Author Interview Reading Nook
1: Tell us a little about yourself and what got you in to writing?
M T Meiklejohn owns Energy In Balance, an online business selling crystals and crystal jewellery. She resides on the beautiful Sunshine Coast in Qld, Australia. She is an avid hiker and outdoors enthusiast, spending most weekends hitting the trails and exploring nature. Having spent the last fifteen years writing and expanding her knowledge through her website, she has now taken the steps to develop her writing and create her first fantasy series, ‘The Return of the Dragons’. Michelle’s work is a transformative journey, intertwining her profound knowledge and creating a soul-searching experience.
M T Meiklejohn’s passion for travel and exploration is evident in her work. Having lived in the UK for four years, she developed a desire to see the world and experience different cultures. Her travels have taken her to over 40 unique countries, where she stopped, listened, and learned from the diverse cultures she encountered. Through her travels and work, she explored different areas of energy work, dealing with crystals, sound therapy, energy healers, shamans and psychics. This rich tapestry of experiences and knowledge is woven into her first novel, ‘The Dragon Prophecies’, the first book in ‘The Return of the Dragons’ series.
2: Do you have a favourite time and place where you write?
I enjoy sitting and writing at my desk in my home office. I try to finish off the rest of my commitments by around lunchtime and then spend the rest of the day writing. I have a large window that allows light to stream in. I look out and take in the greenery when pondering a direction for the story.
3: Where do your ideas come from?
Through my years of work with crystals and alternative healers, I have a lot of knowledge to draw on. With that in mind, I decided to take all of that information and create a coming-of-age story—with dragons, ghosts, and a curse, of course! I like to call it a hyped up version of reality.
4: Do you have a plan in your head of where the story is going before you start writing or do you let it carry you along as you go?
I do a combination of both. I like to have key points in my head and then allow the story to flow organically to get to those areas. A strong theme throughout The Dragon Prophecies is finding your Song or getting into the flow. That is my favourite time of writing—when I allow myself to be purely creative. When I am away from my desk, and ideas pop into my head, I find it very useful to make physical notes of them so I can retain the information and come back to it.
5: What genre are your books and what drew you to that genre?
I have always loved the fantasy genre and its ability to transport the reader to another world full of mystical elements. I think it is the best genre for allowing a person’s imagination to run wild while fully immersing them in an adventure.
6: What dream cast would you like to see playing the characters in your latest book? Cassie – Mckenna Grace, Adriana – Jessica Alba and Bolkin – Gerard Butler
7: Do you read much and if so who are your favourite authors?
I love reading and will usually have a book close at hand. I am currently enjoying rereading some of the classics. I think if I had to pick two favourite Authors, they would be Tolkien and Eddings
8: What book/s are you reading at present?
I’m currently reading The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald.
9: What is your favourite book and why?
I don’t know if I could choose a favourite book as there are so many. I do have a special place in my heart for The Hobbit. When I first read it in my early teens, it started my love of fantasy stories.
10: What advice would you give for someone thinking about becoming a writer?
To believe in yourself. We all have a story to tell and your words could inspire others. Take the leap and start writing, even if you’re the only one who sees it. Writing makes you look at the world differently, so allow yourself to start your journey.
11: What are the best Social Media Sites for people to find out about you and your work?
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/m.t.meiklejohn/ and author website https://mtmeiklejohn.com/
