What genre do you write?
Allegorical YA, Christian non-fiction and poetry!
What’s your favorite book/genre? Why?
Some of my favorite books are Fawkes by Nadine Brandes, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury and Adorning The Dark by Andrew Peterson. I mostly read classics, Christian YA and non-fiction and the occasional MG. I love to make sure that I read older books so that I can understand the foundation of storytelling and I like to read modern YA and non-fiction because those are the genres that I write in. It’s encouraging to see that there are still people out there who want to shine His light!
Who is your favorite author? / Who do you look up to?
I more so have favorite books than favorite authors, but one writer group that I particularly look up to is the Inklings. Those men learned to not only craft amazing stories and help each other make them better, but they learned the importance of community and how to make each other better as well.
When did you start writing? / When did you start writing seriously?
I had always loved reading stories, telling them to my little sister and asking my mom to write them down for me when I was still learning how to spell. So, I guess that the answer is really just for as long as I can remember! I started taking it seriously when I was about thirteen or fourteen and finished my first novella then.
Do you have a blog/email list/where can people contact you if they are interested?
Yes! To anyone interested, you can find me at mollymcternan.com where I blog on all things faith, reading and writing. The best way to support me and keep up to date on everything I have going on is to sign up to my monthly newsletter which you can find on my website.
Where do you hope to go with your writing/platform?
My number one goal in all that I do is to glorify God - He is the Author of my life and deserves all the words I pen. As far as physical goals go, I would love to one day get traditionally published. But for right now, I’m just trying to grow my email list and best serve my subscribers, submit writing to places and get more experience with publication, and to continue working on projects and building connections.
What is your (life/writing) mission? / Why do you write?
I touched on this in my last answer, but my writing’s ‘why’ is this: To glorify the Creator and encourage the reader. Our shelves are currently filled with enough darkness, and I believe that there is still importance in shining a light.
Do you have any books published? What are they about?
I self-published a collection of faith-based poetry called Poetic Surrender! In addition to that, I’m going to be featured in an anthology coming out later this year and have an assortment of poems and articles published online which you can find on my website’s ‘Published Works’ page!
What’s your favorite part of the writing journey?
My favorite part of the writing journey/process is probably the start. When an idea first enters my mind, or I trust God with decisions, or try to do something new, I’m constantly reminded that He is moving and He is good. Whether it’s while I’m scribbling notes down in a journal, praying in my backyard or typing my name into another box, I can’t help but feel excited and exhilarated.
What are your favorite resources?
The first one that comes to mind is the Young Writer’s Workshop! It is an online community filled with hundreds of other teenage writers and numerous lessons on everything from plot twists to learning the basics of branding. I’ve learned so much, have made so many amazing friends, and cannot wait to see what happens next.
Aside from that, another big one is a library card! They are completely free and give you access to thousands of books - great writers need to be great readers.
What is your greatest advice to teens/young writers?
Always pursue God. He is the Master Storyteller and once you invite Him into your writing, everything will change. In addition to that, it is also super important to have set goals and to know how to work towards them as well as to read, read, read.
Plotter, Pantser or Plantser?
I’m a plantser! I always pants poetry and plot articles, but when it comes to fiction, I’m a combination of both.
What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
Mint chocolate chip!
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