Meet author Ane Mulligan

Ane Mulligan lives life from a director’s chair—in community theatre and at her desk creating novels. Entranced with story at age three, at five she saw Peter Pan onstage and was struck with stage fever. When her passions collided, an award-winning, bestselling novelist emerged. She believes chocolate and coffee are two of the four major food groups. She lives in Sugar Hill, GA, with her artist husband and a rascally Rottweiler.

Tell us about your newest book.

Dreams and futures are at stake. Theatre transformed Marleigh Evans from a shy, timid girl into a confident young woman. Now she wants to pass that gift along to others, and dreams of owning a community theatre. After years of searching, she’s found the perfect place to see her dreams realized … and transform her community.

Circumstantial chef, Gabe Sadler, has grown irritated at his father’s business practices. Now, his dream is to own a farm-to-table restaurant and enough land for a small urban farm. After years of searching, he’s found the perfect place to see his dreams realized, and he’s not used to anyone standing in his way. Which one will win? And at what cost?

What inspired you to write Take My Hand?

I founded a community theatre and I’m its managing director. Like writing, Theatre is a passion. What better than to combine my two passions into one?

How would you describe this book to someone in a 30-second blurb?

When two people have a dream but want the same property on which to build it, someone has to lose.

What genre do you focus on?

Women’s fiction … whether contemporary or historical, all my books feature an ensemble cast of strong Southern women helping each other through the story.

Why do you write?

Karen Ball said it best a number of years ago: God whispers to my heart and my heart whispers back in stories. I’m a dreamer, and I see stories everywhere I look. The characters I envision then harp at me to share their story. If I didn’t write, I don’t know what I would do about them.

Who is your main character, and how did you choose that name?

Marleigh Evans and Gabe Sadler are my main characters. I collect names. Names are very important to me and to the character. I’ve had a few who refused to continue until I changed their name. Once I have the story idea and the main character’s personality, I find photos that match. Then I search for their names.

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing a book?

I do my best creating in the morning. I can edit anytime, anywhere, but the creation is best done in my office in my writing chair. That said, I’ve learned to write any time and any place. I’m often in the theatre working on props, sets, costumes, etc. Also, my husband, an artist, is our set designer. I accompany him when he’s working on a set, so my laptop goes with me. If I finish my tasks and he’s not done, I can write.

What is the hardest part of being an author?

Getting the first draft on paper. I’m not a big plotter. I know the beginning, some of the things that must happen to get me to the end, which I know. All the in-between is up to the characters, and sometimes, I hit a wall. Then I have to step away for a day or so, until an idea hits.

What’s the best part of your author’s life?

Talking about books with book clubs and teaching about writing books at writers conferences.

What’s one thing your readers should know about you?

I’ve always had and enjoyed close women friends, and that shows up in my books. Each has an ensemble cast of strong Southern women—sisters or friends—helping each other through the story.

How have you changed or grown as a writer?

I’m growing in the craft every day. I don’t think any writer is ever “there.” I’m working on applying more subtext in my writing in subtle ways. As writers, we must learn finesse in applying any tool from our toolbox. Whether it’s the five senses or subtext, you don’t want to beat the reader over the head. I’m consciously working on the seamlessly weaving of those tools into my work.

What is your favorite pastime?

Reading, playing in the theatre, and signing in a community choir.

Do you have other books? We’d love to know.

My first series, the Chapel Springs series, has four books in it: Chapel Springs Revival,

Chapel Springs Survival, Home to Chapel Springs, and Life in Chapel Springs.

The Georgia Magnolias series contains three books: In High Cotton, On Sugar Hill, and By the Sweet Gum. Novellas: A Magnolia Blooms in Winter, part of A Southern Season: Four Stories From A Front Porch Swing. Stand-alone novel: When the Bough Breaks.

What are you working on now?

I just finished another book set in the Great Depression. Its working title is Up Level Creek, and I’m now working on a Christmas cozy. It’s working title is The Janet Claus Caper.

Website: www.anemulligan.com

Link to book: www.amazon.com/dp/1645263320/

Social media links: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest,

Blogs: The Write Conversation, and Blue Ridge Conference Blog