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Megan Cashman Interview

Dark Proposal

IBB: Hi, Megan. Welcome to the Book Butler Lounge. Can you tell us a little about yourself and your work?

MC: My name is Megan Cashman. I was born and raised on Staten Island, NY and now I live in Brooklyn, like so many other writers. I like to write about possibilities, asking big questions and even minor questions, while also going on a journey to other worlds or even in the minds of my characters. “The Dark Proposal” is my first book.

IBB: You’ve got twenty words to sell us on your work. Tempt us.

MC: “The Dark Proposal” is the anti-Twilight, with vampirism returning to its menacing roots, with little room to love humans.

IBB: Were there any particular parts of the writing/publishing process that you struggled with?

MC: I would say writing is harder than most people think or believe. It takes a lot of work, dedication and focus. As for self-publishing, I’d say like many authors, I had to learn about the business aspect of selling books all on my own. It was a trial and error thing for me, and I’m still a novice.

IBB: Where do you like to write?

MC: I prefer coffee shops. Luckily, Brooklyn is full of them, LOL! It helps me focus on my work because at home, I am too distracted. At the same time, having to go to a coffee shop, find a place a sit and plug in my laptop enforces the focus and dedication needed to write. After all, if I went this far to find a place to sit at a coffee shop, I better do a lot of writing!

IBB: Is there anything you must have in order to write?

MC: Coffee. Enough said.

IBB: What books have influenced you most, both as a person and as an author?

MC: As a person, it is hard to say because my tastes have been fluctuating in recent years. But as an author, I would say books by Anne Rice influenced my writing style and storytelling skills. I could also say books that I read as a young adolescent still have a hold on my writing.

IBB: What is the one thing that has helped you develop most as an author?

MC: Life. In my experience, it isn’t easy to come up with ideas for stories, characters and scenes without going through a lot.

IBB: What do you want to achieve most from your writing?

MC: I want people to think and be challenged on how they see the world. I want them to ask and explore the questions that I am offering to them. I also hope to take my readers into various worlds, no matter what kind.

IBB: Is there something specific you do to improve your writing?

MC: I am constantly editing my work. No writer is ever satisfied with their work, and no one’s work is ever done.

IBB: What is the ideal relationship between editor and author?

MC: A good editor is someone who understands the goal of the writer, while a good author is someone who understands that the editor is like the wise owl who sees all and can know what is best for the author.

IBB: If you had a direct line to someone who loves or hates your writing, what would you say?

MC: Thank you for reading my work!

IBB: What does your writing future hold for you?

MC: More books, hopefully, a few screenplays, plays, and if I’m super lucky, a web series!

IBB: How have you set about the task of creating enticing cover art?

MC: I keep it simple while looking through stock photos, waiting for the right one to jump out at me. Simplicity while enticing works. Meaning, don’t overdo it. A few images can say a lot about a book.

IBB: How often do you read? What genre?

MC: I go back and forth between fiction and nonfiction. For nonfiction, I like to read history, current events, spirituality. For fiction, I like to read historical novels, though lately, I’m showing more interest in thrillers and mysteries.

Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Best of luck in the future.

Megan’s latest release, The Dark Proposal, can be found right here.

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