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On The Table Read, “the best book magazine in the UK“, author and women’s trauma mentor Mae Wagner talks about what inspired her to write her memoir, Girls, Assassins & Other Bad Decisions.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed Mae Wagner about her life and career, what inspired her to start writing, and the creative process behind her memoir, Girls, Assassins & Other Bad Decisions.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I am Mae Wagner, author, speaker, podcaster, and women’s trauma mentor. I am passionate about community, women’s empowerment and connection.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
I have always wanted to write. I knew that I wanted to write things that helped people since I was a young girl.
When did you take a step to start writing?
I knew this book, or some version of this book, was coming for decades. Here and there I’d write pieces of it out, but then life and work would get in the way. It wasn’t until 2020, when the world came to a halt and I lost consistent freelancing opportunities that I excavated the years of pieces and sat down to weave it into something.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
Technically around eleven years– though two solid, full time years feels more accurate.
Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Girls, Assassins & Other Bad Decisions?
I believe so strongly in the power of story. There is something about words written down that reach in and connect with readers in huge ways. While this is true with fiction, I especially believe it is true with personal stories. Each one of us has lived through experiences filled with richness that other’s need to hear–whether this richness results in a growth of compassion, developed empathy, or gaining some wisdom from the author… I love a personal story and I hope that something about my journey is of value to readers. If it helps one person to feel less alone, less shame, or worth advocating than it did its job.
What were your biggest challenges with writing Girls, Assassins & Other Bad Decisions?
Of my own doing was the fact that I had years of essay pieces to sift and sort through before tearing it all to shreds and crafting something more cohesive. Beyond that, the “gift” of memoir is that it involves digging deep down inside of you, facing your hardest, most raw, and callused parts, all to put them on display for others to see. Either way one could look at it, I guess my biggest challenges were ME!
What was your research process for Girls, Assassins & Other Bad Decisions?
Does life experience count? Years of life, therapy, and working alongside women as they navigated their own traumas were deeply instrumental in how my own journey was recorded.
How did you plan the structure of Girls, Assassins & Other Bad Decisions?
Honestly, based on myself as a reader. I like bitesize chunks to read and hate stopping in the middle of a chapter so I tried to keep chapters tight, on the shorter side, and able to be stepped away from without forgetting what happened.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Girls, Assassins & Other Bad Decisions need?
I had two wonderful editors at two different phases in the book journey. It needed a fair amount of grammatical editing and some developmental clarifying. During both processes it felt like a lot, but in hindsight it wasn’t too much.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?
If the desire is there, do it. You have what it takes to dive in… You HAVE a story (or many stories) to share. The stuff you don’t understand will come, in time, as you connect with a writing community.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
Yes! I’m working on a women’s fiction novel about a few generations of women in one family and how choices and events carried out from one life to the next.
And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
I am so proud of my accomplishment. I believe Girls, Assassins & Other Bad Ideas is a beautiful book! This process, the experiences, the work that went into it, and the connections made during the process were so worth it!
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
Girls, Assassins & Other Bad Ideas:
Reviews on Goodreads
www.instagram.com/rainydayinmay
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