And our Sue's Clues Mystery Author is:

Our Mystery Author this round is Megan Hart. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two children. Being a huge Rocky Horror Picture Show fan, she has lived up to it's message: Don't dream it, just be it.

She has always wanted to be a writer - ever since she plagiarized a short story by Ray Bradbury in grammar school and, even at that young age, decided it was better to invent her own stories. So, instead of dreaming about writing, she just did it. Considering she has written nearly 10 novels in fantasy, historical, contemporary, science fiction and erotic romance novels, well, you have to admit that's pretty good.

Megan seems to be a very down to earth person and very approachable. She took the time out to answer some questions - and some of them may seem to be, well, not quite the normal questions an interviewer would ask. If you visit her website, www.meganhart.com, you can find a list of "100 things about me" that made it easy to come up with questions. *G* I think anyone who reads that list alone would find that she is very down to earth, and that they may have something in common with her.

I definitely think she will be a name that we see on the shelves with other notable authors - in various genres, be they sci-fi, fantasy, romance etc.

1. You write fantasy, historical, contemporary, science fiction and erotic romance. Do you have a preference? Do you find one harder than the other?

If I had to choose one, I'd say I prefer fantasy. I love creating worlds! I like sf for the same reason, but since I have no head at all for science, it's got to be non-technical sf. :) I'd say I found historical the most difficult genre to write in, since there's so much research involved. I love to read historicals, and I really enjoyed writing my two historicals...but I'll stick with books where I get to make up a bunch of stuff! LOL

2. When it comes to writing historical, contemporary, and erotica romance - which do you prefer? I mean, it seems like erotica might actually be easier since it's basically sexually oriented, where historical and contemps would have to be more plot and fact oriented. Or have I just totally stereo-typed all of it? *G*

There's a bit of stereo-typing there, Sue! :) I'd say it depends on what sort of erotic romance you're reading. I've read some with very little "plot" and others where the sex is explicit, but the plot is what moves the story. I'd like to think my work's merit is based on the story and characters, and not only the sex scenes! :) I'd have to say my in order of preference, I like writing contemporary, erotic and historicals. However, all my books so far are fairly sensual.

3. I see that one of your favorite authors is Clive Barker. What is your favorite novel by him? I loved Weaveworld, myself. If I was stranded on an island with 20 books, that would be one of them?

A few years ago I would have answered Imajica, hands down. However, I've since read Abarat and Coldheart Canyon -- and have to say they've given Imagica a run for its money. Abarat is a wonderful, complex fairy tale along the lines of Alice In Wonderland, or an adult's Wizard of Oz. Coldheart Canyon is classic Barker, full of gore and sex and mystery and horror....if I were stranded on an island with only one book, though, it would probably be Imajica!

4. I also couldn't help but notice that you must be a huge Rocky Horror Picture Show fan. *G* Me, too. Have you ever gone to a show in character? If so, which character? If not, who would you dress as if you did?


Anyone who knows me knows my two passions: Keanu Reeves and RHPS. I've been a fan since I was 15 years old! I love the movie, love the stage production, and even saw the live version on Broadway 5 times during its run! I have never dressed up as a character and gone to the show, but I have dressed up as Magenta for Halloween. I adore Magenta and would love to play her on stage. My favorite character is Frank n Furter, though.

5. Where do you think your writing will take you? Do you think you will settle into one type of writing more than another?


I hope my writing continues to take me forward -- hey, I would be a liar if I said I didn't want to see my name on a certain best seller list. Right now, I'm moving into more sf and fantasy writing, though all my books seem to focus on romantic elements, even if they're not technically romances. It's hard to say what I'll settle into, though. I have so many ideas!

6. How much does your real life influence your writing?

I use alot of my real life in my writing, though not everything in my writing is based on my real life. I get a lot of inspiration from my real life, but then, a lot of my writing is about things I'd like to have happen to me -- or things I'm terrified of happening to me. Writing is therapy, I guess.

7. Do you have a routine for your writing? Do you make an outline or just go with it when you've come up with a concept for the story?

I'm a seat of the pants writer, totally. I know the beginning and the end...but how to get there? Who knows? I'm a "eureka!" kind of writer.

8. Did you go to college before becoming a writer? If so, what classes did you take?


I graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Theater.

9. What did you do at the PA Rennaissance Faire? (I've been to the one in Hershey a few times and it is great!)


I worked for two summers as washer wench Molly O'Gryme, "the cleanest wench in the shire." I did a show with two other washer wenches. We got to jump into a big pit filled with water. It was the best job there on hot days, but by October it was pretty chilly. AND I did it pregnant!

10. You mention that you picked your own middle name. What is it and how old were you when you picked it?


When I was about 3 or 4 I wanted to have a middle name. Since I was a big Walton's fan, I picked Elizabeth, but my mother convinced me to spell it Elisabeth. Megan JimBob didn't sound as nice. :)

11. Why do you like pink lemonade better than yellow?


It's prettier. :)

12. I liked the Monkees better than the Beatles, too. Who was your favorite Monkee?


Definitely Peter. I loved how he always wore his belt buckle to one side. :) I have most of the episodes on tape, from back when they were being reshown on Mtv, and I even saw them in concert. Twice. Ahhh, the craziness of youth. Sue: (lol.... I had never noticed the belt buckle... I might have to check that out. Always loved Mickie - he was always making jokes *G* and Mike wasn't bad either.... something about that beanie cap...lol)!

You can learn more about Megan at these websites:
meganhart.com
www.amberquill.com
www.wings-press.com!

Or by reading her profile in our Authors section.