Author Interview- Madisyn Carlin

Good morning my lovelies! I am excited to introduce to you another author friend of mine. I have read a couple of her books so far, two of them being “Shattered Reflection” and “Deceived” both of which are new releases. (If you haven’t read them yet, you definitely should). Her stories have fallen right into my favored genre and I am absolutely loving it. I asked her if she wouldn’t mind answering a few questions to which she readily agreed. I hope you enjoy this interview!

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 

December 2015/January 2016 was when I first discovered I wanted to write. However, I must have had some forgotten aspirations before then, because I recently uncovered a story I wrote when I was seven about two ducks attending school (it comes with illustrations, too). I do not, however, remember having any desire to write before late 2015/early 2016.

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?

My writing schedule can be described as spotty. I attempt to write at least two hours a night. Sometimes that doesn’t happen though, and other times, if my schedule allows, I push for more. 

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk? 

Apparently, according to family members, I write super fast for a few minutes then pause, then resume, and so on. I’m told it sounds like rain with intermittent breaks. I don’t notice that I do that, but I guess I really do.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books? 

Inspiration comes from many places. The mountains and forest, music, a side-plot I never before explored, a writing prompt, a picture, weapons, you name it.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing? 

I spend time with family, trek through the mountains, read and exercise, and right now, I’m shoveling snow. Constantly shoveling snow.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books? 

How hard it is to finish them. I have a bad tendency to quit a book at the first sign of unsurety or doubt.

How many books have you written? Which is your favourite?

In total, I have currently written nine books and one short story with four of those currently published. Out of the published ones, I think Shattered Reflection is my favorite so far, and out of all of them, I think I have to say Dark Secrets or Protector.

 What is the first book that made you cry? 

I don’t remember the first book that made me cry–I’m not a crier by nature–but I do know Forgotten Memories by Penny Zeller, a scene in The King’s Scrolls by Jaye L. Knight, and some parts in my own books have made me tear up.

What do you think makes a good story? 

In my opinion, there are several components of a good story: a strong faith element, quality writing, strong characters, setting, and a plot that doesn’t sag. I’m also a grammar-and-punctuation snob, so correct punctuation is a massive bonus as well.

Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?

Stop thinking of your stories as your own and begin thinking of them as God’s. Because that’s what they are. They are His. Dedicate them to Him, pray He will give you the words to write and the message to impart, and trust that He has a plan for your writing, even if it doesn’t align with what you imagine or want. 

I also suggest reading. Copious amounts of reading. This will help you hone your own writing style and learn where you might be weak in.

Wow! Thank you so much for your responses Madisyn! I appreciated your suggestion, its definitely something to ponder. I am also putting Forgotten Memories and The King’s Scrolls on my TBR list.

This was definitely a great interview! I know I enjoyed it. Are you interested in an interview? Do you have a book you would like me to review? Let me know in the comments or feel free to reach out to me. I’ll see you next time!