Three Terrible Tales received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Margaret Chen.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
Three Terrible Tales. August 2019
What’s the book’s first line?
“Someone is moving in upstairs.”
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
Three lonely, single women must tread carefully on the line between imagination and reality.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
I was interested in the lengths a sensitive and lonely person might go to, in order to find the perfect friend or place to live, or simply to protect one’s integrity and psychological privacy. I was inspired by life experiences and observations — I’ve always been puzzled by how little people understand each other’s psychology.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
I hope those interested in a good, psychological story would want to read the book.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
Each of the main characters in my three stories are single, lonely, and sensitive women. They remind me of the many imaginative and introverted, but psychologically strong women I have admired in real life–and in fiction!
When did you first decide to become an author?
Probably in the fourth grade!
Is this the first book you’ve written?
No.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I’m a mom, but I’ve also worked as a line cook, sales clerk, tea clerk, administrative assistant, and in insurance and advertising sales.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
Not enough!
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
Being my own boss. Editing and marketing are very difficult for me!
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
Don’t give up, and keep writing (and editing)!
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
It depends on the publisher and the project.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
I love writing stories, and I don’t really want to do anything else.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
Isak Dinesen.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
Isak Dinesen’s Anecdotes of Destiny.