LM Mann
Online Links:
Website: https://mannwrites.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MannWrites
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MannWrites/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MannWritesDragons
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mannwrites/
Amazon Author Page: https://amazon.com/author/mann
Barnes & Noble Author Page: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/LM+Mann/
Biography
L.M. Mann is a writer, video producer, and dreamer of big dreams. A native Texan, L.M. loves BBQ, working with kids, critters, and summer camp! When not flying with dragons, L.M. spends time volunteering with Airborne Angel Cadets of Texas and church.
She just had her first big time children's series launch on 08FEB2020 called The Ramses and Tut Adventures! The first book is called: Magic Cats: A Ramses and Tut Adventure!
Taking Time With The Author
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? What/who inspired you to publish your first book?
I have always loved to read and to create stories. I was definitely one of those kids that daydreamed a lot. My first “published” book was an assignment in 1st grade. My story was about a horse. :)
My sister, CJ was instrumental in getting me to publish my first book for middle grade readers – The Nightmare King (Shadow of Dragons 1).
I understand you have a new children’s book that just came out in February. Care to share a little about it?
Magic Cats: A Ramses and Tut Adventure is the first book in this series for little readers. The two cats in the book were inspired by two cats I used to have. While the real Ramses and Tut were mischievous, they weren’t quite as mischievous as they are in the book!
The illustrator, Ollie Oliver, already has the manuscript for our next Ramses and Tut Adventure. It will probably be out late this year, or in early 2021.
What is your current project? Will you share a little of it with us – kind of a sneak peek?
I have a couple of projects in the works. First is a middle grade/YA sci-fi book about a kaiju. Kaiju means “strange beast” in Japanese. Godzilla is a kaiju.
I also have another Stories for Little Readers collection coming out. I’m planning on releasing it this summer. Those books are designed to be read to “pre-readers”, then eventually children can read the books for themselves. Concepts like counting, colors, etc. are introduced in those books.
What do you do in the ‘real world’ when you’re not writing?
I’m a video producer. I work with summer camps throughout the USA to produce marketing videos, fundraising videos, and yearbook videos for campers and their families.
I also am a partner with my sister, CJ Peterson, in Texas Sisters Press, LLC. We started the company the first quarter of 2020. We want to work with authors to produce quality books.
What are the challenges in writing your books? (Ex: logistical, research, literary, psychological, etc)
Like most authors, time to write is always a challenge. Even when I may have time in my schedule, I may not be very productive. However, some words on the page are better than no words on the page, so I try to keep moving forward.
Are there any quotes or verses you find inspiring? What are they and why?
I love Psalm 119:32 - I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.
This verse reminds me that true freedom is found in God, not myself or mankind.
Tell us a little about yourself. Perhaps something that a lot of people do not know?
I can talk fairly easily in front of people, but if you ask me to sing, I’ll freeze up.
Are you a planner or a pantser when it comes to writing? (Planner – outline; Pantser – sit down and write)
I’m a planner/pantser! I do best when I do character sketches for my main characters and have a loose outline of where I think the story will go. However, there are times that the characters just take off and do their own thing. I usually try to let them. They may come up with something better than I originally had planned!
If there was anything you could change regarding your publishing experience, what would it be and why? Also, do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Hmmmmm, publishing advice would be, don’t be afraid to ask questions of other authors. Most authors are very helpful. We have all “been there” at some point and can remember the time when we had way more questions than answers.
For aspiring authors – read a lot, write a lot, and don’t edit when you’re writing your first draft. Your first draft should be messy and slightly dreadful! After you have your story out of your head and on to paper, that is when you begin editing and rewriting.
Once you have edited your manuscript yourself, hire a professional. It is well worth the investment in your book. You will learn from the experience.
Is there anything you would like to say to your readers and fans?
Thanks for being part of my journey! Keep up with my website to see where I will be appearing. I would love to meet you in person.