Q&A Thursday with Molly Dean!

Today's Q&A is with YA Author Molly Dean!

Enjoy & Comment!

What is the worst thing you’ve written, how did you learn or know it was bad, and what did you learn from it?

The worst would have to be an extremely long, soap opera type ‘novel’ with a convoluted plot and exaggerated characters.  I wrote this in my late teens. The worst of it was my constant commentary on the state of the weather—the status of the sun or the shape of the clouds, etc, etc. I mentioned some aspect of weather on every page. I didn’t realize I did this, until someone pointed it out to me.  I learned—and am still learning—to tighten and even limit my descriptions of nature, even though I love it. In another vein, I am learning to let my characters emerge and speak for themselves—not force them to be a certain way.

Why did you start writing and when did you decide to go professional?

I started writing simply because I loved to. Stories kept rolling around inside my head. I began my career as a photographer, doing mainly editorial work. But I tried my hand at writing articles to go with the pictures—and it worked!  Although I still love visual stuff, art and photography--the writing moved in and took over my life.

Do you write in more than one genre? Which ones and which do you like the best?

I do. Sometimes I gravitate toward fantasy. As an example, my next novel is about kids who hide a dragon in a basement and feed him cornflakes. He is peaceable and lovable, but finds he must battle a dreadful foe.

Other times I prefer writing real-life stories with an emphasis on character. I love focusing on young people and children, maybe because there is a part of me that never grew up.

Do you read other author’s books when you’re writing? If so, do you read the same genre or something different?

I am always reading something. Problem is I wish I had time to read more. I don’t necessarily read the same genre I am writing about.

What is the most difficult part of the entire writing process for you? Queries, pitches, editing..etc.

That’s easy. I am a shy, low-profile type person. So, it is hard for me to make pitches, to get out there and say, ‘come buy my book…’

If you could have the same type of career as any author currently publishing who would it be and why?

The first name that comes to mind is southern author Ferrol Sams.  He writes about what he knows and with such grace. Approaching ninety, he continues to live in the same town where most of his novels are set, maintain a happy, positive outlook, and keep a terrific sense of humor.  Also, might be fun to experience the life of J.K. Rowlings for about a day!

Book Blurb: Ten-year-old Daniel Weston, son of a high-powered Atlanta attorney, expects to be bored spending the summer with his aunt and hated cousin Sabrina in the rustic mountain cottage belonging to his great-aunt Delilah. Instead, he finds himself enmeshed in intrigue: why is Delilah in Ireland searching for a missing granddaughter, and for what reason has the girl disappeared? Daniel also doesn't bargain for a blossoming friendship with feisty, adventure-loving local girl, Kat McDougal.


Kat shows Daniel his great-aunt's 'twilight garden,' a special place flaunting pale, fragrant flowers and silvery foliage. The garden, which has been allowed to grow wild, has a curious appeal. Things are "different" in the garden, magical.


Against the backdrop of night meetings at the garden, Daniel and Kat try to solve the mysteries involving the people that surround them. But Daniel, grappling with the shock of his parents' recent separation, starts to wonder what he can count on and if he can believe anything about anybody.


Can these two children find their place in an adult world even as they realize that they have no one but themselves to lean on?


Visit Molly online: www.mollydean.com.