We had the good fortune of connecting with P.L. McMillan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi P.L., what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
Number one would be my dedication (and blind willingness to drive myself into an early grave due to exhaustion maybe? Kidding…kinda). On top of running my own blog, writing fiction, and now doing interviews in my new series PLM Talks, I also work a 9 – 5 job. I often have people asking me how I have the time. It’s not really a question of time since as soon as I am off work, I am doing whatever is needed for my passion projects. In the evenings, on the weekends, I am always working on something.

It’s a lot of effort. It can sometimes not be fun. I am very good at burning myself out if I have to honest. At the same time, it’s necessary.

Secondary, would be my willingness to learn. I read other authors, I watch movies, I chat with other writers. I am always trying to learn and improve myself. No one can succeed if they let themselves stagnant.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Let’s skip the standard stuff where I talk about how writing isn’t easy, blah blah blah. I think most people can understand the challenges that come with being a writer — writer’s block, managing marketing, a brand, a social media presence. Instead, let’s talk about what I am excited about.

2022 was a great year for me to be honest. My debut collection, WHAT REMAINS WHEN THE STARS BURN OUT, came out in March and my debut novella, SISTERS OF THE CRIMSON VINE is coming out in December — not to mention a number of other projects I can’t quite name yet.

WHAT REMAINS WHEN THE STARS BURN OUT was a big project for me because I also did the interior artwork for it. Prior to the work I did as an artist for the HOWL Society, I was way too self-conscious to share my art. After my collection went live, a lot of reviews mentioned how much the reader enjoyed the art, which was an amazing feeling.

Now, SISTERS OF THE CRIMSON VINE, my debut novella is a pretty big deal, if I say so myself. My very own novella. I can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy!

How did I get to where I am today? A lot of hard work, a lot of learning, a lot of failures, and a lot of determination.

If you want to see what that looks like, check out my collection or my novella!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I feel like this isn’t the answer you want, but I’d keep them in my basement…. no, not like that! I love hosting board game nights for friends and my basement is perfectly decked out with everything needed for that. Plus then my two chinchillas, Spuds and Sherlock, can supervise!

If I was forced to go out? I like the Seven Bridges hike!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The HOWL Society has to be mentioned first. The founder, Solomon Forse, invited me when it was still very new and small (Solomon is also a close friend now, who I can always trust to give me honest reviews of my work).

It quickly grew into something big, including a strong writing community. From there, I met a bunch of amazing and creative people, ended up participating in the launch of two different anthologies (including one I co-edited), and found constant and amazing support.

In fact, the team of beta readers who helped me refine my debut novella (SISTERS OF THE CRIMSON VINE, coming out this December through Timber Ghost Press) are from the HOWL Society.

Being a part of that community helps me improve myself leaps and bounds, not to mention gave me the confidence to really put myself out there.

Website: https://www.plmcmillan.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorplm/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorplm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.plmcmillan

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE6rVPi6KxhFPrQoSR7-sCg/videos

Other: https://authorplm.threadless.com/

Image Credits
All photos are mine Cover of Sisters of the Crimson Vine was designed by Donnie Goodman

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