Author Kristen Morgen's Interview

1.) How long have you been writing for? And what inspired you to start?

The first time I realized how much I loved the act of writing was in high school. I was the kid who got excited when I saw essay questions on a test rather then multiple choice questions and most of my friends thought I was crazy. I absolutely loved and excelled in any English class I took throughout college and I found myself spending large amounts of time on writing assignments. My father is also a writer (more technical then creative) and he has been my writing coach my whole life. He always pushed me to be a better writer and could be quite tough on me at times (something I'm still thankful for). Although I pursued architecture throughout my life, I have always longed to write. So one day, I simply sat down and started writing Behind the Glass. What can I say? Writing is my druf of choice and I live getting my fix whenever I can.

2.) In your opinion, what are some of the best elements of creating an interesting plotline that you think your reader's will enjoy?

The most important rule, of this book or of any book written honestly, is to hold the reader's attention. That's it. Keep them reading, keep them guessing, make them want turn that page and never let them get bored with the story, I think it's important to have a plan, figure out where your characters are going to end up. Don't get caught up in sub-plots unless necessary, keep things moving forward and create scenes that engage the reader. Make it relatable, make the reader connect with characters every step of the way. And above all, don't make direction they aren't expecting.

3.) Who's one of your favorite characters in the book, how would you describe the, and what inspired those characteristics?

Each character I create has a special place in my heart and I love them all for different reasons. It sounds totally cliche but it's true. If I had to choose, Michael is probably my favorite character, because let's face it, he;s sort of the perfect guy. Besides being strikingly handsome, he is kind, honest, smart, funny, generous, and always stays true to himself. When he meets someone, he's not interested in a one-nightstand; rather he considers a long-term future with that person. He simply wants more. He's definitely the steady constant throughout the book and is completely in love.

4.) What is one of the important themes you want your readers to get out of this?

I'm hoping that people come away happy and full-filled, fist and foremost, but I also hope that they understand that every person, fictional or in real life, is who they are because of their life experiences, and that those experiences, and or dictate the decisions they make in life. We are all ultimately in control of our own decisions.

5.) Do you have a specific routine you do to help you before your writing process?

It depends on the day honestly. I'm a full-time architect and I run my own business so I mostly write in the evenings when and i I can and sometimes on the weekends if I'm not too busy (keeping you with two daughters can be busy!). For the most part, I write at my desk in my office at a computer with a beautiful view to outside. And I definitely tend to write faster and more fluidly if I type. But I also find that sometimes a change of setting and method will help me if I'm ever struggling with a scene. I'll sometimes take a pen and pad to my leather chair in another room and write long hand until I get the flow back into my writing. It's kind of a mental re-start and it always helps.

6.) What are some helpful tips you would give potential writers when it comes to getting over writer's block?

That's a great question! It's different for everyone, but I have found that it's always good to have a couple different projects going at once. Maybe one project is a book you're working on and another is a short story or a second book or editing yet another book. That way your mind can have a break from one project, and you can jump back in later with a fresh perspective. I also recommend reading. Or watching a show or a movie. Sometimes even the ideas. But don't put too much pressure on yourself. It'll happen eventually.

7.) Without giving away too much can you give a small snippet that isn't in the excerpt?

On the verge of tears, she crossed her arms tightly, hugging herself as she focused on the beautiful dancing flames before her, secretly wishing he was there with her. Holding her.

After a few quiet moments, as if she had somehow beckoned him...he was there.

She had been so completely lost in her own thought, staring at the mesmerizing fire, that she hadn't even noticed her had been standing directly in front of her.

He seemed to appear virtually out of nowhere.

He looked down at her with warm, attentive eyes. His tie was missing and the first two buttons on his shirt were undone, giving him a more casual look. His face appeared flush, and his massive frame obscured the soft glow from the fireplace. As she looked back up at him her heart scared with a mix of emotions, yet she found it more difficult to hold back her tears. She didn't know what she would say to him now, even if she could find the ability to speak.

Without a word, he gently took her by the hand, picked up her suitcase, and slowly led her out of the lobby. She couldn't be sure, but based on his body language he seemed to be completely aware of her situation, knew exactly what was going through her mind, and inexplicably, exactly what she needed.

She didn't argue or resist or even speak. She simply followed him, not knowing where he was taking her. The manner in which he led her was focused, and his grip on her hand was protectively firm.

In her bemused state as they continued down the long hallway, it finally occurred to her that he was rescuing her.

I'm happy your book found a home!! My team and I will be celebrating with you!

Thank you so much for having me and I couldn't be happier that my book finally found a home. I'm so excited for the release of this second edition of Behind the Glass. It's better then ever and I can't wait to share it with the world.

My links are....

Website: www.kristenmorgen.com

Email: kristen@kristenmogen.com

Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/kristenmorgen

Facebook Account: wwww.facebook.com/authorkristenmorgen

Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/kristenmorgenauthor

Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/kristenmorgenbeyondthebook/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kristen.morgen

Good Reads: www.goodreads.com/kristenmorgen

All Author: www.allauthor.com/author/kristenmorgen

Book Bub: www.bookbub.com/profile/kristen-morgen