Interview with M.M. Brownlow

Published 2014-10-31.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I've always lived in what I consider to be small towns. As I got older, I moved into more and more rural areas, and now I'm fortunate enough to live near open fields and lovely wood lots. This has influenced my writing in a few ways. One, I love how peaceful it is, and I spend a lot of time thinking when I'm working in the garden. Being so close to nature has also made it easier for me to pull descriptions from real life, whether it's the weather, the landscape, or animal behaviour.
When did you first start writing?
I started writing as a teen, mostly short stories. It wasn't until I was all grown up (at least according to my age), that I decided to try my hand at something a little longer. At this point, I've been writing novels for about six years.
What's the story behind your latest book?
The latest book, Deception & Betrayal, will come out in December 2014. It is based on songs, actually. There are so many times when I've been driving to work or home, and the lyrics of a song have grabbed my attention and I think "that would make a great story!" So I've put together an anthology of short stories and novella based on song lyrics, and each of the stories fills in a hole in my overarching stories. Deception and Betrayal will have two historical pieces, a back story piece, and two stories that provide world details.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
When I first started out, I wanted the traditional package. However, as I've continued writing, I've realized that I love having complete control over my work. I love designing covers and I even like typesetting my hard copies. It's taken time to build my own team, lovely people who help with the editing and beta reading, and being an indie author makes me happy.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
Smashwords has had the biggest impact on my success as an indie author. The ability to distribute to everyone from one place, the guidance available, the wonderful people to collaborate with... I can quite honestly say that if I hadn't joined Smashwords, I wouldn't be reaching nearly as many readers as I am now.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
I love the surprises. I also like to get the voices in my head down on paper, and my characters are truly living beings in my world. There are times when I set down to write something, but what ends up on paper is not what I'd intended. It's so much fun!
What do your fans mean to you?
My fans are the driving force behind my writing. As an indie, my timelines and deadlines are my own to determine, and my fans keep me on task. I will admit that I like to read reviews too - they make me happy and they give me guidance. I know that I won't make everyone happy, but I do try...within reason.
What are you working on next?
Once I'm finished with my anthology and putting out the King's Assassin Collection (the first trilogy collected together), I will be working on The Pursuit of Fortune, the third of the Pursuing Victory series.
Who are your favorite authors?
I have a wide range of authors I follow religiously, from a wide range of genres. I really like Mercedes Lackey, J.R. Ward, Kelley Armstrong and Tanya Huff.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
I'm always curious about what the new day will bring. What gets me out of bed is curiosity, plain and simple.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I love my crafts. I knit, sew, cross-stitch, etc. I also read...a lot!
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Latest books by This Author

The Storm Caller
Series: Guardians of Obyra. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 65,160. Language: English. Published: September 4, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Adventure » Action
Mason, a witch from Gundalar, and Vallith, an Air dragon, have been chosen as the second Guardian pair needed to push back the coming enemy. Their task is to unite the kingdoms of Obyra, lands that have recently suffered devastating losses while they've warred with each other. Is their diplomatic mission doomed to fail, or can the pair find a way to mend burned bridges?
The Deadly Decisions Trilogy
Series: Deadly Decisions. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 239,100. Language: English. Published: July 1, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Adventure » Action
Despite efforts to kill Eryk and Aislynn, the pair have managed to finally make their way down the wedding aisle, but their marriage is far from peaceful. Whispers abound, trying to force them apart, and the attacks continue. As Rhys gets ever closer to accomplishing his goal - the destruction of the pact that binds Bacovia and Evendell - it seems like danger lurks around every corner.
The Pursuing Victory Collection
Series: Pursuing Victory. Price: $6.99 USD. Words: 313,790. Language: English. Published: July 1, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Adventure » Action
Rhys has one goal - to end the pact that joins Bacovia and Evendell. The spell at the heart of the pact has been responsible for ruining the lives of children throughout Evendell for centuries, and he's had enough. But in order to end something this big, this powerful, he's going to need some help. Join Rhys as he spreads his influence throughout Obyra, collecting the allies that he needs to help
The Sea Witch
Series: Guardians of Obyra. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 72,400. Language: English. Published: July 1, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Adventure » Sea adventures
After losing her business to a rival merchant, all Sanda can think about is revenge. She wants what's hers, and if she needs to resort to piracy to get it, then that's fine with her. With her beloved ship and her loyal crew beside her, it shouldn't be too hard, right?
Shattered Dreams
Series: Pursuing Victory. Price: Free! Words: 27,450. Language: English. Published: July 5, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Adventure » Action
All Henry has ever known is the fact that it is his destiny to save his kingdom. A child of royal birth, with magical powers at his disposal, Henry is the prophesied saviour of Mythesti. But can he survive his training, or will the pressure to be perfect be his undoing?
Retaliation
Series: Deadly Decisions, Book 3 · Aislynn & Eryk's Story, Book 6. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 72,950. Language: English. Published: April 7, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Adventure » Action
Eaglecrest has fallen, and the royal family is missing. Fleeing before Rhys' attack on the capital, King Eryk and Queen Aislynn are now in hiding. Separated from their children, and plotting to retake their kingdom, the exiled royals are forced to search for allies in unlikely places. Can they gain the support they need to bring Rhys to his knees?
Sacrifices
Series: Deadly Decisions, Book 2 · Aislynn & Eryk's Story, Book 5. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 79,730. Language: English. Published: November 1, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Adventure » Action
Bacovia is surrounded by enemies, and the noose is closing. Rhys has gathered his forces, and Larosia has fallen. Eryk and Aislynn have only one allied kingdom to call upon for aid, but Evendell is besieged as well. The pact that binds the kingdoms together is called into play, and Eryk is forced to divide his army, sacrificing part of his border. Can Bacovia survive?
Risk & Reward
Series: Once Upon a Song, Book 2. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 62,140. Language: English. Published: July 1, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Short stories, Fiction » Adventure » Action
If something is too easy to get, it's not worth having... Getting your heart's desire can mean risking everything, but for many, the reward is worth it. What each person wants most in the world varies, as does the price they're willing to pay. What would you pay to ensure your people thrive? To finally be seen as your own person? To have all of the riches you feel you deserve?
The Pursuit of Conquest
Series: Pursuing Victory, Book 3. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 81,170. Language: English. Published: February 8, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » General, Fiction » Adventure » Action
Deadly and magically gifted, Rhys is everything an assassin can be, and everything a bodyguard should be. But when fate chooses another and his destiny is denied him, Rhys struggles to redefine his identity. When life takes an unexpected turn, what becomes of the man without options?
Deception & Betrayal
Series: Once Upon a Song, Book 1. Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 68,040. Language: English. Published: December 1, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Adventure » Action, Fiction » Anthologies » Short stories - single author
Many things are not what they seem. In the land of Obyra, kingdoms fight for power and supremacy. Friend turns on friend, and lovers are not to be trusted. In this collection of stories, delve into deep, dark secrets that we hold dear. What makes one betray his kingdom when another gives his life to save it? When is it okay to hide the truth? Is it ever truly safe to follow your dreams?
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