Welcome to the series, Sunday Sessions, where you’ll get to meet authors from around the world, writing in different genres, sharing their writing tips, marketing adventures and much more.

Please welcome Meghan Breaux, author of ‘Perfect, I Love You’.

1 – Tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Meghan Breaux and I just graduated high school this past June. I’m eighteen and live with my parents just outside Dallas, Texas. I have the most amazing siblings and friends which I spend most of my time with. I played softball since I was eight years old and had an option to play college ball, but decided against it when I started to understand just how much time and dedication writing a book takes. One time, softball was my life, but now my future is nothing but writing.

2 – How did the idea for your novel, ‘Perfect, I Love You’ come about?

November of 2012, my dad had a stroke. I was fifteen and to a fifteen year old girl, having something that traumatic happen, can send your mind to places you never want it to go. I was a completely different person: grades dropped, stopped seeing friends, hated my family, cried every night, etc. So one night, I was sad as can be, listening to music and hating the world when suddenly I heard a song I had heard a million times before. And although I heard it so many times before, I had never fully listened to the words. I stopped crying and listened. That moment was the start to my recovery. I took my pain and started to heal by listening to that one song, and writing a million thank you letters to that artist. I never sent the letters, but just to write them made me feel better. Then one day, I decided those letters weren’t enough. I needed to write a story. A story of how I felt beginning to end. As I was writing, I decided to turn it into a book, adding certain twists here and there for a hook.

3 – What sort of research did you do before you started writing?

I looked up the city of Nashville, Tennessee. I had been there once before when I was ten, but it has grown since then. My sister lives there, so I had her tell me a lot about her daily life there, things she wishes she had done when she first moved there, and just her favorite things to do. Other than that, there wasn’t much research to do because it’s simply a story of a boy and girl going through life, finding themselves in this crazy world.

4 – What do you love/hate most about writing or being a writer?

I love the creative factor. There is no limit to what is acceptable and what is not. If you’re having a bad day, cry, scream, fight, kill a character. Take it out in the book. If a date didn’t go like you wanted it to, later that night, write about it, only when you write about it, change a few things so your date was perfect.
I hate that my hand can’t write at the speed my mind flows. I hate that there are so many ideas floating around in my head, but I can only pick a few to write about otherwise one of the millions of thoughts will never be able to turn into a story.

5 – What is your typical writing day like?

My typical writing day may seem boring, but it’s so relaxing. I usually sit up in my room, no lights on but the Christmas lights strung around the room, music playing in the back ground and a drink next to me. I write for hours at a time because once I start, I can’t stop. Sometimes, if I blank out on a particular scene, I start a new one, or finish writing an old one I had been working on. I jump around with scenes, really depending on my mood that day.

6 – What are you currently reading?

I’ve just started Hopeless by Colleen Hoover, one of my favorite authors. I’ve read three other books by her and hope to read many more here in the near future.

7 – If you were having a dinner party and could invite five people, living or dead, who would you invite and why?

Lorraine Heath- Living- she is the author that started me on books and inspired me to start writing. She and I are now good friends as she has helped me with my book in so many ways.

Katy Goheen– Living- she is my best friend and I don’t do anything without her. Without her by my side, I feel naked.

Hunter Hayes- Living- he is a great artist and an amazing person. He deserves an invite to my fun dinner party.

Jane Austen- Dead- her time period is my favorite. Authors may set their books in the Victorian ages, but she was there. She lived through that time and that’s cool. I’d ask her all kinds of questions about life back then. Besides, who wouldn’t want to talk to the creator of Mr. Darcy?

Jamie McGuire- Living- her book, Beautiful Disaster, so good. I want to re read it every day and I would love to sit down and talk with her for hours. That would be the best.

8 – What’s your view on social media marketing for authors?

I think it’s a great way to get your name out there, although I think most books are recommended through word of mouth.

9 – Do you have any marketing tips for new authors?

As I am a new author myself, I would suggest getting on as many sites as possible and be friendly. Make people want to follow you, and check out your book. Don’t shove it in their face, just suggest kindly.

10 – If your book was turned into a film, who would you like to play your main characters? The villain?

I never really put much thought into it, I just watch movies or TV and say, “Oh my gosh, that is Callie.”

For Callie Cooper, Cassidy Gifford would be a perfect fit. When I saw The Gallows with my friend, I saw Cassidy in the auditorium, talking to the guys and I turned to my friend and said, that’s Callie. I literally want her as my Callie. As the movie went on, it was more than just her looks that reminded me of Callie. Her strong head, and determination showed exactly what I was hoping for my heroine.

For Chase Daniels, heart throb Taylor Lautner would be the perfect fit. In my book, Chase is described as everything a teenager would want in a guy, from looks to personality, and Taylor is all that and more. Also with his build, he would make the perfect body guard to Callie.

For Easton Strander, I couldn’t imagine anyone but Chord Overstreet playing him. He has the smile I picture Easton wearing every time he looks at Callie. Besides being incredibly attractive, his personality seems soft, yet strong, just like Easton’s. He can give off the appearance of a country singer, seeing as Chord was once a major part in TV series Glee.

11 – Do you ever get writer’s block? How do you overcome it?

I do get writer’s block. It sucks. Usually, as a cure, I pick up a book and read. It isn’t until about halfway through that I get motivated again, or have more ideas. Once the ideas come back, they hit full force. Reading is only one way, another way is to either talk out stories with my best friend or listen to music and try to create a story in my head. I create background stories, the future, or just try to imagine why the artist decided to write this song. Anything really to get the creative juices stirring a bit helps.

12 – Where is your favorite place to write? Why?

At my neighbor hood park or near a water source. I write in my room most of the time just because it relaxes me and all my resources are easily accessible there, but on a spontaneous day, or a day I need motivation, I go outside and sit on a bench near the park. Just seeing the kids play, the birds fly, the water flow…gives me a little bit more room to breathe.

13 – What’s next for you?

I am currently writing a new book, the story line of it is based on a multitude of songs brought together. It is a much different read than my first book, but I think it really reflects my favorite book, Night Road, by Kristin Hannah. I hope to one day write more books like this one.

Please share your social media links:
Website: www.meghanbreaux.wix.com/meghan-breaux
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meghanbreauxbooks
Twitter: @Meghan_Breaux
Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/op5he75
Email: Meghanbreauxbooks@gmail.com

Thank you so much for this opportunity! It was fun answering all the questions! Meghan.

Meghan, thank you so much for speaking to us!