I’m thrilled to welcome Megan E. Freeman to the blog today to celebrate the release of her debut middle grade novel, ALONE, beautifully written in verse. I’ve read excerpts and am eager to read the rest of the book. Megan is a member of my local Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) group. I’ve already preordered two copies which I hope to get signed when we can safely meet again in person. Megan has generously offered to giveaway a signed copy of ALONE, US only. Don’t forget to comment on the blogpost to be entered to win.
If you ask me, she looks exactly the same except for the bangs.
What were you like at the age of your target audience?
I don’t know for sure, but I remember being a pretty serious kid. Or maybe I just wanted to be taken seriously. My dad was a college professor and I grew up in Los Angeles. On long drives across town, he and I would have what we called “intellectual discussions,” and we would talk about everything from politics to religion to history to pop culture. He always made it clear that he was interested in my thoughts and ideas, no matter how old I was. I was also lucky to have wonderful teachers who taught me to love writing stories and poems, and I grew up surrounded by books. I don’t remember learning how to read, but I know I’ve always loved it. I used to transpose characters from the books I was reading into the places where I was. We’d be driving down the street and I’d picture Laura Ingalls or Jo March standing on the street corner, and I’d imagine pulling up in our car to offer them a ride and how shocked they would be by all the modern changes and technology. I infused my present reality with the fictional realities of the books I read.
What inspires you?
Beautiful language takes my breath away, and if it’s employed in the telling of a good story, I’m pretty much a goner. Pádraig Ó Tuama is a poet and theologian who has a short podcast called Poetry Unbound where he reads and talks about different poems he loves. The episodes are only about ten minutes long, but they are sublime and I always feel inspired afterward. I also love watching live dance and live music performances. There is something about the creative collaboration between human beings that touches a deep, primal place in my heart. I am very fond of our species and its limitless ability to create beauty and meaning and connection. I’ve really missed live performances during COVID. But I’m also deeply inspired by the natural world, and I love the opportunity to go for a walk or sit and watch the sun rise or set. I love watching the birds at the feeders outside my office window. It’s a kind of meditation.
What’s the one thing you hope your readers take away from your book?
The question “What if?” is always at the beginning of every story idea that tickles my fancy. It was asking that question that led me to explore all the different ideas that became ALONE. I don’t have any specific message or lesson for readers to take away. It would be wonderful if the book inspires young readers to explore their own “What ifs.” Humans need creativity to thrive and reading keeps imaginations fertile. I also hope reading ALONE will make readers hungry to read more books.
What’s next for you?
I have some things in the pipeline right now, and I’m finishing revisions on a work-in-progress that I’m hoping to send to my agent soon. I’m having a great time connecting with readers and working on all the launch events for ALONE, but I’m also eager to get back to my current characters and story. I love spending time in their world so it’s really fun to write.
Megan can be reached at: https://www.meganefreeman.com
Facebook: @meganefreemanwrites Twitter: @meganefreeman
Instagram: @megan_e_freeman_writer
Laura Roettiger Books 
I can’t wait to read this book. I know Megan has created something amazing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know! I picked up my copy yesterday but I’m reading it with a student so I only read a few pages. I’m not sure after we meet today if I’ll be able to put it down.
LikeLike
Good luck in the giveaway!
LikeLike
Great interview! I especially loved hearing what inspires Megan. My copy of ALONE is in the mail–I can’t wait to read it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading the interview! I picked up 2 copies at my local bookstore yesterday! They emailed me that they were in and I raced over to pick them up. The store owner wondered how I got there so fast! EXCITED!
LikeLike
I’m so excited for this book, and I love the beautiful cover! I’ve long thought there need to be more stories featuring brave and adventurous girls for this age group. I can’t wait to read it, and would love to be entered for the drawing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I agree with every word in your comment. Good luck in the drawing. I started reading it and it’s exquisite.
LikeLike
I’m so excited to read ALONE and share it with my students! Verse novels are one of my favorite genres to read and write, and I’ve been anxiously awaiting ALONE. Congratulations, Megan, and thanks for sharing, Laura!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jolene! It’s my new favorite genre! I’m debating trying to write in it as well!
LikeLike
I’m awaiting my copy in the mail too! The excerpts are beautiful. How wonderful to have such a devoted and supportive father to prompt your deep thinking, Megan. I love to hear when the performing arts and nature inspire other writers too. Also I’m impressed by how on point you were with all your launch promotion! Amazing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Carmela! The excerpts were like delicious pastries, and if you are like me, I’m always ready for more! I read the first part of ALONE yesterday with my Tuesday student and I was blown away. Gorgeous writing.
LikeLike
Wowser! Just read through the excerpts on Megan’s Instagram. Wow!!! Now I’ve got to get the book!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Right! They were breathtaking! I began reading ALONE yesterday with my student and I’m planning to read more later. I’m not going to plow through it, as tempting as that is, because I want to savor the exquisite writing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love, love, love Poetry Unbound and can’t wait to read Alone!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading. 💙 You are going to be blown away by ALONE. It’s so good. Good luck in the raffle.
LikeLike
Your dad was great to encourage your curiosity.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reading, Natasha. It’s such a testament to how important it is to encourage children! Good luck in the raffle. ALONE is an amazing book.
LikeLike
Your dad was great about encouraging your curiosity.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looking forward to reading Alone! I, too, love that question What If? I tend to write about people that took that question to heart 😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s so good! Good luck in the raffle.
LikeLike
So excited to read this book — I think that novels in verse are my very favorite form.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s so good, Susan! I agree verse novels are such a delight! I read a few with students but now I’m reading them for my own enjoyment. Good luck in the raffle!
LikeLike
Yay Megan!! This book is PHENOMENAL!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for visiting my blog. It really is PHENOMENAL! Good luck in the raffle and feel free to check out other giveaways from amazing authors and illustrators.
LikeLike