Name – Marianne Maguire
Age – Old enough to know better but young enough to do it anyway
Where are you from – Alberta
A little about your self `ie your education Family life etc
I’m a hardworking prairie girl, a red seal chef, a trained bartender, I owned and operated my own bar in Calgary. While in the industry for almost 20 years, I did modelling and was a 1994 Bud Girl. On the flip side, I’m a bit of a tomboy, my Dad taught me how the motor on the car worked before he taught me to drive. At 18 years old, I got my class 1 drivers licence and drove transport trucks for a few years. I’ve also been a roofer and a forklift driver. About 12 years ago, I decided I needed a change, I went back to school and became a master dog groomer and trainer until my parents both passed away, my Mom in 2007 and my Dad in 2008. After that I was kind of lost, being their caregiver and then having nothing to do. It was then that my husband told me to take sometime for myself, first we moved across Canada in 2010 and in 2011 I finally got to do what I wanted. I sat in front of my computer for a month, what came out was my first novel Born. The rest isn’t history just yet, more like a work in progress.
Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
On June 12th, my second book, Inheritance, Volume 2 of the Legacy Series released. It went to the top 100 on Amazon in Canada.
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I have always loved telling stories and I also enjoy watching people. While in the bar industry I saw some real characters and always thought one day I would write about my time in that world. I also love paranormal, the sexier the better and it just made sense to combined the two when I first started writing Born. I began writing as a way to deal with my parents death, it helped clear my mind and it was something that came naturally because I had the story in my head for so very long.
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
That’s an odd on to answer, I am a writer and I guess if I was honest, I became a writer when Born was published. However, with only two books out, so far, I still don’t feel like a writer, maybe ask me again in 10 more years, lol.
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
My parents inspired me to write Born. I use to take them for chemo, they both had pancreatic cancer, so we spent a lot of time in the hospitals, doctor’s office, specialists and I always had a paranormal book with me. My Dad said to me one day, “You read so many of those books that you should be able to write your own one day.” Those words stayed with me, even after he passed and Born was for them for making me see nothing is as hard as fighting to stay alive and life is far too short not to live your dreams.
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
I like the first person narrative by the main character and when I sit to write I have a rough idea to the story I want to write, but I don’t rush it or plot. Instead I let it go where it takes me and sometimes even I surprise myself.
Fiona: How did you come up with the title?
Born is about a girl who comes out of her shell and finds out she’s not quite what she thought she was. During the book she slowly builds her confidence and starts to command a Kingdom. I relate to this character because I have been there, I have rebuild my life a few times and every time I do, I think I’m being Born all over again but each time I get stronger. That’s where that title came from
Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I love strong female characters, they might start out shy or mousey but they become confident and usually in charge. I hope that when the reader is done my book they feel they can do anything too, whether from my book or my own personal story, I hope it empowers others to love themselves and be who ever and whatever they want to be.
Fiona: How much of the book is realistic?
All of it, lol! I’m kidding, it is paranormal so there are not too many Vampires and Werewolves running around, or maybe there are……. There are some parts that I have taken from experience but most of it is fiction.
Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
There are a little of both.
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most? a mentor?
I look up to some authors, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Laurell K. Hamilton, Kelley Armstrong, when I grow up I hope to be as amazing as them. I also have a wonderful mentor and friend, Morgan Ashbury, who has helped me navigate this industry. But, the one person that has encourage, supported and influenced me most is my amazing husband, Scott.
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
The Walking Dead, The Fall of the Governor part one.
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
So many, Cassia Brightmore, Mary Smith, CM Stunich, Silence O’Shea, just to name a few.
Fiona: What are your current projects?
I have just started Volume 3 of the Legacy Series.
Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
My Sister from another Mister, Marie, she is my girl, my support, my cheerleader, my beta, my everything. We met only 5 years ago but from the start it just felt like we knew each other our whole life.
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
Absolutely!
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Nope, the story that came out is the one that needed to be told, flaws and all.
Fiona: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
As a child I would tell stories all the time to anyone that would listen. I still remember how my Gramps and Gram would listen and their faces would light up as I told them my tales. It was that encouragement that made me always want to write, it just told a really long time to finally do it.
Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us? This is the opening 2 paragraphs of Bequeath:
Tonight, I’m predicting an epic colossal nightmare, complete with major bouts of fuck-ups on my part, deep humiliation from my sleaze-wear alone, and if I get out alive, I will never tell another soul, living or otherwise. Damn you, September Rae, damn your morning sickness and damn your pretty vampire boyfriend for not wanting to leave your side.
There’s a mere five feet, down the steel circular tunnel to my destination of strobe lights, loud porn music and sex acts that are going to make me want to wash my eyes out with bleach. I’m feeling like a pomeranian about to enter the pitbull fight arena.
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Actually finding the time to sit and stay in the damn chair.
Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I have a few but I will narrow it to one, JR Ward. I love how she writes her world, one character at a time but there is always so much going on that you feel like you got the answers you were seeking but it opens up so many more questions, that you have to buy the next book. She paints such an amazing picture that you feel like you are the one in the book. When I read one of her books, I devour it then I’m crushed for weeks because I know I have to wait for the next. Anyone that can do that for me, have me thinking about the story weeks later, it tops on my reading list.
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
So far I haven’t done much travel. I try to do local events right now, to build interest. I hope to do more as my series grows.
Fiona: Who designed the covers?
I usually send my publisher some ideas, via pictures and then she puts it together.
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
I have a hard time sitting, I have a serious back issues, so my legs and arms go numb and I get sharp pain if I sit too long. It becomes annoying when the words are coming fast and hard but I have to stop to walk or do some stretches.
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
Yes, I learned how to write. That might sound strange but I studied to be a chef not Shakespeare, when I speak I don’t come across as someone that has an eloquent vocabulary, if I speak at all. I have a shy side and speaking in crowds with strangers sometimes makes me stutter or fumble my words. I learned I could communicate better with writing and then I had to learn how to do it properly, with grammar and punctuation. I’m still learning with each book I write and I hope I will always continue to learn.
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
If you want to write but don’t know how or what, my advice is simple. Sit in the damn chair and write! Write every bloody day, make it a habit. You don’t have to have an idea to start, you can start with a journal, writing your thoughts of the day or about something that happened at the grocery store, whatever. Eventually something will click and you will be off. However, if you get stuck, don’t panic, go back to that journal and keep writing. Something else will trigger your story and you will be off again. So keep writing, write some more and don’t stop, you can and you will do it, if you really want to and you don’t give up!
Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I love my readers and I love to meet them whenever I can. They are all very unique, from different places, with different thoughts and personalities but they are my encouragement, my support and sometimes they are my laugh or my cry. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, I truly couldn’t have done this without you!
Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?
Yes and no. I remember reading a book with pictures but I can’t remember the book, I’m too old to remember that far back, lol.
Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?
My dogs make me laugh, all the time, especially my middle furkid, Rupert. He is a 12 year old, one-eye, Lhasa Apso and he is the happiest dog in the world. At 2am if you get up to go to the bathroom, he meets you at the door with a toy in mouth and his tail wagging, ready to play.
What makes me cry, I don’t do it often but when something exciting happens, like when I got published and I want to tell my parents, then I remember they are no longer here. I cry a little, knowing they would have been proud and that they missed this important event in my life.
Fiona: Is there one person pass or present you would meet and why?
My great, great Grandma. She was from Europe, (not sure exactly where) she spoke 12 languages and was the wife of a general in the Boar War. She also had a disease that she couldn’t grow hair yet, she never let it get her down and she became an important part of the war, caring for all the military wives. I believe I get my own strength from her, I wish I could go back and see her in action and tell her how proud I am to be her great, great grand-daughter.
Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone and why ?
I don’t know exactly how I want it said but I want patience and precipitance to be on my headstone. I believe this is what has got me through my life and it will get me through whatever comes after life too.
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies ?
I train and groom dogs, I have 27 gardens on my property that I tend, including a veggie garden. I read but not as much as I would like to. I facilitate a bereavement group because I love helping others and I walk, 6km everyday.
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
I don’t watch much TV or see many films, except The Walking Dead, that is a must. I’m looking forward to the spin off series Fear the Walking Dead.
Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
Foods, even though I’m a chef, I hate cooking but I love fresh veggie and of course, chocolate! Colors, pink, red and black. Music, I love Nickelback! Listen to it all the time, Cd’s in the car, ipod or on my computer, other than them, rock music is a must.
Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
This is a hard one, I have done almost everything, maybe retired, lol.
Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? If so what is it?
The links for Born are:
The links for Inheritance:
Socials:
My website is : http://www.mamaguire.com
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/mariannemaguireauthor?fref=ts
Pintrest : https://www.pinterest.com/authormariannem/
You can find all my characters pictures on pintrest as well as extras from the series.
Twitter : https://twitter.com/MarianneMaguire
Google+ : https://plus.google.com/u/0/+MarianneMaguireAuthor/posts
Goodreads : https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8241226.Marianne_Maguire
authorsinterviews 
WOW that was wonderful. Good luck in all you write and congratulations for the books you have out,❤💕