Author Interview with Megan Charlie

Today I'm pleased to welcome author Megan Charlie to share a few thoughts with us.

1) Who is your favorite comfort read author?

My favorite comfort read author is either K.M. Shea or W.R. Gingell. It just depends on what flavor of comfort I need. Kitty’s books cover fairy tale retellings, urban fantasy, and original fantasy, so I can pretty much always find something to fit the bill. Wendee’s books also have a good spread and when I need something a bit more offbeat or a little grittier, she’s my gal. I have read everything from both those authors at least three times. Some of the books have been read ten or more times. (Melanie Cellier is a very close third!)

2) What do you most like about this genre that you are writing in?

So far, my writing all falls under the fantasy heading, whether it’s retellings, romantasy, cozy, or a mix. My favorite part of writing fantasy might be the utter lack of concern for “real life”. When creating a story set in a unique world of my own devising, I don’t need to worry about how current events would affect my characters or if the slang I use or technology I reference is going to be obsolete and confusing to readers in a few short years. My focus can be purely on worldbuilding and character development. And dragons, of course.

3) How do you develop your setting (a photo, a trip, a random comment)?

Settings are an important aspect of storytelling. But that doesn’t mean I can explain how I develop them! My process seems pretty straightforward to me. My characters need to have specific things happen to or around them, so I stare into space until an appropriate environment takes shape in my head. Sometimes a particularly interesting location or photograph will inspire me to write something that will fit there, but that’s kind of rare.

4) Do you have a favorite author that you would recommend?

If and when someone asks me for an author recommendation, I check what genres they read, then overload them with several options. The following is a list of the first authors to come to mind for each genre. I’m sure several of my favorites have been accidentally omitted because I love so many.

Fairy tale retellings: K.M. Shea; Melanie Cellier; Deborah Grace White; W.R. Gingell

General fantasy: K.M. Shea; Patricia C. Wrede; David Eddings; Megan Whalen Turner; Kate Stradling; W.R. Gingell

“Younger than Adult” fantasy: John Flanagan; Brandon Mull; Eoin Colfer; Shannon Messenger

Historic fiction (with or without magic): K.M. Shea; Patricia C. Wrede; Sarah M. Eden; Jane Austen; Georgette Heyer

Rom Com: Melanie Jacobson; Jennifer Peel

Mystery: Elizabeth Peters; Lillian Braun; Agatha Christie

Urban fantasy: K.M. Shea; W.R. Gingell; Kenley Davidson

Sci-fi: W.R. Gingell; Kaci Linden/Kenley Davidson

5) Who is your favorite character in your book?

My favorite character always seems to be from my current writing project, or the most recent one. Consequently, my current favorite character is Bernie from Dust Cloths and Dumbbells (part of the Evermore anthology).

Bernie is an undermaid serving in the Beast’s castle. Since none of the other curse breaking candidates have been able to save the prince, she takes it upon herself to uncover the solution. Through meticulous recordkeeping! Bernie has notebooks absolutely filled with details about each woman’s attempt to fall in love with the prince. I may or may not have an affinity for notebooks (and I definitely have a pen addiction), so that was fun to include.

Sweet Bernie is also fairly oblivious during social interactions. It was soothing to write her into a found family situation where the tight knit castle staff make allowances for her quirks and honestly enjoy her company.

Megan recently released a story in one of the Fairy Tale Frenzy series collections. 

Her newest story, "Dust Clothes and Dumbbells," can be found in Evermore. 

The link to purchase the book on Amazon is http://amazon.com/Evermore-Collection-Fantasy-Retellings-Frenzy-ebook/dp/B0F78NBPXR/

You can find Megan Charlie online at the following links:
Website: https://www.megancharlieauthor.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/megancharlie86
Facebook reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1099075884487810
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megancharlieauthor/