Awesome Romance Author M. L. Stoughton

My guest author today is M. L. Stoughton. M. L. writes young adult novels with historical and paranormal elements. She is also a member of my local RWA chapter Southern Tier Author of Romance and a good friend. Today M. L. shares a little bit about herself, her many pets, and her approach to writing.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I can be indecisive. Ask my favorite anything, and I have a really hard time answering. It’s like I’m afraid of choosing wrong.

I’ve been married twenty-six years and have two daughters. We also took in a teen boy, who’s been with us for three years.

I love animals, and rescue whatever/whenever I can: cats, dogs, squirrels, birds, bunnies, and even a cooper’s hawk. I’ve worked with a greyhound rescue, from which I adopted two. I’ve also worked with a rat rescue, fostering. And I practically got myself arrested rescuing a baby turtle from imminent death in a classroom.

What interesting jobs have you had?

I’ve been an ice-cream scooper, a wedding DJ, a balloon-toting clown, a travel agent and a dental assistant.

When did you first start writing, and when did you finish your first book?

I first started writing as a teenager, mostly poems. Then after having two children, I tried my hand at picture books, illustrating them as well. (Only a handful of people have ever seen them.) It wasn’t until I turned forty and started reading young adult books (yes, I said forty) that I found my niche. I started writing what would be my first book, Pleasantwick, in the fall of 2008. It went through many transformations: including plot and switching from first to third person. I thought I finished in May of 2010. But Pleasantwick wasn’t truly ready for publication until the end of 2014. It released in February 2015.

Will you have a new book coming out soon?

Yes! Pleasantwick Falling, the sequel to Pleasantwick, will be releasing in February 2017. I don’t have the exact date, but you can follow me on Facebook or Twitter for more information. I’ll be revealing the blurb and cover very soon and giving away prizes. Don’t miss it.

Here’s a teaser:

Two months ago, Melinda wouldn’t have believed witches were real.

Two days ago, she was preparing to start her senior year.

Two minutes ago her entire life changed.

What project are you working on now?

I’m currently working on a young adult contemporary paranormal with romantic elements, think Mean Girls with a paranormal twist.

Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?

Don’t try to do it alone. Find a critique partner and/or join a writers group. If you can’t find anyone local, there are many online groups and writers looking for partners. It may take a while to find the right fit, but once you do, it will be more than worth it.

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PLEASANTWICK A Young Adult Paranormal Romance) by M. L. Stoughton

When her father begins restoring an ancient run-down house, deep in the California woods, Melinda Richards is instantly captivated. Steeped in mystery, the grand old structure, dubbed Sotheby House, boasts a history, and power, that Melinda would never guess. She’s lured back time and again, especially after meeting a handsome stranger in the nearby woods.

Luke Sotheby is in trouble — in more ways than one. Not only is his magical world, Pleasantwick, under attack by dark witches, but his ancestral home, the very portal to that world, has been bought by a commoner. And worse … he’s falling for the commoner’s daughter.

As the magical battle spills over into the common world, the young couple begins to face dangers the likes of which neither has ever known. Lives will be lost, secrets revealed, and if Pleasantwick falls, Melinda and Luke could be separated — forever.

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BUY LINKS

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Barnes & Noble | KOBO | Smashwords

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Learn more about M. L. Stoughton

WEBSITE  | Facebook  | Twitter 

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If you have any questions or comments for M. L. Stoughton, please post them below, and she will get back to you.