L.M. Preston, a native of Washington, DC. An avid reader, she loved to create poetry and short-stories as a young girl. She is an author, an engineer, a professor, a mother and a wife. Her passion for writing and helping others to see their potential through her stories and encouragement has been her life’s greatest adventures.She loves to write while on the porch watching her kids play or when she is traveling, which is another passion that encouraged her writing.

1) First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me! When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most?

Writing was a way I expressed myself since I was around twelve years old. I wrote poetry, short stories and some character developments. Then when I went to college, it stopped and the desire to write didn’t spring up until my oldest son complained that there weren’t any characters or books he wanted because no of them looked like him. Writing gives me method to keep my mind active and gives me a place to put together puzzles.

2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you?

My books are mult-cultural, young adult or new adult urban fantasies and science fiction novels. Some are also contemporary young adult romances that surround summer vacation. My books can be found on all platforms and especially on my website at www.lmpreston.com/store

3) Where do you draw your inspiration from for the stories that you manage to weave together and the characters that you create?

My main source of inspiration is from my kids, their friends, my teenage life experiences, music, moments, observing others and dreams. I enjoy building on relationships and character development.

4) Do you have a schedule for when you write? Do you outline your novels? How long does it generally take you to finish a novel? What projects are you currently working on?

Usually, I write every morning. I build a loose outline which takes about two months. Depending on the book and how my life schedule is going, it can take 3 to 6 months to finish the actual novel’s first draft. Editing will take an additional 4 months. Currently, I’m writing a non-fiction and plotting the next book in my Vigilant series.

5) What’s the first book you ever read that really moved you emotionally?

The first book that moved me emotionally was Of Mice and Men.

6) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?

My most significant achievement has been seeing my series hit number one status and my giving back to the writing community as mentor through the Independent Book Publisher’s Association as a Vice President of one of their Subsidiary regions. I also coordinated recruitment of literary agents and small press publishers for the Maryland Writer’s Conference.

7) How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career? What are your thoughts about how the publishing industry is drastically changing in terms of traditional and self-publishing?

Everyone who wants to be an author, deals with rejection. My motto has always been, ‘Turn their ‘No’ into my own ‘Yes’. Self-publishing is a wonderful choice and platform for authors that want full control of their work.

8) So many writers say that they hate reading their own work. Do you ever enjoy reading your own work back to yourself?

I actually enjoy reading my work, when it’s been properly edited. I most times am in disbelief that I actually wrote the novels sometimes.

9) Do you believe that there is ever a point in life where it’s too late for an aspiring writer to become successful in this industry? Do you feel a late start would hinder their chances?

I don’t feel as though there is ever a time when it’s too late to start writing. If there is a story in you, get it on paper. Learn the business and decide where your work fits in it.

10) I feel like writing is a remarkable tool to help people not only express themselves, but also to cope emotionally and mentally. I know for me I write to be and feel more authentic. What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity? How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?

Writing relieves stress for me. I still work in my chosen career and love doing so, and am a parent of four, homeschool my two younger teen kids and am a wife. Writing allows me to escape, be a kid again, have super powers, and expel my creativity to share with others.

Website: www.lmpreston.com

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/LM-Preston/e/B002R7KUCC?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1550599750&sr=8-1
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