Author Interview with Maureen McQuerry

How did you become a writer?

The first time I recall saying I wanted to be a writer was when I was six years old. I knew that books were magic, and I believed in magic with all my heart. The journey to publication, like any good story, was long and fraught and full of plot twists.

For many years I was a teacher, middle school through college, and an on- the -side poet, writing for and publishing in literary journals.  I also published two non-fiction books. When my own kids got a bit older, and I was a bit braver, I started writing fiction. My first novel, The Peculiars, was published by Abrams in 2012. I’ve published 4 novels for middle grade and YA readers, one adult-YA historical novel based on my family’s Irish immigrant history, and most recently two board book series with Penguin/Putnam.

What inspires you to write? Writing lets me not only create worlds but explore big questions. For me, writing is grappling with big ideas and inviting readers on the journey with me. If I knew the answers, I probably wouldn’t write. Plus words, I love to play with words.

How do you develop your plot and characters?

It’s different for every novel. Sometimes a character comes to me first and I get to know that character by asking questions and exploring what that character wants and what obstacles are standing in their way.

Most often an idea or question comes first. Do we become our parents? What happens when climate change forces thousands of people to relocate. They are no longer a statistic but the stranger sleeping in your guestroom? What kind of tension would that create?

For plot, I consciously think about three act structure. Save the Cat Writes a Novel is also helpful.Could you share some of your challenges as a writer?

Plot is always the most difficult part of writing for me. I read mostly literary fiction, and it can be slower, less propulsive than commercial fiction. I have to work at making sure my books aren’t too quiet. Also, my interests are wide ranging, so I tend to write in multiple genres which is not always the best strategy for building a readership.Tell us about your protagonist in your current book. What's your favorite trait and/or weakness?

Rift is told in three female POVS: Macy, a single mid-wife in her early forties who has set her own life aside for her career, Abbie, a ten-year-old girl and budding artist in a survivalist family who don’t understand her, and Tess, a twenty-six-year-old woman who has been abruptly terminated from Teach for America and is trying to figure her life out. All three woman live on the same cul-de-sac in Seattle. All three have their lives upended when a group of environmentally displaced people move into the cul-de-sac.

How does your antagonist create conflict?

The changing climate is a brooding antagonist that creates conflict no one can avoid: extreme heat, a rogue tornado, a rift explosion.

Troy Jenkins, is a survivalist, and the head of the one family who refuses to host any of the displaced people. For most of the story, he is openly antagonistic to his neighbors, fearful of immigrants, and harsh with his family.

What are your current/future projects?

Two other adult projects---

I’m currently co-writing, with a friend and fellow author, an urban fantasy, magic academy thriller set in York, England.

I’m revising a mystery series where forensics meets fashion when a fashion historian and cultural history professor at the University of Washington is asked to consult on the death of a local judge.

Do you have a routine you follow when writing?

My ideal routine is to write in the morning, exercise midday, and attend to the business of writing and life in the afternoon. But that schedule rarely happens! 

If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be?

Be brave. Know that writing is a business as well as an art. Writing beautiful sentences, does not a story make!

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Read widely across genres. Pay attention to good writing at the line level. Find a critique group of other serious writers who are working at a similar level for feedback, encouragement and accountability. It doesn’t matter if they’re writing in the same genre.

What is your preferred method for readers to get in touch with you?

I have a contact form on my website that goes directly to my email. www.maureenmcquerry.com