Author Mae Clair’s “Myth and Magic” Combines Romance and Suspense
In Mae Clair’s latest book, Halloween is scorching hot. “I always wanted to write a tale centered on that holiday,” she said. The result is “Myth and Magic,” a romantic suspense and mystery novel inspired by her childhood fascination about a haunted house in her neighborhood.
Clair, whose artist father encouraged her to create make-believe worlds when she was a child, has published five books that range from contemporary to mythical and mix mystery with romance. She’s married to her high school sweetheart, so writing about HEA or HFN comes naturally for her. And her passion for cryptozoology, old photographs, and cats come in handy when writing mythical tales and romantic suspense.
In this Q&A, she talks about “Myth and Magic,” as well as something Stephen King said that inspires her.
Q: How did you come up with this story? What inspired you to write it?
A: “Myth and Magic” is a romantic suspense/mystery novel centered on bizarre happenings at a secluded corporate retreat. When I was a kid, there was a house in our neighborhood that everyone said was haunted. There were always whispers of strange things going on there, and we (the kids) invented stories to feed those rumors. With “Myth and Magic” I wanted to capture the same feeling I had as a kid when I wondered if there really were ghosts in the house.
Even though the novel is releasing now, during the summer, the story is set in the month of October and features a strong Halloween theme. I always wanted to write a tale centered on that holiday and spin a romantic tale from it. I also wanted to write a book that included a lavish Halloween party.
Q: Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
A: Like many authors I work full-time (in the real estate field). I’m married to my high school sweetheart and have been spinning tales since I was six. My books contain a mix of mystery, suspense, and romance, sometimes with paranormal or mythical elements woven through the plot. When I’m not writing, I love reading and devour books by the droves!
Q: How many books have you published? Tell me about your first book that was accepted for publication?
A: I currently have five books to my name. Three are through my publisher, Lyrical Press: “Weathering Rock,” a paranormal/time-travel romance, “Twelfth Sun,” a contemporary romantic mystery, and “Myth and Magic.” I’ve also published two indie titles, “Solstice Island,” a fantasy adventure/romance novella and “Eclipse Lake,” a romantic mystery.
I was fortunate in that the first book I submitted, “Weathering Rock,” was accepted for publication and, as a result, I became a roster author with Lyrical Press. That isn’t to say I don’t have to go through the submission process just like everyone else. I also still like to dabble with indie pubbing and have a new paranormal romance/Christmas novella called “Food for Poe” that will be releasing in late November.
Q: Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
A: Write. And Read. Do both consistently. One is just as important as the other. And no matter how discouraged you may become, don’t give up. I know that may sound trite, but it’s true. Writers need to develop thick skins. More than that, they need bull-dogged determination. As Stephen King says, “Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.” It’s a quote I often remember when I’m feeling overwhelmed—which is frequently!
Buy “Myth and Magic” from:Amazon
Connect with Mae Clair at the following haunts:
Twitter (@MaeClair1)