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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, author Margaret Dulaney shares the inspiration behind her fantastical new book, Whippoorwill Willingly, and writing a book designed to give people comfort during difficult times.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed Margaret Dulaney about the story of her new book, Whippoorwill Willingly, being inspired to write a book that would soothe people’s suffering in difficult times, and her creative writing process.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
My roots were in the theater and my first piece of writing was a play. In 2000 I began writing essays and in 2010 I began to offer recorded ten minute essays on a spoken word website called ListenWell. (listenwell.org).
Having gathered an audience over many years I was able to publish my first book with some confidence of reaching readers. I have written and published three more since then. I am a one-man-band, with a lovely team of artists and designers and editors that work with me.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
After writing about one hundred essays, I thought I would like to create a collection. This was my first book: To Hear the Forest Sing..
When did you take a step to start writing?
I began to write thirty-five years ago, when I picked up the pen to write my first play.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
I would say my first book took about ten years to complete.
How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?
Whippoorwill Willingly took four years to complete.
Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Whippoorwill Willingly?
I was busy writing a piece of nonfiction about watching the difficult struggle of a loved one who was going through a clinical depression. The book was about keeping one’s hope alive through hardship. And then the Pandemic rolled through our lives. I thought, I can’t give my readers this hard book. I need to write something that will lift them; I need to write a book that will soothe their suffering. It was then that Whippoorwill Willingly arrived in my mind. It came without effort and told itself to me whenever I sat to write.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Whippoorwill Willingly?
This was not a challenging book to write. It felt almost downloaded.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?
My protagonist is a very practical eleven-year-old girl who relates a rather mystical story. I suppose I have both qualities in my psyche: practicality and mysticism.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?
There really isn’t an antagonist.
What is the inciting incident of Whippoorwill Willingly?
Whippoorwill receives an invitation to visit an enchanted lake deep in the heart of the Swiss Alps.
What is the main conflict of Whippoorwill Willingly?
The need to learn generosity, in all of its forms, but mainly generosity of the heart.
Did you plot Whippoorwill Willingly in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?
I flew with this one.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Whippoorwill Willingly need?
I did have an editor and copy editor. Vital components.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
Try, when you are writing, not to lift your head and wonder about the supposed response of the unknown reader. Write, as Emerson suggested, to the “unknown friend.” Imagine that your reader loves what you love, is passionate about what gives you joy.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
I am waiting for direction on that one.
And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
I love this book. It was a joy to work on, and seems to me to have a magical spell cast on it, which causes me only to love it. This is a rare treat for me.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Apple Books: https://apple.co/4fFyvGo
Kindle: https://amzn.to/3Cw8ESK
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3Zcl9fd
https://www.facebook.com/www.listenwell.org
https://www.instagram.com/listenwell.margaret/
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