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.