Lucy A. McLaren

Today, I’m sharing an author interview with Molly Weatherall, who I met through the Feed My Reads network on Twitter. Over to you, Molly!

Hello! So, first of all – tell me a little bit about yourself!

I am 23 years old from Sheffield in the UK, I am a Middle child (take from that what you will). I did my undergraduate degree in Outdoor Adventure and Environment BSc (hons) and my postgraduate PGCE in Primary Teaching in the Lake District.

I love climbing, kayaking, walking, reading, writing, painting and drawing!

What’s the name of your book? Can you give a brief outline of the plot (spoiler-free, of course)? 

My debut novel is called ‘Silent is the Crown’ and is a YA dystopia with medieval vibes about a mute girl who goes on a journey of self discovery and ends up joining the assassins guild…

I also have a short story in the ‘Once Upon a Winter ‘ anthology edited by H.L Macfarlane, about the origins of the Long Meg and her daughters stone circle in Cumbria, UK. Following a queer witch and her experiences of the winter solstice, heartbreak, betrayal, passion and drama…

When is your book available? Where can we get our hands on it?

Both books are available on Amazon, Waterstones and other retailers!

Why do you write in your chosen genre? What’s your favourite thing about it?

I write mainly in the fantasy genre, although I have some historical and contemporary in my WIP pile (yes, pile). I like the escapism of fantasy and how it usually takes us back to survival mode, fight or flight experiences, how magic and other mysterious things play a major part in the societies.

I also really love the dystopia genre, it’s so evocative in the way that it has the potential to happen, the societal similarities and how we write them satirically.

What got you into writing? What do you enjoy most about it?

I have been writing since I was very young, I can’t remember the origin of my passion but along the way many different people have influenced my love for writing and literature, author meets, English teachers, family and supportive friends realising the potential in me and giving me the confidence to pursue my passion.

What’s your go-to music for a writing session?

I usually write in silence, so I can arrange the jumbled pieces of information, plot, hear the characters in my head but sometimes I listen to instrumental music like piano covers or string covers because they’re without words that interrupt my train of thought.

Where do you find inspiration for your stories?

Everywhere! My experiences, dreams, media and work. The randomist thing will spark my imagination and get ideas flowing. I just have to make sure to write them down before they’re lost forever.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

I teach in a primary school, I read, I adventure, I climb, I spend time with family and friends.

What’s your favourite book from childhood? Has it influenced you as a writer?

I have had several favourite books growing up, mainly series’ of books but I would say Harry Potter, The Hunger Games and His Dark Materials have shaped and influenced me early on but since then, through my A-Levels I found heavier, more emotional books left their impression on me, The Handmaid’s Tale, The Colour Purple and Wuthering Heights being my favourites from that time.

Where can we learn more about you and your books?

I have twitter @mj_weatherall where I am most prominent or Instagram @mj.weatherall

Thank you for your time! ☺