It's Monday, you're on Cassidy Chronicles, you must be looking for an author interview!
Today I have a treat for you!
I have MADILYNN DALE!
From her website:
Madilynn Dale is an author based out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S. She writes fantasy, romance, and paranormal pieces primarily. She spends most of her day with her son, tending to her pets, and writing.
Madilynn holds degrees in several areas. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology from Southern Nazarene University, located in Oklahoma. She also has an Associates of Science degree in Physical Therapy Assistant Sciences from Oklahoma City Community College. She is licensed as a Physical Therapy Assistant in Oklahoma and works as a PRN therapist.
Madilynn has enjoyed reading various forms of fiction and the occasional non-fiction story since she began reading as a young girl. Writing seemed to be another piece of this addiction to books, and she embraced it after becoming a mother. Writing is now a piece of her soul to be bared to the world.
Madilynn's hobbies, when not writing, include reading, baking, crafting, hiking, and horseback riding. She loves to travel and explore. One day she hopes to expand her travels and see the world, but in the meantime, you will find her working on her next novel. She will most likely have coffee and some form of chocolate with her as she writes. She uses the title The Chapter Goddess to encompass all her work as an author, reader, and booklover in general.
To see more about her, read on, and then check her website!
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
When I was a kid I enjoyed using my imagination for play. I have two siblings and we were always creating fantasy stories and adventures for play. I wrote a few short fantasy stories around that age about my dog and his adventures and toyed with a little bit of writing as grew up. I never sat down to write a full book though. I enjoyed reading a lot and always had my head stuck in a book.
It wasn’t until I was pregnant that I decided to try to write out a full book. I had some encouragement along the way and once I did it, it’s as if a whole new world opened up for me. I was excited and doing something I really enjoyed.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
As I mentioned above, I do a lot of reading. I get inspiration for book ideas from what I read as well as movies, music, and the world around me. Inspiration is everywhere.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
My schedule is a bit crazy. I do most of my writing Tuesday through Friday on top of my marketing stuff while my son is at school. Sometimes though my brain doesn’t go into the creative process until after everyone is asleep thought so I find myself staying up late often.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
When I write, I wiggle and can’t sit still. I fidget a lot while I write and if I’m sitting at my desk I swish the chair side to side. I literally cannot sit still while I write but when I read I can remain in one position for hours.
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I finished my first book at 27. I did not publish that first book but went on to publish the second book I wrote. I have toyed with the idea of going back to it but haven’t yet.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
When not writing I like to spend time outdoors with my son or my pets, travel, paint, and read.
What does your family think of your writing?
They are happy that I write. My husband is very supportive and encourages me when I struggle. My son loves it and likes to pick my brain at bed time to tell him a story instead of reading one.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
Patience is key.
How many books have you written? Which is your favourite?
I just finished writing technically my 8th but will be my 7th published book. My overall favorite I think is Black Flames. I really let myself explore the world and didn’t hold myself back on my writing.
Do you have any suggestions to help someone become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Keep writing and learning ways to write better. There are tons of sources out there to utilize and also be patient with yourself. Don’t worry about perfection.
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
I get frequent responses in my newsletters or talk with them via social media. They share thoughts on books and also we chat about life things. I like to let my readers know about me personally to have an authentic connection.
Do you like to create books for adults?
Everything I have written so far is for older readers. I tend to put some steay stuff in them.
What do you think makes a good story?
This could be answered in so many ways. Each story is different. For fantasy I think a good problem, great character, excellent climax event, and proper ending with no plot holes makes a good story.
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to be a vet. I didn’t think about becoming an author because I was always told that I couldn’t make a living that way. I still don’t bring in a lot with my work but I’m on my way.
What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?
None yet.
What is the first book that made you cry?
I honestly can’t remember which one was the first but one of the first was “Where the Red Fern Grows.”
What is the most unethical practice in the publishing industry?
Not letting an author have manuscript rights for their own creation.
Does writing energize or exhaust you?
It can do both depending on the scene.
What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Perfectionism.
Does a big ego help or hurt writers?
It can honestly go both ways depending on the audience.
What is your writing Kryptonite?
Fatigue and stress. As a full time mom sometimes I’m so tired my brain just doesn’t work.
Have you ever gotten reader’s block?
Yes.
Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?
I do write under one. 😊
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
I stick with being original if I can.
Do you think someone could be a writer if they don’t feel emotions strongly?
Yes.
What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
There are too many to list! I love being part of the writing community with them all because we all support each other and build each other up. It’s fantastic.
Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you building a body of work with connections between each book?
I have two series out. I don’t think I will have them connect but the idea has been hovering. We shall see what happens.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
You can do it. Don’t give up on yourself. Do what you love and forget the haters.
How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
I learned a ton. Using a proper editor and someone who actually makes covers was a huge lesson. Utilize what is available to make your book the best.
What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?
Paying someone to do my covers.
What authors did you dislike at first but grew into?
I don’t really have any I can think of for this question.
What did you do with your first advance?
It probably got used to purchase more books honestly. It wasn’t much.
What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?
When someone told me that my book inspired them to write and publish poems in memory of their sister.
What are the most important magazines for writers to subscribe to?
Maybe Publishers Weekly.
What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?
This is a tough one. I have a ton of favorite books, a lot by Indie authors who don’t get enough recognition. Maybe A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair?
How do you balance making demands on the reader with taking care of the reader?
I try to make my story enjoyable enough that they will want to leave a review.
As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
My spirit animal is a white wolf.
What do you owe the real people upon whom you base your characters, if anything?
Sometimes I dedicate my writing to them.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
1 unpublished and 4 or 5 partially finished.
What does literary success look like to you?
Selling at least one book.
What’s the best way to market your books?
This is a difficult question because the market is constantly changing. Right now I’m having success with ads and social media marketing. Second would be my newsletter.
What do you have coming next?
Coming next will be the second book in my Ember trilogy, Blue Flames. I plan to release it hopefully bu the end of June this year, 2022. I also plan to release a box set of my Fae Shifters series.
