Anita Higman and Hillary McMullen Interview

Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.
A: Hillary
My name is Hillary McMullen and I live in Navasota, Texas with my husband and two cats. I enjoy reading, writing, and music.
A: Anita
My name is Anita Higman, and I live in a fairytale cottage in the woods not far from Magnolia, Texas. I grew up on a farm in Oklahoma, in a creepy old farmhouse, which may have fueled my interest in Gothic novels.

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
A: Hillary
I had always enjoyed writing bits of things when I was a little girl, but I was never able to write much. I’d always thought it would be wonderful to write a novel although I never thought I’d be able to do it. Writing with my mom, Anita Higman, has encouraged me and enabled me to do it.
A: Anita
That niggling to write came when I was pretty young, but I had zero confidence in my abilities, so I gave it up until I was about thirty. But once I got going, I latched onto the profession like a pit bull dog on a pant leg.

Q: Could you give us the highlights of your professional writing career including how you got your first writing break?
A: Hillary
I wrote a short story that got published in the Sam Houston State Review and I’ve also written a couple articles for Today’s Christian Woman. My “big break” was probably when I coauthored a devotional book for women with my mom through Barbour Publishing (entitled Daily Grace for Daily Life). I’ve also written devotions for two other books through Barbour (God Hearts Me and Daily Wisdom for Women, to be released in 2018). As for fiction, I coauthored with my mom Talk Me Down the Crazy Tree (a YA novel), The Ruby Locket (a Gothic, cozy mystery novella), and The Mysterious Mr. Whistler (a novel for middle grade girls to be released in November). I’ve also started writing for a local paper here in Navasota.
A: Anita
I have over forty books out, but these decades of writing have given me quite an emotional rollercoaster ride. Meaning it’s a hard business to be in. I wish I could say I love writing, but sometimes it is 95% tedious sweat and maybe 5% percent fun and glamour. My first break was in one-act plays.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release The Ruby Locket?
A: Hillary
The Ruby Locket is a cozy mystery novella with Gothic undertones, which means there is an old creepy house, secret passages, and a damsel in distress.
Here’s a little blurb:
When Anne’s mother agrees to marry a wealthy, mysterious man, she expects a nice mansion in the hills. But their new home, Belrose Abbey, is more like a castle—imposing, cold, and full of shadows. The more Anne explores the corridors and vacant rooms and dusty crannies, the more she discovers about the abbey’s master—her soon-to-be stepfather—Ivan Helsburg. As her mother’s wedding draws closer, Anne begins to harbor a creeping suspicion that all is not well at Belrose Abbey.
A: Anita
My daughter has summarized our novel well.

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for The Ruby Locket?
A: Hillary
My mom really loves Gothic literature so we decided to take some of the elements that are so characteristic of the genre and write something for a younger audience.
A: Anita
Yes, I really do like Gothic novels, especially the classics, such as the ones by Ann Radcliffe.

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?
A: Hillary
The special bond that Anne and her mother, Dauphine, share.
A: Anita
The hope that shines through even in the darkest hour

Q: What is your favorite scene/chapter from the book?
A: Hillary
My favorite scene to write—I wrote from the perspective of Anne—was when she and Wyatt were down in the catacombs.
A: Anita
The opening scene, which was inspired by reading the novel, Dracula.

Q: What inspires you to write?
A: Hillary
There are certain authors who can really spark my creativity, like C.S. Lewis. Orchestral music is also a great inspiration.
A: Anita
The injustices of life, the sublime beauty of life, and God’s mercy and grace

Q: How has being a published novelist differed from your expectations of the profession?
A: Hillary
There’s a lot of tedious, grunt work. ? But in the end, it’s worth it.
A: Anita
My daughter is correct about the writing life. There is a lot more work involved in storytelling than people realize. But when I’m done, there is a deep satisfaction in knowing I’ve shared a piece of my life with others through the art of story.

Q: What advice or tips do you have for writers who are just getting started?
A: Hillary
Don’t let your inner editor crush your creativity. It doesn’t have to be perfect immediately. This is something I still have to tell myself all the time.
A: Anita
If you feel called by the Almighty to write, never give up. Ever.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?
A: Hillary
My mom and I are currently writing the sequel to The Ruby Locket.
A: Anita
We are hoping that the second book in the series will be released sometime in 2016.

Q: When you’re not writing what do you like to do?
A: Hillary
I love doing youth ministry, crocheting, reading, and singing in my community choir.
A: Anita
I love good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with my friends.

Q: Where can readers find you on the internet?
A: Hillary
They can find me on my Reader Page on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/authorhillarymcmullen/

A: Anita
Please connect with me on my Facebook Reader page! https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAnitaHigman/

Q: Anything else you’d like to tell or share with us?
A: Hillary
If you decide to read The Ruby Locket, I hope you enjoy it!
A: Anita
Yes, we hope you have fun with our Gothic mystery tale.

Hillary McMullen received an English degree from Sam Houston State University. She has published a variety of works—including a middle grade novel—and has contributed to several devotional books. Hillary lives in the charming town of Navasota, Texas with her husband and two cats.

Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has over forty books published. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA in the combined fields of speech communication, psychology, and art.

A few of Anita’s favorite things are good movies, fairytales, traveling, gardening, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.

Feel free to drop by Anita’s website at www.anitahigman.com or connect with her on her Facebook Reader Page at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAnitaHigman. She would love to hear from you!