Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve been writing stories since I was little. In elementary school, I’d often stay in from recess to write, or I’d take a book out to the playground. I always knew I wanted to be an author.
I started my first novel when I was in the creative writing program at Weber State University, and nine years later, that book is finally going out into the world!
When I’m not writing, I love to make art, hike, play the ukulele, and ride horses. I like in Salt Lake City, Utah, with my husband and fluff monster cat.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My debut novel, The Goblin’s Daughter, will be available on June 30th, 2018. It’s a YA/NA paranormal fantasy about a young woman named Nolin who struggles to fit in and who desperately wants to earn the love of her mentally ill mother.
She and her mother are both being stalked by an unseen presence in the woods that surrounds their town. When Nolin starts seeing this being and delving into secrets of her mother’s past, she learns that she, Nolin, may not be human.
It’s about two damaged people learning to be whole again, and a third who can’t let go. I’ve often described it as “White Oleander with goblins.” That hits the nail on the head pretty well.
I was a weird kid, and I often felt like an outsider. I think we all feel like that at some point, so a lot of people may relate to this story and these characters.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
In the past, I’ve tried to plan my stories out and work from detailed outlines, but over the years I’ve learned that I’m a pantser. I figure things out as I go along and if I’m stuck, I just have to keep writing until I find a solution.
I’ve tried working from outlines, but I inevitably explore tangents and what ifs until my outline is completely useless. I’ve learned to embrace my process though, and I think my writing is much stronger for it.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
White Oleander by Janet Fitch has had a huge influence on my voice as a writer and on the subject matter of The Goblin’s Daughter. I also love the Harry Potter series, The Dark Tower series, and many other fantasy novels and ghost stories. It’s hard to pin down just a few. Every book I’ve ever read has stuck with me somehow.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a paranormal fantasy trilogy that I hope to start rolling out in early 2019. It’s a bit lighter in tone than The Goblin’s Daughter, but it goes to some very dark places.
The title is still up in the air, but I can say that it will include some themes that have fascinated me for years such as reincarnation, time travel, and psychic abilities. I think fans of The Goblin’s Daughter will really like it.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve worked in online business for awhile, so I know that marketing is all about making connections. I’m not selling books; I’m connecting with other readers and authors. I’m making friends and building an audience. I try to approach all my marketing tactics with that in mind.
This is my first novel, so I’m still learning the ropes, but I’m really enjoying Xpresso Book Tours. Querying bloggers one by one is insanely time consuming, so signing up for Xpresso has been a great investment so far.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Consistency is your best friend with both writing and producing a book. Work on it just a little bit each day, even if you’re just writing for fifteen minutes and emailing one editor for a quote. Just do a few high-leverage actions every day and you’ll accomplish a ton without burning out.
Baby steps add up!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best writing advice I’ve ever heard is that there’s no limit to how rough a rough draft can be. (That’s a quote I think, but I’m not sure who said it.) That first draft is to get the clay on the table so you can sculpt it into something amazing. It’s okay if it’s a disaster. That’s what editing is for.
The best general advice I’ve ever heard? Follow your joy. So many people don’t know what they want to do with their lives or how to find their passion. I’ve always been really good at following my joy, and it’s never led my astray.
If you want to create joy in your life, do what brings you joy.
What are you reading now?
Right now I’m working through the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas and The Dreamland series by E. J. Mellow. I’m loving them both so far!
What’s next for you as a writer?
I keep writing! I’m in this for the long haul, so The Goblin’s Daughter is just the beginning. I plan to keep sharing my work, making friends, growing an audience, and next year I hope to start publishing my new trilogy!
What is your favorite book of all time?
That’s a tough one. My favorite books are definitely the Harry Potter series (I have one tattoo, and it’s a Deathly Hallows on the wrist of my wand arm), but I also love White Oleander by Janet Fitch. I’d take any and all of those to my desert island.
Author Websites and Profiles
M. K. Sawyer Website
M. K. Sawyer Amazon Profile
M. K. Sawyer’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Pinterest Account