Interview with Mya O’Malley, Author of Maggie

What can you tell us about your new release, Maggie?

Maggie is my eighth novel. I’m so excited to share this story with my readers because I felt so emotionally connected with my characters while writing. This contemporary paranormal mystery tells the story of a writer, Naomi, and her struggle to uncover what really happened to Maggie, a woman who died under suspicious circumstances-and who currently haunts Naomi. Naomi must try to solve the mystery of Maggie’s death while navigating the tangled web of dating. Will she be able to write Maggie’s story and finally give Maggie the peace she deserves?

What or who inspired you to become an author?

From the time I was small, I loved writing. I would create countless stories for my grandmother. I found out later that she had kept every single story! As a young adult, I wrote some poetry and then focused on college. I earned an undergraduate degree in special education and a master’s degree in reading and literacy. I work full time as special education teacher, a job I love. Writing has always been my calling, so I decided to try to start my first novel during a break from work. That’s one of the great perks of teaching, the time off helped me to write my first novel and many others that followed. My daughter always inspires me to continue writing and her love of the paranormal has definitely influenced me to write in that particular genre. Other published genres include contemporary romance and young adult.

What books are currently on your night stand?

Right now, I have so many books waiting to be read, I just wish I had the time to finish them all! I can’t wait to read the latest, Truly, Madly, Guilty from Liane Moriarty and Brenda Novak’s The Secret Sister and The Secrets She Kept. I just finished reading several novels, which I thoroughly enjoyed, by co-authors Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke.

What’s rocking your world this month?

Let’s start with talking about how happy I am to be home from work for the summer! I love spending time with my family and friends, catching up on my reading and devoting time to my writing. I can’t forget to mention that one of my favorite Showtime series, Ray Donovan, is back for season 4. Love that show. Did I mention I love being home for the summer? 🙂

What’s your favorite thing about paranormal romance?

I love the fact that anything can happen and that otherworldly boundaries are crossed. There’s something so magical and beautiful about paranormal romance. And mystery, I love the mystery that ties into the paranormal world and all of the endless possibilities.

If you had an extra hour each day, how would you spend it?

I would the spend time with my daughter and the rest of my family. Also, maybe sneak in some reading time.

What scene in Maggie was your favorite to write?

Oh, definitely the entire ending- from the dramatic plot twist right to the very last sentence. I don’t want to give away the story, but I will say that I was very emotional writing all the components leading to the conclusion of Maggie.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

There are so many meaningful quotes out there, but one of my favorites is: “You didn’t come this far to only come this far.” I find this quote to be so motivating and inspiring. It’s easy to start a dream and then lose sight of it. What’s challenging is the perseverance it takes to keep reaching for your goal to make it a reality.

Mya O’Malley is the author of the new book Maggie.

Connect with Mya
Author Website
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