TALK: Mandy Baggot

Mandy Baggot is an award-winning romantic fiction author, writing hot heroes and emotional reads. She spoke to StoryWorld about her new book, her process and going with your gut.

Hi Mandy. Tell me about Made in Nashville!

I’m obsessed with country music! Made in Nashville was my chance to explore the country music scene and make up these wonderful characters in the music business in Tennessee. There’s Honor, the former star who’s not been back in the limelight since she was attacked on stage, and there’s Jed Marshall, the country rocker, inked up, torn jeans and hot property in Nashville. You don’t have to be a country music fan to enjoy the drama and romance in this one.

You’ve quite a social media empire!  How have you achieved this?

If I told you my secrets I would have to kill you! Basically I’m a lovely person – who wouldn’t want to follow me on Twitter? I think talking about sausages, wine, mashed potato and hot heroes draws people in.

Which writer were you most inspired by?

I’ve always been someone who walks her own path so I can’t really say I’ve been inspired by any one writer. But I have the upmost admiration for my buddy Talli Roland. The way she’s grown her career is amazing. She’s such a lovely person and super cool too! And now she owes me a glass of wine!

Do you plan your work, or do you just start writing?

I’m terrible at planning. I often have this vague idea of how things are going to pan out in the story and then I change everything. I find planning too much really saps the creative process for me. I do know a lot of authors who plan meticulously though. I can’t do it – tried it, failed, never going back! I quite like having an empty page and not knowing what’s going to appear there.

Are you working on anything at the moment?

I am! I’ve just finished a novel set on the Greek island of Corfu which is now in the hands of my agent and I’m cracking on with my next one. All I can tell you is the hero is a firefighter, at the moment it’s set in London (although that might change) and there’s going to be all sorts of drama, danger and of course lots of romance!

What is the best piece of writing advice you’ve been given?

When I’m given advice I always listen and absorb it but sometimes you have to go with your gut. I was once told to change the profession of one of my characters from a rock star to a reclusive writer. I just couldn’t do it, so I didn’t. Quinn Blake in Strings Attached stayed as a rock star and the book’s been one of my best sellers to date.

Thanks Mandy! Make sure to keep up to date with Mandy through her website, Twitter, Facebook and Goodreads.