I was very much writing about what I was trying to do at the time…to figure out a new purpose for myself outside of the corporate world. And not really believing I was attempting a novel. 

14 September 2023

The Back Flap

A compulsive overachiever, Madeline lives by the credo that easy is synonymous with mediocre—which is why, at forty-nine, she’s a senior vice president at a prominent bank, frantically adheres to a five-step nightly face cream regimen, and panics anytime she’s a foot away from her phone. Madeline works alongside her best friend, Emma—a master juggler of her own career, marriage, and motherhood to a fourteen-year-old daughter who speaks only in baffling acronyms. The path ahead for both women is brimming with opportunity. There’s only one problem: Madeline is miserable.

Seeking purpose in her life while trying to unravel the source of habits she wants to change, Madeline reluctantly agrees to try yoga, meditation, and other wacky suggestions her new-agey therapist tosses her way. She feels as if she’s risking everything—but in doing so, she just might unlock a world more fulfilling than she ever could have imagined.

About the book

What is the book about?

I think this book is about change: how we are able to change ourselves, heal from our past, and become the person we choose to be.

When did you start writing the book?

A while ago! I started writing it in 2016, after I’d left the corporate world and was trying to figure out what to do with myself.

How long did it take you to write it?

I wrote the first draft in a matter of months. But I’ve gone back and revised it several times over the past few years. Mid-revision, I wrote what became my first published novel, Buck’s Pantry.

Where did you get the idea from?

I was very much writing about what I was trying to do at the time…to figure out a new purpose for myself outside of the corporate world. And not really believing I was attempting a novel. It was a very discombobulating phase for me.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

I don’t feel like it was ever a struggle. But there were some pieces of the story it took me a minute to find.

What came easily?

The story itself came fairly easily—it was just a matter of being clear on what I really wanted it to be.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Everyone is fictional. I feel like I have to draw on at least some of my own experiences for any character whose head I’m going to inhabit. In the story, the character of Madeline begins to reach for something new, while her best friend, Emma, doubles down on the career path they’ve been working toward for a while. I drew on my choice to leave the corporate world in creating Madeline. And on my own choices to stay in a corporate job for as long as I did in creating Emma.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

Oh, there are so, so many. Some authors whose stories have meant a lot to me are: Taylor Jenkins Reid, Liane Moriarty, Augusten Burroughs, and Brit Bennett. Just to name a few.

Do you have a target reader?

Readers of fiction, who want to read about characters succeeding.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I’ve allowed myself to become more fluid in my process, writing when I feel inspired and allowing myself to pause when it’s sticky.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I don’t, but that’s just me. I know a lot of writers who find outlines very helpful. I think the key is figuring out what elements work for you and trusting those versus trying to fit yourself into someone else’s box.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I edit as I go. Then I work with outside editors once it’s finished.

Did you hire a professional editor?

I did, in addition to the editing that my publisher provides. And I found it very helpful.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I listen to music when I’m editing, and it all depends on my mood. When I’m looking at a blank page, I usually choose quiet.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I did.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

I actually got quite a few positive responses to my query letters from agents who then requested the manuscript. And I kept getting these encouraging rejections. Finally, I received the most glowing turn-down of all outlining how much the agent enjoyed my writing and the characters and plot, but she just didn’t know how to market the book. It was in that moment that I thought, I’ve got to try something different. Which is how I came to submit to SparkPress, who has been wonderful.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

SparkPress did the cover, and I think their design team does beautiful work.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I’m working with the publicity team at BookSparks and cannot say enough good things about them.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

I found the process of getting published to be horribly fraught. So, the first thing I’d say to someone new is that if they are finding the process of getting their story out into the world frustrating, they’re not alone. The system feels broken to me. The best advice I have is that authors educate themselves on the options available, get advice/editing/help from reputable people who have demonstrated track records, and above all, trust themselves.

About You

Where did you grow up?

Texas

Where do you live now?

San Francisco

What would you like readers to know about you?

Readers can find out more at my website.

Or by following me on Instagram.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on a screenplay based on my first novel, Buck’s Pantry.

End of Interview:

Get your copy of This Time Could be Different from Amazon US or Amazon UK.