Today I have an interview with the author of The Only Exception, Magan Vernon.
**Due to sexual content and heavy subject matter, this book is recommended for
ages 16+**
Fiercely liberal Monica Remy prefers to blend in. Despite her tattoos, piercings, and outspoken personality, she transferred to Central to escape—before she finds out that her next door neighbor is the uber conservative governor's son, Trey Chapman.
No matter how hard she tries to avoid Trey, he still finds a way to get under her skin. Monica can’t stand his crisp white shirts or his staunch views on women. But she can’t help counting every freckle on his face and wondering what it would feel like to have him stop talking politics and kiss her.
A class debate project forces the unlikely pair to work together, and the political lines are blurred in late-night make out sessions. But despite their fiery chemistry, Trey’s politics threatens to smother their relationship for good.
Interview:
When
did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
In fifth grade we always had short story assignments for
different projects and I loved every second of the creative process. I haven’t
stopped telling stories ever since.
How
long does it take you to write a book?
It depends. If the words are flowing I can do a first
draft in about a month. But then there is editing, getting to betas, etc. From
first words to publication, usually about 6 months.
What
do you think makes a great story?
There is that unputdownableness that is hard to describe
in a book that somehow was bottled by people like Stephanie Meyer and EL James.
I’d have to go with: characters that you can root for, a story that pulls you
in, and a little bit of mystery.
What is your work schedule like when you're
writing?
I also work full-time, so I try and write during my one
hour lunch break and for an hour two after my toddler goes to bed at night.
How
do you balance family and writing?
Um, not very well? I try and do most of my stuff while my
daughter is in bed, unless I’m trying to meet a deadline.
Where
do you get your information or ideas for your books?
The ideas come from all over the place. My Paper Heart
came from a dream, The Only Exception came from watching New Girl, and How to
Date an Alien came from a random idea that I wanted to read an alien book.
What
was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
Sometimes it’s my characters that take over the story and
I had no intention of writing what they were going to do.
How
many books have you written? Which is your favorite? Written and published?
The Only Exception will make my 6th published book
(including the omnibus for the My Alien Romance series), but I do have two that
are written and sitting on my hard drive.
But picking a favorite book is like picking a favorite child, I just
can’t do it.
Are
your characters based on anyone you know?
In all of my books there is one character that is loosely
based on someone I know in real life and that is Justin from the My Alien
Romance series. He is based lookwise off my friend’s husband. And of course
Adam Lambert’s looks are who Ace, my alien, was based off of.
Do
you have a favorite place you love to write?
I write wherever, whenever I can. Sometimes it’s on my
iPad in the waiting room at the doctor’s office, sometimes in my office. I’m
not picky.
How
hard is it to get published?
It depends what you are going for. If you want the big
six, seven figure deal, that’s hard to come by.
Indie publishing has it’s hard moments and easier ones. I like having
the control to get my books out there, but doing my own marketing can be a
PITA.
What
do your family and friends think about your books?
My mother-in-law and aunts have read all of my books. My
husband refuses to read them because he doesn’t want it to hurt our marriage if
he doesn’t like them.
What
do you like to do when you are not writing?
I read way too much and spend a lot of time with my
daughter. I have another one on the way, so my girls take up most of my time.
Do
you have any suggestions to help aspiring writers better themselves and their
craft? If so, what are they?
Write the story that is in your heart. Don’t write for
the market. And ALWAYS use critique partners. They are invaluable.
As a
child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
Actress or rock star. I’m a terrible actress and an even
worse singer.
What
are your favorite books and which authors inspire you?
I’m a sucker for Cora Cormack’s Losing It and anything by
Chelsea Cameron, but my favorite books of all time are The Jessica Darling
Series. It was the first time I’d read an angsty, teen girl character and
that’s what fueled my love of YA.
For
an aspiring writer what do you feel are certain do's and don’ts for getting
their material published?
For some simple ones. Do always be professional and Don’t
ever give up if it’s what you really want.
What
are you working on now?
I’m hoping to have the sequel out to My Paper Heart in
August (titled On Paper Wings) and a companion novel to The Only Exception.
In
one Tweet, describe the book we’re promoting:
I think Leigh Talbert Moore said it best. “Sexy,
Challenging, Emotional. The Only Exception will have you make room for romance
in politics.”
Five
For Fun:
What is your favorite drink? Starbucks Hazelnut Macchiato
What is your favorite cartoon character? Doc McStuffins
What is your favorite movie of all time? Dogma
What TV shows do you like to watch? New Girl, Switched at
Birth, Awkward
What do you like to do for fun or just to relax? Reading
and watching my daugther do crazy things.
How do readers stay in touch with you?
She started out by writing olympic fan fiction and now writes YA and New Adult fiction. She lives with her husband and kids in the insurance capital of the world and still dreams of winning an olympic gold medal for most books read in a single sitting.
GIVEAWAY:
Magan....thank you for the great interview!!!
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