Hello and welcome to my blog, Author Interviews. My name is Fiona Mcvie.

 

Let’s get you introduced to everyone, shall we? Tell us your name. What is your age?

My name is MK Williams and I am in my late 20s.

 Fiona: Where are you from?

I am originally from Philadelphia, PA, but I live in Tampa, FL now.

 Fiona: A little about your self (ie,  your education, family life, etc.).

I come from a BIG family, my mom was one of eight children. I have lots of cousins and aunts and uncles which always makes those get togethers really fun.

 Fiona: Tell us your latest news.

My latest novel, Enemies of Peace, came out in November of 2017 and has been my best-selling book to date. I have also re-released my second book, The Games You Cannot Win, as an audio book.

Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?

 I’ve been writing stories and poems for as long as I can remember. I began to construct stories with the intent to distribute them (digitally on a blog) when I was in college. I took a course in writing “killer fiction” and how to write a good mystery. From then on I was hooked on writing all the time.

Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?

 After that course in college. I knew that I had a passion for writing and that I wanted to continue to hone that craft.

Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?

 My first novel, Nailbiters, was inspired by a really scary dream that I had about an alien invasion. I wrote down everything that I could remember the next morning and began to craft the novel from there. It took roughly 3 more years for the story to be complete.

 Fiona: How did you come up with the title?

 The title just felt right. I wanted it to convey the menacing nature of the plot and allude to the plot. Nailbiters fit perfectly.

Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style? Is there anything about your style or genre that you find particularly challenging?

 Each of my books has been a different “genre” or at least a different category on Amazon. Nailbiters is considered Science Fiction, but I would define it more as a Thriller or Suspense novel. The Games You Cannot Win is a collection of short stories. Enemies of Peace is contemporary fiction. I didn’t necessarily plan what I would write based on genre and I have enjoyed the process of writing each book. I think by not setting out with a profit or specific genre in mind that may hurt my sales and rankings, but I’m not as concerned with that aspect.

Fiona: How much of the book is realistic and are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

 Enemies of Peace is rooted in reality and several plot points are inspired from experiences I have had or have heard from other people.

Fiona: To craft your works, do you have to travel? Before or during the process?

So far no, I haven’t had to travel in order to complete my books. However, I would love to be able to combine my love of writing and my desire to travel more.

Fiona: Who designed the covers?

 The cover for Nailbiters was designed by a good friend of  mine who happens to be a brilliant graphic designer, Nora Gecan.

 Fiona: Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

With Enemies of Peace I really wanted the audience to think about the choices that they are making and keep the characters with them long after they finish reading the book. It is about modern consumerism and how much of our time we are willing to sell in order to have the facade of success.

Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?  Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?

I discovered Margaret Atwood a few years ago, which seems improbable given how excellent her work is, but I have been systematically working through her entire body of work since then. I try to read one of her books a month so that I can get through her entire collection. She is amazing.

Fiona: Outside of family members, name one entity that supported your commitment to become a published author.

My professors in college were an amazing support in encouraging me to pursue my goals and to continue to hone my craft in writing.

Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?

After the success of my most recent book, Enemies of Peace, I am starting to see if more as a career and a potential full-time job for me instead this fun thing that I do on the side.

Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

I can’t think of anything that I would change in Enemies of Peace, but I only have a few months of hindsight to look back on it. Maybe in a year or so I will have more that I would want to change.

Fiona: Did you learn anything during the writing of your recent book?

 I try to challenge myself with each book to work on one area that I feel I need to improve on. For Enemies of Peace I wanted to make the story more complex with multiple sub-plots going on at once. I think I can continue to work on this in future stories as well.

 Fiona: If your book was made into a film, who would you like to play the lead?

I haven’t thought about that as much for Enemies of Peace. I think Brie Larson is an amazing actress and could play any of the female characters from the  book really well.  

Fiona: Any advice for other writers?

 Keep trying at it and don’t let one person’s negative opinion stand in your way.

Fiona: Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

Thank you for taking the time to read my work, it means so much to me to be able to share these characters with you!

 Fiona: What book are you reading now?

 Sex Object by Jessica Valenti

 Fiona: Do you remember the first book you read?

No, I can’t recall the first book that I ever read. But I do recall that I was hooked on reading all the time after I read Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone!

 Fiona: What makes you laugh/cry?

I try to laugh often so many things make me laugh. Certain TV commercials that really pull on my emotions will make me cry. It’s so embarrassing.

Fiona: Is there one person, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?

 I would love to meet Margaret Atwood and thank her for her amazing work!

Fiona: Do you have any hobbies?

I like to stay in shape so when I’m not writing or reading, I am running!

Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?

I am sort of addicted to American Ninja Warrior. I can’t get enough of that show!

Fiona: Favorite foods, colors,  music?

My favorite color is blue and my favorite food is pizza!

Fiona: Imagine a future where you no longer write. What would you do?

That would be tough to imagine. I suspect I would have to focus on my running more and become a serious marathoner.

Fiona: What do you want written on your head stone?

She will be missed.

Fiona: Do you have a blog or website readers can visit for updates, events and special offers?

Yes, https://nailbitersnovel.com/ is my website and post any updates and new releases to that site!

Goodreads link:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14420756.M_K_Williams

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/1mkwilliams/

Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/1mkwilliams

Amazon Authors Page: https://www.amazon.com/M.K.-Williams/e/B06XK438L5/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0