Interview with Writer Megan Guilliams
1. How did you get started writing fiction?
I’ve always loved writing stories. Even as a child I wrote stories for my classmates, often making them the heroes of the stories. I was inspired by various other writers such as Stephen King, Terry Pratchett and Tolken.
2. What kind of fiction do you enjoy writing? (Such as fantasy, romance, horror, or unspecified)
Traditionally, I write YA Urban Fantasy and Horror. I dabble in Science Fiction, but ultimately my absolute favorite fiction to write has to be Thriller and Mystery. Of course, a lot of my work kind of melts into each other. I don’t think any of my writing YA or other doesn’t have an err of horror to it.
3. What was it about writing short stories that just seemed to "click" with your writing career?
I have two short story collections out right now, and I think the reason I wrote them was because I wanted to give some of my lesser-known side characters more range. It’s a lot of fun, and pretty challenging to write condensed works that grip the audience and make them want to know more about your characters.
4. Is there a type of short story that you enjoy writing most? Please explain.
Any short story with a huge twist at the end is really fun. Smiling Sam, in my first horror short story collection, literally has my heart. I often recommend it to people who haven’t read anything by me yet. I think it encompasses the kind of writing I do.
5. What was it like when you sold your first short story?
Technically, I haven’t sold a short story, but when my first submission was accepted into an anthology and got praise for being a great read, I was humbled that people outside of the ones that know me would appreciate what I do. Its not about the money or the notoriety (Even though that’s appreciated as well); I do it to entertain and that’s what brings me the most joy.
6. Where do you find short story markets to submit to?
I self-publish through KDP, and I keep my eye out for Submission Calls to genres that I write in. Often times they’re on social media or my fellow author friends will point me in the right direction.
7. What is one lesson you have learned as a writer when it comes to writing short fiction?
That oftentimes, writing short stories can be much more difficult than writing a long story. You don’t want to info dump but you want to make the story make sense. It’s a hard skill to master.
8. How is writing short fiction different from your work as a writer of longer fiction?
I tend to re-read my short stories more frequently. I work on them in shorter bursts too. Oftentimes, they take longer to write.
9. What is some of the best advice you have received from other writers or editors when it comes to writing short fiction?
Have others read your work before you publish. Take all the feedback you can! Most people are there to help you polish the amazing talent you already have. Don’t get offended by criticism. Even negative feedback is a learning experience.
10. Do you have any advice of your own to share with other writers?
Write what you love and it’ll come naturally. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box, because even if your idea isn’t trending at the moment that doesn’t mean it wont have an audience… Never stop writing!
ABOUT MEGAN:
Megan Guilliams is an Independent Fiction author who specializes in Urban Fantasy and Horror. She is a Franklin County native who lives in Virginia with her husband and two children. When she’s not writing Young Adult and New Adult Fiction, she enjoys painting. Filling the walls of her home with colorful lowbrow art and Pop art, Megan enjoys bringing her book’s characters to life. As a young child, Megan dabbled in short stories, often entertaining her peers. While she doesn’t hold any specialized degrees that led her to her writing passion, she currently has over twenty novels published on Amazon and Kindle.