Today in author cage we have Maggie Mundy. Maggie is the author of Hidden Mortality today’s book blast. We would like to thank Maggie for stopping by today and sharing with us.
About Maggie:
Maggie Mundy lives in Adelaide, Australia and is a member of Romance Writers of Australia, and the local chapter SARA (South Australian Romance Authors). She recently completed a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and English at Flinders University. She had a short story published in the RWA Topaz Anthology Little Gems in 2010 called Sea and Vines. Over the past year she has had stories on line with Alfie dog in the UK and Antipodean SF in Australia. She has also performed for many years in corporate entertainment for which she wrote her own sketches, which probably explains why her head is so full of characters. She loves writing romance but thinks falling in love can be scary, especially in her stories where creatures of the night really exist.
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https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5428101.Maggie_Mundy
Welcome to Darkest Cravings, tell us a little bit about yourself?
I was born in England and lived most of my life around Bath and Bristol where my book Hidden Mortality is based. I moved to Australia in 1986 and now live in South Australia. I work as an operating room nurse which helps with the gory scenes in my books. Last year I passed my motorbike test and felt a great sense of achievement. More of a biker hen than chick though. I have worked in corporate entertainment and do a mean Sybil Fawlty impression. It also explains all the voices in my head.
When did you first consider yourself a “writer”?
I came to writing later in life. I was never one of those people who had stories scribbled down on napkins. I just thought one day about ten years ago. Is this it? What else can I do? Midlife crisis, I know. I was in my forties. I went to university and did a degree in Drama and English. I had to write a one person one act play and loved it. Since then the characters keep telling me I have to write their story. The play is still hiding on my computer. I suppose I really considered myself a writer when I received my first review from someone I didn’t know. It’s a scary thing to put yourself out there but so worth it.
Writing adult fiction isn’t for everyone, how did you end up writing for the toughest audience?
I reckon the writing chooses you. I have an epic fantasy sitting on my computer but what I was reading was urban fantasy and paranormal. It seemed a logical step to go in that direction. It might be a hard market but they are also some of the most appreciative readers.
Most of the intimidating parts of being an adult fiction writer is the steamy scenes, how did you overcome the “stage fright”?
Do you know, I don’t think I had any. That sounds a bit cheeky. I believe the sex scene is part of the story and when it happens it serves a purpose. I sometimes close my eyes and try to imagine what the characters are feeling. I did have an instance when my husband read something and asked who I had been sleeping with though.
Which fictional character would you like to go on a date with? Why?
Seth. For a start he is a cross between Vin Diesel and Kelly Slater and did I mention he is immortal and great in bed. He rides a huge motorbike and wears grey bike leathers. Need I say more
What was the first adult fiction novel that you read? What was your reaction?
Joanna Lyndsey Prisoner of my Desire. It is a tricky book and has rape scenes in it. Him of her and her of him. I felt she handled them well but not sure I would enjoy it so much now. I suppose we all change as we go through life.
Your favorite adult fiction book is-?
Christine Feehan’s Dark Guardian. It was the first of her books I read and I loved both the hero and heroine. I have read nearly all of her books.
Your favorite Author is-?
J.R. Ward at the moment. Reading the Blackdagger brotherhood series. Love those guys.
We all have a treasured possession, what is yours?
My mum left me what is called a mourning broach she had been given. It is described in the book Hidden Mortality. The broach often has the favorite flower of the deceased person on the front. On the back would have a little compartment with hair or material in it.
Are your characters based on real people or did you create them from scratch?
I created them from scratch. With Hidden Mortality I did character profiles. I also do a little trick where you have to say what the person has on their bedside table. I like to interview my characters. It’s surprising what they say
Do you think adult fiction have reached its full potential yet, or are we still in for a huge surprise?
I think adult fiction mirrors in many ways what is happening in society. I think it works in the same way as science fiction and talks about subjects that are hidden or tricky to approach.
Do you think adult fiction helps improves relationships?
Yes I do. I had an interesting chat with friend with a fifteen year old son recently. Porn is popular with the young now and she was worried about how it influences young men. She is considering letting him read an erotic novella I had written called Blood Scent because the sex is consensual. The women are smart and the men want to pleasure the women. It’s an interesting concept that this fiction could teach young guys a thing or two.
If you have to pitch adult fiction to someone that’s too shy to read it, what would you pitch?
It’s not about the graphic sex, it’s about the relationships. Sex is a normal part of communication so read it with that in mind and you will be lost in the story.
What is your motto?
Live life. I have had a swim with dolphins in the open ocean off New Zealand. I have white water rafted down a river. Ridden a motorbike and written and had books published So much more to do.
Remember to check out Hidden Mortality’s book blast below to find out more about this amazing author and her work and don’t forget to enter the giveaway.