Welcome to BookEnds, New York Times Bestselling Author Megan Hart!

Tell us a bit about your writing process. Where do you write, and how often? 

I have a home office where I usually work, although during my transition from Pennsylvania to Ohio I was working more often on my laptop. In my new house I have a wonderful screened porch I like to sit in and write! I write M-F, usually from about 8:30-3 or 5, if I can manage it. Sometimes I’ll work later in the evening, if I have a deadline. 

Do you have any writing rituals? (e.g. burning a candle if you’re having trouble getting started at the computer or writing longhand first if you’re feeling uninspired.)

Yankee Candle True Rose. They have another rose scented candle, but I don’t like that one as much. I have tried other scents a few times, but mostly, it’s got to be the YC True Rose. (and sometimes it’s really hard to find!) 

I listen to music, too. Sometimes a set playlist, but often just shuffling through my music catalog.

What do you love about writing? 

I’ve been a writer ever since I can remember. I love creating worlds and characters and giving them stories. I love taking things I see or hear or experience and turning them into something that will make readers sigh, or scream, or cry, or laugh.

Why did you choose the genre you’ve chosen?

I write in a lot of different genres, so the short answer would be, I write what I want to read!

What is the hardest part about writing?

I’m venturing into a new genre right now, and the hardest thing is feeling confidence in my skills. I’m not sure why after writing and publishing literally hundreds of fiction projects, I worry that this time, I won’t be able to finish the book. I know that even if it’s not perfect in the first draft, I have the ability to revise it. So why am I always thinking “what made me think I could this??” I think that’s a common writer fear!

Do you get inspiration from any TV shows or movies? If so, which ones?

I no longer have cable so I watch movies and streaming only, which means I really don’t have any current shows I’m watching at the moment. I do get inspiration from TV and movies all the time, though. Like, what would happen if THIS happened instead of THAT?

Supernatural is probably my favorite all time TV show. I also love American Horror Story. I’d like to revisit Nip/Tuck and Lost and Six Feet Under. I’d like to finish Dexter. Oh, oh, and rewatch Deadwood! But currently, I don’t have anything that I’m watching right now. I usually watch movies on Shudder!

If money were no object, what would be your dream writing location?

The beach. I have a home in Bethany Beach, DE, but I can’t live there full time. My goal is to move to the beach at some point and write there. Although, honestly, when I’m at the beach, I really want to NOT be working…hmm…let me rethink this plan!

Do you belong to any writing organizations?

I belong to HWA, The Horror Writers Association, and The ITW, International Thriller Writers. I just moved to a new state and I’m trying to be more active in local writing groups there.

photo credit: Whitney Hart Photography