Maggie Smart has a Bachelors Degree in Chemistry, and she proudly exclaims to have never used it. She loves watching movies and reading romantic comedies, so it’s no surprise that she ended up as a romance novel author. Read on to learn about Maggie’s journey to becoming a writer.
When did you know you wanted to be a writer?
After reading my short stories, a friend of mine encouraged me to write a full-length novel. With his encouragement and guidance, I wrote about 40,000 words and published my book.
Ever since I can remember, I have been an avid reader, which also made me curious about the art of writing. So, when I was about age 7 or 8, I would write down short poems, which strongly featured the theme of love. And from there, I started exploring the craft of writing.
In 2012, I wrote and published my first novel. After reading my short stories, a friend encouraged me to write a full-length novel. With his encouragement, I wrote around 40,000 words and published my book. My experience with writing the book made me realise it could be something worth doing full time.
Did your friends and family encourage you to keep writing?
After self-published my first novel, my dad helped me set up a launching event to introduce my books to the world.
Yes. My family have been big supporters of my writing. After self-published my first novel, my dad helped me set up a launching event to introduce my books to the world. I was grateful for that, and since then, they’ve been supporting my writing career.
My friends have also been very supportive. They buy my books, read them, and give me feedback.
Have you ever experienced writer’s guilt?
When I have a deadline, and I don’t reach it, I feel so bad.
Oh yes. I have experienced writer’s guilt, which is a very real thing. When I have a deadline and don’t reach it, I feel so bad. This is why I always push myself to meet my deadlines because I don’t want ever to feel like I’m not good enough to cut it as a writer.
How do you keep notes during your writing process?
When I am writing a story, and my ideas start to take form, I either use the notepad feature on my phone or send myself messages on WhatsApp to store those ideas. I realise that might sound weird, but it works for me.
Yes, I do. Back in the day, I used to document my process in a special notepad that I kept with me at all times.
These days, however, I make use of my phone or laptop. When I have new ideas, I document them in a folder on my computer where I can access them later.
When I am writing a story, and my ideas start to take form, I either use the notepad feature on my phone or send myself messages on WhatsApp to store those ideas. I realise that might sound weird, but it works for me.
What inspires you to continue to write?
There are many stories in my head, and I know it will be a disservice to humanity if I don’t share them. Even if there are many tropes out there, and nothing feels new anymore, my unique twist, writing style and voice are enough to give the world something different.
I also get inspired by the readers, even those who are yet to read my work, and will be inspired after reading them.
Tell me about your novel, beyond now?
It is a sweet romance that explores the theme of young love and second chances.
Beyond Now is a twist to the classic tale of boy meets girl.
The main character, Bella, is tired of moving from city to city because of her dad’s job, and she’s not especially enthusiastic about this new one—at least not until she meets the cutest boy in school.
Chris is the most popular boy in school, but he’s tired of all the adoration. He’s looking for something different, and the new girl seems to be it. Bella and Chris began their love story at a young age, but their happily ever after was cut short by events they didn’t envision.
Amidst hurt and betrayal, they had to let each other go. Years later, they meet again and there is something between them they can’t ignore.
Did anyone in your life or from your experiences inspire your main character?
Bella is every woman out there. She embodies our fears, our reactions and our choices.
For every character I create, a little bit of me and my family and friends also trickle into them. Sometimes, my characters are inspired by stories I hear; other times, a particular mischievous friend could be the inspiration.
Bella, however, is a character that I moulded from start to finish. I pictured a young girl just starting her life and expected to navigate it as best as possible. I saw how she would navigate these experiences, her choices and how they will shape her future.
If you read the book, I am sure you will see a little bit of yourself in her. Bella is every woman out there. She embodies our fears, our reactions and our choices.
Were there any fears you had about your book before publishing?
I think every writer has this fear. I believe it’s called Impostor syndrome. We fear that our work will not be good enough or even accepted.
However, how we navigate fear is what makes the difference. I have decided that I will continually push myself even though I may worry. That is a promise I intend to keep to myself.
What advice will you give to other aspiring writers who are struggling to finish writing a book?
I would say that they should keep going even if it’s not looking like it makes sense. The greatest disservice you can do to yourself is giving up. If you read about the authors you admire today, most of them have a not-so-glamorous beginning. So, keep at it, and before you know it, everything will make sense.
Find out more about Maggie Smart’s via her Instagram page.