The Author Interview featuring M J Stratton

Welcome to the Author Interview. This time, it features the lovely M J Stratton, author of The Redemption of Lydia Wickham.

If you’re an author who’d like to take part in the series, email me: debbie@myrandommusings.co.uk

Now over to M J.

1 Firstly, tell us a little bit about yourself

Well, let’s see. I’m a mom of 4, my oldest being 9 and my youngest 6 months. Up until last year, I taught 2nd grade. I resigned at the end of the 2021-2022 school year so that I could be home with my kids. I’ve been beta reading and editing for 7 years or so, and writing my own book on the side. But being a mom and working full time doesn’t leave a lot of time for writing, so I’m hoping that now that I’m home, I can write more.

2 Tell us a little bit about your books

The Redemption of Lydia Wickham is based on the idea that anyone can grow up and away from who they were as a teenager. It’s a book that is near and dear to my heart and I see myself as how I portrayed Lydia in this book.

3 Where do you find your inspiration for your books?

Everywhere! I actually do a lot of plotting as I lay in bed at night trying to fall asleep. I’ve struggled off and on with insomnia for a long time, and that time in the dark and quiet has helped shape a lot of the inspiration for my writing.

4 What, for you, is the best thing about being a writer?

I love it when I write a scene that just brings tears to my eyes or evokes a lot of emotion. Connecting with the characters on a deep level is very important to me!

5 And the worst?

I think the worst thing is imposter syndrome. I worry a lot that no one will like my work, which is part of why it’s taken me so long to finish and publish my book. Also, as I was doing a read through, I once again thought to myself, “I wrote this?? No way!”

6 If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?

I would want to replicate myself many times over, and then be able to rejoin back into one person, keeping all the memories and experiences of my doppelgangers. I’ve wanted this for years so that I could teach, be at home, and run errands all at the same time.

7 Do you have any tips for anyone wanting to write their first book?

Just start writing! Put your thoughts down and tweak it as you have time.

8 Tell us one random fact about you

I don’t like pizza. I’ll eat it, but if you put pizza or a burger in front of me, I’d take the burger hands down.

9 Who is your favourite author?

Do I have to name just one? I don’t know that I could do that! I have many authors I follow religiously, and of course, many are JAFF (Jane Austen fan fiction) authors. But, for the sake of this post, I’d have to say Sarra Cannon is one of my favourite non JAFF authors. I’ve been following her books since she started publishing.

10 And your favourite book(s)?

Once again, how can I pick just one?? I read a lot of JAFF, but I also read a lot of fantasy and historical books.

11 What book are you reading right now?

I’m actually in between books at the moment. I am getting ready to start Julie Cooper’s latest.

12 Where is your favourite place to write?

Well, I’m a mom, so I usually write from the couch where I can hear or see my kids playing. If I hid in my sewing room or bedroom, I think my kids would have too much fun.

13 Do you prefer to write in silence or do you have a writing soundtrack?

It depends on the day. Some days I find it easier to write when it’s quiet. Other days, I need to have background music to write to. I really like some of the ambiance playlists on YouTube.

14 What can we expect from you next?

I have a few plot bunnies I am playing with. One involves a Mr Wickham who isn’t cannon. What if Mr Wickham really did study the law? I also have a few other ideas I’ve messed with, but that’s the one I’m actively pursuing.

15 Anything else you’d like to share with us?

I am so thankful to the supportive JAFF community! I won’t lie, I am very nervous about how my book is received. Thanks to everyone who encouraged me in my writing!

16 Where can we find you? (Links to your Amazon page and social media)

You can find me on my Facebook page and you can find my book here. I’m still working on getting my Amazon page up.