An Interview With
Megan Hart

How did you get started?

I've been writing since I was a child. First I made up stories based on books I'd read. I fell in love with Ray Bradbury's short story, "Homecoming." In the days before photocopiers, I loved the story so much I wanted my own copy. I decided to copy it by hand -- and in the process, I ended up changing the story to fit my own whimsy. After that, I figured it was better to writemy own stories, and I've been doing it ever since.

What type of writer are you? Do you plan ahead/plot or do you simply fly by the seat of your pants?

I do minimal planning. I usually have an idea of the beginning and the ending, and the middle is one vast wonderland of "what if."

Do you write best at a certain time of the day?

I write mostly during the evening to night hours, but not by choice. That's the only time I have to myself. It's quiet. Nobody bothers me. I find that if my creativity can outlast my need for sleep, I can get a lot accomplished between 8 pm and midnight.

What type of writing schedule do you have?

Currently, on Tuesday and Thursday mornings while both my children are in school, I write at my local library or in a local coffee shop. I also write most evenings from Sunday - Thursday. I try to write at least 20 pages a week. Sometimes I make it -- sometimes I don't.

How do you handle life interruptions?

With poise and grace, naturally. Or...not. ;) I honestly don't think I'd know how to work if I didn't have a million other things to do. I work best with a deadline. Otherwise I tend to fool around too much.

Do you get blocked? Any hints how to stave it off?

Right now, I don't have time to get blocked. Since I only write in short periods of time, I have become adept at spewing out whatever's in my head, just to get down. If I do have some question about what I'm going to do next, I just keep going and make a note that I'll need to revisit that section later. Sometimes I throw some ideas at my husband, and he gives me feedback.

What authors do you look to as a role model and inspiration?

I was 12 years old when I read my first Stephen King novel. By that point, I already knew I wanted to be a writer -- but that was the first time I realized I wanted to be A WRITER. I also enjoy Clive Barker, Robert R. McCammon, Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, J.K. Rowling....

What's the best advice you ever received?

"Just keep writing. Don't stop."

What sparks a story?

I have very weird and vivid dreams. I get a lot of ideas from those. Just about anything can spark a story, for me.

What was it about your genre that interested you enough to choose to write in it and not in another genre?

I have skipped around a bit within the romance genre, trying out everything from contemporary to
historical to fantasy to suspense. Right now I'm working on more science fiction and fantasy novels. What I've found about myself is I not only like making up stories, I like making up worlds. I don't want to spend a lot of time on research. By writing fantasy, I create the reality. But all my books are about relationships, whether it be romantic or the love of a mother for her children, or the search for truth. I like people to fall in love.

Have you seen an evolution in your writing? What steps did it take?

I'd like to think I'm a stronger writer than I was when I wrote my first book. I have a better idea of how to revise and edit. The only way to grow, however, is to keep doing it. Write, write, write. It's the only way to get better.

What have you always dreamed of writing, but haven't yet?

I'd love to write a horror novel so good Stephen King not only agrees to give me a blurb but actually seeks *me* out to do so. Speaking realistically, I'd like to write a book that touches a lot of people and makes them think.

What one thing do you like most about writing? Least?

The best part of writing is telling people what to do, and having them do it. It's the only place in my life I can be certain of total obedience! I also love being able to live events and circumstances I'd never experience in real life, with no fear of being hurt. My least favorite part is rejection.

What is your next project?

Probably the third book in a SF trilogy I began two years ago.

What advice would you pass along at this point in your career?

If you want to be a writer, the only way to do that is to write. Otherwise you're just awannabe.

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