Myra McEntire knows the words to every R&B hit of the last decade, but since she lives in Nashville, the country music capital of America, her lyrical talents go sadly unappreciated. She’s chosen, instead, to channel her “mad word skills” into creating stories infused with her love of music.
Could you tell us 5 random facts about yourself?
- I am an excellent dancer. (Ask Jen L.)
- I used to be a general manager for an affiliate of the New York Mets.
- My thumbs are double jointed.
- Right now, I have conditioner on my hair, a pink shower cap on my head, and a heating pad on top of that. Home spa treatments, yo.
- My cat, Milo, is my muse.
Tell us about your journey to becoming a writer.
I’ve always wanted to be a writer, I just thought it was something other people did, and that I could only dream of doing. Then my stubborn streak kicked in, and I decided it was my turn.
Hourglass, your first novel in the series, is told from Emerson’s point of view and in this book we have Kaleb narrating. Why the switch?
Kaleb is one of the mouthiest characters I’ve ever dealt with – he was SO impatient to get out of my head. I never doubted that the story arc would be best served from his point of view, and I’ve never had so much fun writing dialogue in my life. Banter, he has it.
Was it difficult writing from another character’s point of view because you had already established Emerson’s voice?
No, because I could still hear Emerson, too, if that makes sense. She informed TIMEPIECE as much as Kaleb did, and her relationships were still developing, just off screen. I have some lovely deleted scenes, and scenes I wrote from her POV to make sure I was hitting the right emotional notes.
What is the difference between writing a first and second novel? Was it more difficult writing this novel?
My second book almost killed me? That’s the difference. There were more pressures, more expectations, and there was much less time. Yes, definitely more difficult.
What was your favorite chapter/scene to write and why?
I had a blast writing the first chapter. I was so in Kaleb’s head, and it poured out. Much like the first chapter of HOURGLASS, it’s barely changed. The first chapter of INFINITYGLASS, however, is in its sixth incarnation. And I’m on my fifth bottle of booze. (I’M KIDDING.)
What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?
Toughest criticism is when people say I didn’t do my research. I busted my junk on research, as I do for every book I write. I know all kinds of things the readers don’t, just because I need the background to make the scene right. Best compliment is when people say my words are funny. I love making people laugh.
Where’s your favorite place to write?
On a beach. With a fruity drink, and a cabana boy who’ll talk plot as long as I want. Not that that’s ever happened, but a girl can dream.
What character do you relate most to?
Probably Em. The sarcasm as a defense mechanism is definitely aMyrathing, too.
If you could have lunch with one of your characters who would it be and why?
Kaleb. For alllllll the inappropriate.
What is easier to write: The first line or the last line?
The first. “Maybe getting drunk and dressing up like a pirate was a bad idea.”
What one YA novel do you wish you had when you were a teen?
Anything adventurous, like GRAVE MERCY by Robin LeFevers or SHADOW and BONE by Leigh Bardugo. I wasn’t very adventurous at all, and I’d have liked the possibilities those books give to their protagonists.
What are you working on now?
INFINITYGLASS, the next book in the HOURGLASS series! It’s in the fun stage, which means mourning and angst are right around the corner!
You can find Myra and all her mad skills on twitter, facebook, Tumblr and Pinterest. You can also keep track of all things Hourglass series related at Murphy’s Law Coffee, a fansite for all things Hourglass.
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