fun with it. Then another and another until… I had three million reads and thousands of people commenting and loving my story.

Then I got a Lucy. She doesn’t know this (maybe she will if she reads this blog), but I call all of my loyal and supportive readers my “Lucys,” and for a good reason. She was the first person to tell me that my story impacted her life. She was my first actual fan, my first loyal follower, and someone I now call my friend. I’ve picked up a few more Lucys along this journey, but she’s my favorite (sorry folks, I love you all, but this Lucy is special…)

Lucy is what sparked another desire, one I didn’t know I had. I wanted to reach people and connect in a way I couldn’t in person. I’m an introvert to the core. Spending time with people in groups drains the absolute life out of me, but I can do it one-on-one. I can do deep and meaningful with a small group and walk away feeling great. I can also write a book and meet people on another level.

And so I wrote another book. And another. And another until it became more than a fun activity to express my innermost feelings, something more than a way to tackle that depression and anxiety. It was even more than a hobby. Writing is something I love, something God gave me to show me that whatever life throws at me, He has my best interests under control. He gave me a way to bottle that nonsense and pack it into something that can glorify Him instead of blaming him.

And that’s pretty cool.

So, that’s my business origin story. There’s no nuclear rock, no spider bite, no lab accident. Just a woman seeking God and a way to change her worst attributes into something productive. I hope I have, and I hope you have enjoyed this journey with me.

New Reader Rewards Program!

You read that right! There's a new Reader Rewards Program on my website!

I've wanted to put a shop on my site for a long time, and the new year seemed like a good time to do that. I'm hoping to add to it very soon (right now it's only ebooks) but I wanted to get this fun program up and running before that!

The Reader Rewards Program is a benefit package for my followers and readers. You earn stars and get discounts--it's that simple. You can check it out on my website here.

If you're already a member of my site or subscribe to my emails (you are one or both if you are getting this blog) you can still get the two sign up points! Just go to the page and join the program (it's free) and I'll manually add your first two points once the registration completes!

While we're on the topic of my shop, I'd love to know why my readers want to see! Send me a message or comment on this blog with items you most like to shop in author stores! Don't be afraid to go wild! I want ALL the ideas!

My Favorite Books in 2022

I read a lot of young adult romance in 2022, and most of them were great. It’s always hard for me to pick a favorite since I am the queen of DNF. If I’m not grabbed right away, I just won’t read a book… so when I DO read them, I usually love them. That said, here are a few I read in 2022 that really had my attention:

Macchiatos, Faerie Princes, and Other Things That Happen at Midnight by Crystal Crawford- this clean YA fantasy has everything... lore, legend, fae and monsters... there's something for everyone. You can binge read it on Kindle Vella here. And the snazzy title doesn't hurt... I'm just saying...

What if you accidentally save a Fae prince's life?

Ayla knows nothing of LeyGuards, Fae, or the war. She's just trying to survive senior year and navigate a tentative new romance. But as school drama ramps up and Ayla's ailing grandfather worsens, strange things begin to happen. Secrets can't hide forever, especially when they involve Fae.

A clean YA fantasy full of Fae, romance, magic, & mystery!

Once Upon a Streaming Star - this clean YA romance covers a lot of emotional ground, and sometimes you'll want to jump in and shake a few characters. You can binge read it on Kindle Vella here.

**

A Forest of Stolen Memories by Callie Thomas - a clean fairy tale retelling, this story flips the happily ever after on its head and keeps you scrolling. You can read it on Kindle Vella here.

A royal wedding turns to disaster when a curse goes awry. A victim of the Sorcerer's prophecy, Roselyn's memories are instantly erased, leaving her panicked at the altar. Confused, she flees to the place her prince fears most--the enchanted Mistbrooke Forest. Danger lurks closer than she can imagine, forcing her to seek help from a dark stranger who may be the key to recovering her lost memories. Can she break the curse without breaking her heart?

**

The Uncertainty of Fire by Stephanie Daniels- a clean historical Christian romance centered around The Great Chicago Fire. The characters are complex and the prose is beautiful. You can read it on Kindle Vella here or in ebook and print here.

Chicago,1871. Sixteen-year-old Whimsy will agree to anything to expose Chicago's child labor practices--even her Papa's matchmaking plan. But tragedy strikes during the Great Chicago Fire, and she's forced into the system she wishes to fight against. With help from a street-wise newsboy and a shy preacher's son, Whimsy's heart is divided and she's confused about God's plan. Will she keep her impulsive promise to start a new life out West with one, or choose security with the family of the other?

**

Loving Gavin by Pixie Perkins - a clean young adult romance with a ton of swoony moments, this one is sure to keep you turning the pages. You can find it here.

Mckessey Owens is in love with Gavin Miller (aka: her best friend’s older brother). Does anyone know about her feelings for him? HECK. NO. And she doesn’t want them to. So, it’s understandable that she freaks out when her partially written love letter for Gavin falls into the hands of her nemesis, Alex Miller (aka: her best friend’s evil twin).

Alex always manages to ruin EVERYTHING and Mckessey isn’t willing to let him sabotage her crush on Gavin, which is why she comes up with a crazy lie instead: she tells Alex the letter is about him.

Unfortunately, he’s not convinced and wants her to prove it.

Desperate to keep the truth hidden, Mckessey asks to be his girlfriend. And even though it’s very clear that he’s not interested in her—Alex agrees to them becoming a couple, expecting to be right about the whole thing.

But it’s only a matter of time until Mckessey finds out that pretending to be in love with one brother while secretly pining over the other brother is no easy task; especially when she has ZERO dating experience and starts realizing that Alex might not be as horrible as she thought…

**

The Aurora Cycle by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff - while it's not considered a clean read (some cussing and sexual content) I still enjoyed this YA sci-fi, especially the voice so unique to the Kaufman and Kristoff combo. You can find the first book in the trilogy here.

The year is 2380, and the graduating cadets of Aurora Academy are being assigned their first missions. Star pupil Tyler Jones is ready to recruit the squad of his dreams, but his own boneheaded heroism sees him stuck with the dregs nobody else in the academy would touch . . .

A cocky diplomat with a black belt in sarcasm

A sociopath scientist with a fondness for shooting her bunkmates

A smart-*a** tech whiz with the galaxy's biggest chip on his shoulder

An alien warrior with anger-management issues

A tomboy pilot who's totally not into him, in case you were wondering

And Ty's squad isn't even his biggest problem--that'd be Aurora Jie-Lin O'Malley, the girl he's just rescued from interdimensional space. Trapped in cryo-sleep for two centuries, Auri is a girl out of time and out of her depth. But she could be the catalyst that starts a war millions of years in the making, and Tyler's squad of losers, discipline cases, and misfits might just be the last hope for the entire galaxy.

NOBODY PANIC.

**

Fault Lines by Voddie Baucham - a memoir written by Dr. Baucham depicting his life and opinion on many topics gracing our headlines today. It was powerful and poignant. You can find it here.

The Ground Is Moving

The death of George Floyd at the hands of police in the summer of 2020 shocked the nation. As riots rocked American cities, Christians affirmed from the pulpit and in social media that “black lives matter” and that racial justice “is a gospel issue.”

But what if there is more to the social justice movement than those Christians understand? Even worse: What if they’ve been duped into preaching ideas that actually oppose the Kingdom of God?

In this powerful book, Voddie Baucham, a preacher, professor, and cultural apologist, explains the sinister worldview behind the social justice movement and Critical Race Theory—revealing how it already has infiltrated some seminaries, leading to internal denominational conflict, canceled careers, and lost livelihoods. Like a fault line, it threatens American culture in general—and the evangelical church in particular.

Whether you’re a layperson who has woken up in a strange new world and wonders how to engage sensitively and effectively in the conversation on race or a pastor who is grappling with a polarized congregation, this book offers the clarity and understanding to either hold your ground or reclaim it.

*all links included in this blog post are affiliate links. I receive a small commission from any purchases made through the links.

The Ferguson Sisters is Live!

I've been planning this one for a bit, and I'm so excited it's live TODAY! If you are a Kindle Vella fan (in the US, but hopefully worldwide soon!) and love family drama, soap opera style books (like Chesapeake Shores), then this one is for you! It follows the four Ferguson sisters and their prospective love interests as they navigate life events in the fictional town of Woodburn, South Carolina! It is entirely possible there is a real Woodburn in SC, but this one is totally made up.

Here's a quick blurb:

When their estranged mother dies, the Ferguson sisters return to their hometown for her funeral, only to discover she left behind a fortune. But the sisters can only claim it under one condition: they have to complete the restoration of a historic inn and run it for one year. To do it, they must face painful pasts, manage present complications, and plan a future they never expected. But nothing stays a secret in small towns for long, and the vultures descend before the sisters even get started.

The first episode is live today, and it will continue posting every Wednesday AND Sunday! Not a fan of Vella or can't get it where you live? No worries. When each season concludes, I plan to release it as an e-book and into Kindle Unlimited. If you can check it out in Vella though, it promises to be a super fun time.

You can find it here.

I'd love to know what you think about it. You can join me on Instagram and chat about it, or head down to the comments section of this blog!

BLACK FRIDAY SALE ANNOUNCEMENT!

I didn't want to let the year pass without offering a few deals! Promotions like this don't happen often, so jump on them while you can!

BARNES & NOBLE: There are two exclusive promotions at Barnes & Noble this year!

FANTASY BOGO

Buy one of my fantasy books and get another one FREE from November 25-30. Books included in this sale are The Immortal Grimm Brothers' Guide to Sociopathic Princesses series, The House of Aurum series, The Archives of the Ancient Kingdoms series, and the first book in The Wardens of the Raven Court series.

YOUNG ADULT ROMANCE DISCOUNT

Most of my young adult romance novels are 50% off from November 25-30. Books included in this sale are The Secret Author Series, the I'm Pretty Sure About That series, The Demolition Trilogy, 100 Grand, and Mattie Bender is a Cereal Killer. You MUST use the discount code BNPLOVE50 to get the discount.

AMAZON: Desperate for a quirky, fun romantic comedy just in time for Christmas? Look no more, you can get The Chimney Sweep FREE on November 25-29!

KOBO: My two boxed sets The Immortal Grimm Brothers' Guide to Sociopathic Princesses and The Secret Author Series are on sale from November 25-30.

PIRATECAT & KINDLE VELLA: My newest Christmas novella, Never Mind the Mistletoe, is available at PirateCat and Kindle Vella beginning on November 20! You can join PirateCat for less than it costs for a fancy coffee, or binge read it on Kindle Vella! At only ten chapters, it's a steal either way!