Author Interview at The Examiner!

[Monica]

Thank you for this interview, Maegan. Can you tell us a little about yourself and how long you’ve been writing?

I’ve been writing since I was in elementary school. My great-grandmother gave me a journal for my birthday one year and told me I was supposed to write the story of my life. When I had a bad day, I was supposed to write the way I wished it would’ve gone.

Can you tell us briefly what your book is about?

Unforgivably Broken is book two in the Broken Series. It’s about Lili and Zane adapting to the major changes in their relationship while also dealing with the demons in their pasts.

Why did you choose your particular genre?

It’s what I enjoy reading. I actually read several New Adult/Contemporary Romance novels while I was writing a different story and the idea started coming together. It was a challenge to myself to write about the “bad girl” instead of just the typical “bad boy”.

What was your greatest challenge writing this book?

With Unforgivably Broken, my greatest challenge was finding balance. From the time I finished writing the first book to the time I published it, three months had passed. I was already behind where I should’ve been in writing Unforgivably Broken. It was daunting. Also, trying to make any kind of outline at all. The characters, Lili and Zane, they want none of that. They will completely shut down on me if I try to write things the way I have them planned rather than telling the story their way.

Are you published by a traditional house, small press or are you self-published?

I started out self-published before I was signed by Forever Red, who is a small press.

Was it the right choice for you?

Yes. Without a doubt.

How are you promoting your book thus far?

Well, we’ve geared up already with the blog tour as well as a number of signings, both local and the major group signings. There’s a Thunderclap campaign, as well as teasers.

How is that going for you?

Marketing is where I struggle. It always has been. Learning what works is a process.

Can you tell us one thing you have done that actually resulted in one or more sales?

Blog takeovers work, as well as author takeovers for events like cover reveal parties on Facebook. Actually, as funny as it is, I sell paperbacks locally at the most random times. I was shopping for new signing clothes recently and sold a copy. Also, just this week, I was getting my new table runner printed with my logo and sold another. Just being friendly and chatting with people, not pushing at all, seems to work.

Do you have another job besides writing?

Actually, I have two jobs other than writing. I work full-time in a department store doing alterations and part-time at the theatres in the area as a member of the wardrobe local in my city.

If you could give one book promotion tip to new authors, what would that be?

Promoting is my worst area. I have no advice to give on this topic.

What’s next for you?

I’m currently working on book three in the Broken Series, which is set to be released in Spring of 2015 and I have another book, Those Moments, I’m hoping to release in Fall of 2015.

Can you tell us where we can find you on the web?

Absolutely! www.maeganabel.com www.facebook.com/authormaeganabel www.twitter.com/maeganabel