Author Interview: Meradeth Houston

Today is my stop on the Travelers blog tour! Thanks to Meradeth for answering my questions.

Title: Travelers
Author: Meradeth Houston
Publisher: BookFishBooks
Links: Author Website | GoodReads | Book Depository

Blurb:

Sienna Crenshaw knows the rules: 1) no time traveling beyond your natural lifetime, 2) no screwing with death, and 3) no changing the past. Ever. Sienna doesn’t love being stuck in the present, but she’s not the type to to break the rules. That is, she wasn’t the type until her best friend broke every one of those rules to keep Henry, her twin brother and Sienna’s ex-boyfriend, alive.

Suddenly, Sienna is caught in an unfamiliar reality. The upside? Henry is still alive. The downside? Sienna’s old life, including the people in it, has been erased. Now, Sienna and Henry must untangle the giant knot in time, or her parents and all the rest of the Travelers, will be lost forever. One problem: the only way to be successful is for Henry to die…

1. Tell us a little about Travelers…

Hi! It’s a real pleasure to be here. Travelers is a mix of a whole bunch of different things: a time-travel mystery romance probably sums it up best ☺. There’s been a change in time and the results are both terrible and wonderful, and my poor main character Sienna has to figure out what’s best.

2. Describe your writing process? Are you a planner or do you write by the seat of your pants?

I’m absolutely a panster. I’ve always wished I could write with an outline, as I’m certain it would save me time in revisions, but every time I try it, the story seems to die on the operating table. The first draft is where the magic lies and by killing that I seem to be unable to write the rest. Someday maybe that’ll change, but I’m not holding my breath.

3. What makes you happy?

That’s a pretty broad question! In general, people enjoying my books. Though, really, just having the chance to write makes me happy. Throw in a warm beach and some free time with a great book and I’m in heaven.

4. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

There’s so much advice floating around out there, most all of it generally good, but I know sometimes I have to be in the right space for it to mean anything to me, or to get me motivated. So, lately, for me it’s been advice about following your heart and doing what makes you happy has been resonating the most. And that’s what I’d pass along to those who are aspiring to be authors—if writing makes you happy, and you have a story to tell, do it. Don’t let anyone stand in your way, including yourself.

5. What are your writing goals?

You know, I’d love to be someone with books that everyone lines up to buy at midnight on release day, but really, realistically, I just want bookstore distribution. Simple. That would just be wonderful.

6. When are aren’t writing, what do you get up to?

Um, a lot! LOL! As a university professor, I’m generally running around all day, teaching, doing research, guiding my grad students, writing grants, and writing articles. And of course a million other things ☺. But, for fun, I love a good run, and a great book!

7. What are your favourite books?

I have a ton of favorite books. I can count at least ten I’ve read this year that have been utterly amazing. But, if I could only pick one, I’d probably go with A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L’Engle. I adore Meg and that book speaks to my soul (not to be too cheesy about it, but it certainly feels that way!).

8. What is the most important thing you’ve learnt in your writing journey?

Growing a tough skin that can take rejection and mean people may be helpful, but kindness and understanding are definitely the better skills to have.