Author Spotlight: Megan Beth Davies

This week’s author in the spotlight is author Megan Beth Davies! Not only is she an author, but she is also one of the co-founder’s of #TheWriterCommunity on Instagram! They have monthly prompts that give you a prompt for every day of the month to share with the writing community. I’ve participated and it can be a lot of fun, and connects with you with a ton of writers. I am happy to have been able to interview her this month! Check out my interview with author Megan Davies below!

Author Interview with Megan Beth Davies

When did you first start writing?

Like many writers, I suppose I could say for as long as I can remember. There were times where I would create constantly, followed by years of nothing. It was only recently that I was able to commit to being more consistent and intentional about my writing. Just over a year ago I created my Instagram account and took part in my first ever NaNoWriMo, I didn’t win but it was a great experience. Since then, I have discovered the most amazing and supportive community that has encouraged me in so many ways. Now I feel that I can truly say “I am a writer” and not let imposter syndrome tell me otherwise.

When did you know you wanted to be an author?

I have always loved reading. I would sit with my mum reading and she would love to turn to the author bios and read more about the person that wrote the books that we loved. I remember then thinking that one day I wanted to be like those authors and write books that people fell in love with.

Was there any author or book in particular that inspired you to write? Or a teacher/mentor?

Growing up I loved fairy tales and poems. My dad used to always read The Dutch Lullaby to me before bed and it was just so magical. Other books inspired me as I grew older, Elle Enchanted and The Lioness Quartet being just a few of them. This was a time when fantasy wasn’t “cool” (in school at least), but there was something about it that I loved. Even recently, when I started my first book and then went through about five months of writer’s block, I picked up Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young and it made me remember why I loved writing and what I wanted to achieve — since then I haven’t stopped writing.

What genre do you write?

Fantasy primarily — mainly Historical and Folklore Fantasy — but all my stories have a generous helping of Romance. I have also written Historical Romance in the past and would like to write more.

Are any of your characters based on people you know in real life?

I think all of my characters take on traits of people I know, including my own traits, but I tend to mix up the traits and characteristics meaning that no character is based off of one particular person.

What inspires you to write the most?

Creating characters that people love and stories that stay with people long after they close the book.

What is your favorite thing about writing?

Creating something from nothing. I am not crafty, I cannot draw or paint or sew or knit, but I love to create, writing for me is my only creative outlet.

What do you write — short stories, poems, novels, novellas, blog posts etc. — and which do you enjoy writing the most?

I started off writing poetry and then proceeded to novels. Poetry still holds a place in my heart, but novel writing is what I enjoy most.

Who is your favorite author now? What is it you like about them?

I love Adrienne Young — she is such an authentic storyteller, I love both her stories and her writing process. I have also met so many incredible indie authors through Instagram who inspire me on a daily basis.

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Firstly, keep going. This is a long journey, one that could take years or even decades to get to where you want to go. I have heard many authors say that success in this industry is all about timing, it is all about your manuscript ending up in the right hands at the right time. Focus on the things you can control like writing consistently, learning the craft, making connections with people in the industry.

Secondly, make sure you weigh up the pros and cons between traditional and self-publishing, both have their strengths and weaknesses and you need to choose what will work best for you personally.

Lastly, don’t wait until you are a published author to start building a following — start now!

Besides writing, do you have any other hobbies?

I love to bake and host historical dinner parties with friends.

Are you on Twitter or do you have an author website we should check out as readers?

Yes I am on Twitter @meganbethdavies, Instagram https://www.instagram.com/meganbethdavies/, and I have a website https://meganbethdavies.com/

Is there anything else you want to share about your writing or that you want your readers to know?

Make sure you follow me for useful posts about the craft of writing and updates on my upcoming projects.

(Megan is also a part of a group called #TheWriterCommunity. Here is some more information about that!)

What are writing community challenges and how do they work?

#TheWriterCommunity is a supportive space for writers to network, learn, and grow. To get involved, all you have to do is just start at the current date, use the prompt as inspiration for today’s post and then tag (and follow) the hashtag so other writers can see your post and get involved in the discussion. If you also follow the hosts then you will see everything that is going on in the community as we are always sharing posts and talking about when we are scheduling our live sprints and author Q&As.

Who are your fellow hosts?

@author_s.alexis, @skyehorn_author, and @raelynnfry⁣

Where will the free writer community platform be found and when will it be available?

Currently, we run everything through Instagram via #TheWriterCommunity however we are very excited to announce that we will be launching our website — follow the hosts and the # to stay up-to-date on all the exciting things we have planned. (UPDATE: Here is the link to their website! CLICK HERE)

What will this platform entail — a general description of what it’s all about?

The Writer Community website will be a community hub for writers to network learn and grow. We will have a library of writer resources, masterclass style videos, and an indie author podcast. We will have a blog, newsletter, and eventually a member area for critique partner and beta reader matching.

Is there anything else writers should know/you want them to know about your writing community platform?

We would love you to join The Writer Community — created by writers for writers!

End of Author Interview with Megan Beth Davies

It was great to learn more about Author Megan Beth Davies and #TheWriterCommunity. Make sure to follow her and her fellow hosts on Instagram so you can take part in The Writer Community and stay up to date with their writer prompts.

If you want to read more author interviews, find them here!