Interview With Morgan Brice
1 When did you first realize that you wanted to be a writer?
A: When I was a kid I realized that if new people didn’t start writing, all the old writers would die off and there wouldn’t be any more new books. So I decided to write them.
2 How many books have you written?
A: Sixteen as Morgan Brice. More than thirty as Gail Z. Martin, plus eight non-fiction books.
3 How long does it usually take you to write a book?
A: It depends on the series. The urban fantasy books are shorter so they usually take less than a month for a first draft—then edits take time after that. The epic fantasy books are much longer, so they take a couple of months plus editing.
4 How did you come up with the idea for your book?
A: Blink is the sequel to Treasure Trail, so I wanted to pick up with Erik and Ben after they’ve had time to settle into their relationship for a bit. Plus there were some loose ends from the first book to handle, and I loved the idea of working with the lighthouse and a haunted theater. It all just came together!
5 Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
A: Editing! I lose patience too soon and need to be fussed at to take care of all the details.
6 Where is your favorite place to write?
A: With a view of the ocean!
7 When you develop characters do you already know who they are before you begin writing or do you let them develop as you go?
A: It’s a mix. I have a pretty good idea, but sometimes they surprise me!
8 Do you aim for a set number of words/pages per day?
A: I shoot for ten pages a day, but it all depends on what’s going on.
9 What is the hardest thing about writing?
A: Editing!
10 What is the easiest thing about writing?
A: Coming up with ideas. It would take me a couple of lifetimes to write up all the ideas!
11 Do you use your experiences in your books?
A: Sometimes, but not in a major way. I’ll write in favorite real places, either by name or slightly fictionalized, and a few minor experiences that are tweaked to fit the story. But nothing central to the plot.