This week we’re chatting with Cathy McGough, author of A Mathematical State of Grace.
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I once won a signed copy of J. K. Rowling's The Casual Vacancy in a writing competition. It is one of my prized possessions.
What kind of books do you write?
When I sit down to write, I don't always choose which genre to go with, the genre often chooses me. Thus, I have a book of poetry, one which is romance/coming of age, one that is historical fiction and my most recent release is a YA Dystopian two part series.
What inspired you to write?
Writing to me is like breathing air. It has always been a part of me.
What makes your writing stand out from the crowd?
No one else can or will ever write exactly like I do. We all have our own unique and special gifts, how we choose to offer them to the world is up to us. My offering is writing and I love it. I hope the world does too, but if not, it's not going to stop me.
What is the hardest part of writing – for you?
Redrafting, Revising, editing. When to let it go.
Where do you like to write – what is your routine?
I have an office, overlooking the garden, but I can write anywhere; trains, planes, in the car (provided I'm not driving!), restaurants, cafes – even on my phone is nothing if it is on hand.
What do you do when you are not writing – do you have a day job?
I am Director/Publisher of my own company called Stratford Living Publishing Inc. I have several websites to manage and update and a friend and I are launching the first ever Stratford (and area) Authors and Artists Symposium on November 22nd of this year. When I change roles, I often change my hat both symbolically and physically.
Do you work with an outline or just write?
Generally, I just write. However, recently I took the James Patterson Masterclass and I decided to put together a rough chapter outline for the non-fiction book I am writing for Nanaimo. I'm amazed at how quickly I am writing in this format – over 14,000 words in just 5 days. Definitely going to try planning for redrafting and when I write something new.
What advice would you have for other writers?
The same advice I give to myself everyday, which is to stop worrying about all of the things which I cannot control.
Write. Write and Write! But only if you love it.
If you also love all of the other stuff, all of the distractions and time bleeders – then at least allocate a specific amount of time to use them.
And above all things, believe in yourself!
How important is marketing and social media for you?
This is all pretty new for me, but at the moment both seem huge.
What’s your next step?
Deep in Nanaimo right now, getting ready to release A Mathematical State of Grace Finale: Fusion and building a new business from the ground up. If only there was more time – or I could function with less sleep!
A Mathematical State of Grace by Cathy McGough is available here.
If you are interested in book promotion, please visit http://thebookpromoter.com
