I met Miranda years ago (6 or so maybe?) at a San Antonio Romance Writer’s conference. I’m convinced she was only there to meet me, because she isn’t a romance kind of girl, and I write romance. It was my first romance writer’s conference, and I was nervous. I didn’t know anyone and didn’t know what to expect.
Miranda sat right beside me after asking it if was okay. She had a friend with her, and I thought I’d still be alone because she had someone to talk to and I didn’t. But we immediately hit it off and we’ve been friends ever since.
I’m excited that her book, Blue Mermaid (in which I helped to critique and love love love it!) has recently been released, and I asked Miranda to stop by for a chat. Here’s what she says:
What intrigues you about Blue Mermaid?
The fact someone published it and people other than my mother like it.
Who or what is your greatest writing influence?
All my favorite childhood authors. Lately, I’ve been really influenced by the Iron King series and fairy tales.
When did you absolutely know that you had to be a writer?
When I was 7 and I realized that normal people didn’t see everything as a story and could easily distinguish reality and fantasy. I have a hard time living in the real world so I make up a better one.
What was your favorite part of writing Blue Mermaid?
The first draft. It’s like letting it bleed out and revisions are as painful as stitches.
What is your favorite aspect of reading a novel?
I like a plot that is clever and surprising but not so complicated I need a map and reference book, like a lot of classic fantasy and sci fi are.
Are you a plotter, a panster, or both?
Pantser. I try to plot and screw it up.
Do you have a certain theme in all of your novels?
People get to eat a lot without getting fat and there’s a lot of talking critters.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I tend to write about childlike topics in an old fashioned tone. I don’t talk down to children but I don’t write about things most adults want to read about. Though I would much prefer a book about a Popsicle eating giraffe than another mindless horror book where zombies eat everyone.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Just have fun. Don’t let the dull people around you suck the joy and adventure out of life.
Do you ever use your life experiences in your novels?
Yup. I discovered I was a mermaid when I was 12. Except I didn’t have to save the world.
If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take one book with you, what would you take?
A blank one.
If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take one song with you, what would you take?
George strait “You know me better than that.”
Are you working on any projects right now?
A brand new middle grade mystery with ghosts and charm school rejects, an adult sweet romance and a YA fantasy adventure with dolphins, horses and mermaids.
Do you see writing as a career?
I do- please help me convince my family of that.
If you had the career of your choice, what would you choose and why?
I’d want to write and teach writing to kids after school. I did it for a semester and loved it.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
It’s the only thing that kept me sitting still because I loved it so much.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Sitting still and Internet pop ups. I want a treadmill desk.
Where can people find your website or any other information about you?
www. Aduckinherpond.com or www.wordsnwhimsy.com.
An excerpt of Blue Mermaid:
Meredith had waited for this day all year.
Inch by inch she rose out of the water. Her feet shifted on her trembling teammates’ clutched hands and she curved her arms overhead. Her muscles tensed, anticipating the beat marking the triple flip she’d spent all year perfecting. This final dive had cost her months of afternoons, Friday nights, and Saturday mornings. It was her sole validation for Coach Wilson naming her captain of the synchronized swimming team instead of Amy Anderson.
“Now.” Dozens of fingers flung her into the air. Her body twisted as her legs kicked back. Just as her fingertips touched the cool surface of the water, something hard and heavy wrapped around her waist. She risked a quick look at what imprisoned her.
She fought to free herself from a black tentacle that squeezed her until her ribs cracked. Her hands clawed the water, grasping nothing but wet darkness. Seawater surged against her throat and silenced her screams. Her legs fused together and her feet arched, curling into fins as thin as paper.
Air flooded her lungs, though her lips were sealed. She placed a hand to her neck and immediately jerked it right back. Her fingertips still tingled where shreds of skin flapped against her fingertips. Her chest rose and fell with the flutter of gills in perfect rhythm. The creature threw another flexible limb around her. Beating her fists against the tentacles just made the beast constrict harder. She opened her mouth to scream again.
But there was no one to hear. The pool’s cement walls had melted into miles of indigo water. A stream of bubbles blasted past her, fleeing the darkness below.
The tentacles dragged her deeper. Hungry yellow eyes watched her with a solid, unwavering gaze. A second tentacle snaked around her and pinned her arms to her sides. Tiny cups plucked her skin.
With every scream, the eyes grew closer….