Marnie Cate: I always wrote something as a kid and then I stopped. One day a scene came to my mind and it spawned my need to write my first novel.
LBBB: How long did it take for you to write your first book?
M.C.: Three years between moving and jobs and life road blocks. Then, there was learning the ropes of indie publishing.
LBBB: How do you come up with ideas for your stories?
M.C.: I honestly don't know where the ideas are coming from. I have always been very imaginative and could play by myself for hours in my own world.
LBBB: What is your writing routine like? Do you have a set schedule or are you flexible?
M.C.: I get up in the morning before my pay job and head to the local coffee shop. I start out with a bit of social media and then straight to writing for a few hours. If I am inspired at lunch, I will write a bit.
Evenings are hit or miss with writing.
LBBB: What inspires you to write?
M.C.: The love of my story and the characters.
LBBB: Are any of your stories written from personal experience, or any character traits that mirror yours?
M.C.: I wish I could say my family were the protectors of magic but I cannot. The main character, Mara, does struggle with confidence and doubt -- something I think comes from me. The grandmother is a mixture of my own grandmother's strength and spirit with the zest for life that Judi Dench shares with the world.
LBBB: When in a slump, what do you do? If you read or listen to music, what are your go-to books or music?
M.C.: I just allow myself to be in that moment. Watching Britcoms on YouTube especially Bob Larby series is a good way to just relax my mind.
LBBB: How do you respond to negative feedback/comments with your work?
M.C.: First instinct is protect mother bear but the moment fades and I am willing to listen. Everyone will have an opinion and some should be heard.
LBBB: What is your writing space like? Do you work anywhere or do you have a special place just for your writing? Messy or clean?
M.C.: My writing space consists of my laptop, a mouse (track pads will be the death of me) and a place to sit and type. Coffee shops have been my most productive sit and type series.
I also find using a text to speech program where I can just talk out the story has been the source of some of my greatest ideas.
LBBB: Do you have a favorite author? Series?
M.C.: Jennifer Estep - The Elemental Assassin Series
Gail Garriger - The Parasol Protectorate Series
LBBB: Any fur-babies?
M.C.: My dear kitty, Lilli. My muse and my tether to reality. :)
http://www.marniecate.com/the-cat.html
LBBB: Thanks for stopping by and letting us pick your brain!