Meet Mandy McHugh | Author of Chloe Cates Is Missing

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mandy McHugh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mandy, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
When I first started writing, it was in snippets and stolen moments. I was a new mom, completely exhausted, and didn’t have a routine for myself. Two a.m., I’d be sneaking handfuls of peanut M&Ms and writing a paragraph before the next round of feeding or diaper changes started. It worked to an extent; I wrangled my first complete manuscript out of that system, but it was difficult. Since then, I’ve learned how to ask for help when I need it. Taking care of myself is just as important as providing for my family, so I will carve an hour out to write instead of relying solely on moments of opportunity.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Like most authors I know, I wanted to be a writer for most of my life. I started telling scary stories in elementary school. I was obsessed with Goosebumps and Fear Street and Are You Afraid of the Dark? The illogical things that we were afraid of compared to the horrors of the world always fascinated me, and writing let me explore these nightmares.

Now, I write unlikeable characters to examine the way we relate to each other in a world dominated by social media and surface appearances. I think we crave these outlets, a way to put a barrier between the stressors we feel and the judgments we carry without getting caught up in perception.

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’m from upstate NY, so when my out-of-state friends visit, I take them to Thacher Park, a beautiful escarpment with hiking trails and a waterfall. I also make sure to hit my favorite independent bookstores, Northshire in Saratoga and The Book House in Stuyvesant Plaza, Albany.

I do, however, have a favorite spot in Denver, and that is Cherry Creek. I’ve visited a few times and have fallen in love with the scenery there. Cannot wait to return.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband and children are my forever support system. My agent, editor, and writing sisters have been invaluable, there for the highs and turbulent waves of publishing.

I am also lucky enough to have an incredible group of friends who let me brainstorm or vent or be silly when I need to work through creative knots. I don’t know what I’d do without those Yardbirds.

My go-to reread is Stephen King’s On Writing, a masterclass in writing advice and fundamentals.

Website: https://www.MandyMcHugh.com

Instagram: @acmchughwriter

Twitter: @writeracmchugh

Image Credits
Anna Kneurkster Photography