Written Author Interview
Tell me about yourself. What do you like to do outside of writing. What is a day in the life like for you?
My name is Maggie Hoopis. Outside of writing, I’m a full time mom. I take care of my little creatures with all of my heart, I partner hard with my lover, and avoid cleaning the house.
What inspired your first novel? What was the thing that got you into writing in the first place?
My first novel, Grace of Dragons, was inspired by my daughter who asked me to write her a story about the planets. I immediately thought about how Pluto is no longer considered a planet, and how he must feel. So I ended up outlining my entire story based on the premise that Pluto is chasing Neptune towards the sun.
I’ve always written. I have a WIP that I’ve had since high school, and one since my late twenties. I always reached the point where I had created well defined characters that I couldn’t quite get to drive the plot, so my excitement and writing would fizzle. I have figured out that I need to churn out a story quick for me to keep the impetus.
How do you come up with characters? Are they spontaneous or meticulously planned?
Characters fascinate me. I wrote murder mysteries and one-acts in college, which really focus on character backstories. I enrolled in improv classes, which also helped me to develop characters.
When I get an idea for a character and get going on their place within a story, I take a step back. I use the enneagram, which I studied in high school, and a worksheet from a class I took with Rebecca Ross. Their personalities and intrinsic motivators are important to me. From there, the dialogue. I need to know how much they are willing to give up in every day conversation.
What are some of your favorite genres to read? Are there any books you’d recommend to first time readers or people looking for something new?
I love historical fiction, romance, fantasy, romantasy. Honestly, I look for anything that just sounds different. I want to read things that I can remember exact moments with images in my head. Go read Meg Shaffer. When I read her books, I feel how I use to feel when I’d read books like The Westing Game and From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankeweiler when younger.
What’s the most difficult thing about being a writer?
Getting a few minutes of uninterrupted time when my brain can just be. My current book is difficult because I wanted to write something super emotional, and it’s hard to jump into a spot in 5 minutes from one emotion, to a completely different emotional state for 20 minutes and get anything worthwhile written, and then to get back to an emotional state that doesn’t affect the rest of my family.
What is your process to completing a novel from outline to final product?
Normally, I get inspiration. Then, I daydream and get a very general thought in my head of the full thing. I like to know where my ending is, so I can judge story and character arcs.
Then I’ll write one scene to capture the feeling. I’ll try to write as much as I can without knowing anything. Just free write.
Then, I’ll look for full out structure. I plan conceptually, or some sort of structure that fits the story. My book from high school was outlined from days of the week. Grace of Dragons was outlined from her meeting the different planets. My current WIP has to do with the stages of grief.
What’s the most unhinged thing you’ve written in your novel? Don’t worry, we don’t judge here.
Ooo, Grace of Dragons has so many unhinged moments. I think the most unhinged moment is when she shoots a man’s crotch for cheating her best friend out of money
What’s one thing about being a writer that absolutely drives you up the wall?
The concept of writer’s block. I don’t understand it, because I don’t really experience it. If I’m stuck on something, I sit and try to identify the problem. Do I need to come at it from a different angle? Should I daydream a bit more about it? Sometimes, I’ll imagine a character being the exact opposite personality so I can see what they would not do in a situation. Am I avoiding diving into a particular emotion and why? Where do I separate myself from the character and just allow myself to sympathize rather than empathize? I do not need to live through my characters.
What does being a successful writer look like for you? What type of life do you want to live as a writer?
Success looks like people asking me for more stories and wanting to talk about moments in my books. I think writing should expose some of life’s truths. A historical romance can still expose truths about the current day society, if it’s written in a certain way. I’d like to be able to have people to say, “you put into words what I’ve always been feeling.”
Describe your writing journey. If you had to write a story centered around it, do you think you could pull it off?
Oh, my life would make a roller coaster of a book. Especially up to this point in my life. The stories…. As I said before, I tend to write books when I know the ending; so I’m not looking to write my writing story book! I’d prefer for you just follow along with the magazine installments.
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About
Maggie grew up with a strong love of reading. Her dream of writing has been fueled by the support and inspiration of fellow beta readers. She co-founded the Indie Romantasy Reads Book of the Month Club, which focuses on championing indie literature and fostering a deeper connection between readers and writers. She lives in Illinois with her husband, daughter, and Duck Tolling Retriever, who lovingly support her in her endeavors.
Social Media
Instagram: @maggiehoopis.author
Threads: @maggiehoopis.author
Website: maggiehoopis.com
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