Melanie, what scene was really hard for you to write and why, and is that the one of which you are most proud? Or is there another scene you particularly love?
When I was first writing about Maud’s time in Prince Albert, I kept writing in scenes and dialogue, just to keep her out West. It was like she didn’t want to leave Saskatchewan. When I finally wrote the final scene at the end of Book Two (my book is divided into three books), I couldn’t stop crying. It was one of the more challenging scenes.
I had a lot of fun writing the letters between characters, particularly the ones between Maud and Nate in the Book One.
How long did you work on MAUD: A NOVEL INSPIRED BY THE LIFE OF L.M. MONTGOMERY?
What’s your writing ritual like? Do you listen to music? Work at home or at a coffee shop or the library, etc?
I have a few different writing rituals. If I’m writing at home, I sometimes light a beeswax candle to create a space and then I have a playlist that I listen to help me get into character. For Maud, I would also put my hair up in a bun so I could physically be in her skin.
Much of this novel was also written on the road. There’s this muscle memory from doing it, so all I have to do is open up my laptop or hold a pen and begin.
What advice would you most like to pass along to other writers?
Be kind to yourself. I have a hard time with this, too. It is probably the most difficult thing you can do because things don’t work on your timeline. Stay as true to your character and their story, honor your process and find your people. But most of all, get your butt in the chair and write.
ABOUT THE BOOK
by Melanie J. Fishbane
Hardcover
Razorbill CanadaReleased 4/25/17
Purchase Maud: A Novel Inspired by the Life of L.M. Montgomery at IndieBound
View Maud: A Novel Inspired by the Life of L.M. Montgomery on Goodreads
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Melanie J. Fishbane holds an M.F.A. in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts and an M.A. in History from Concordia University. With over seventeen years’ experience in children’s publishing, she lectures internationally on children’s literature and L.M. Montgomery, who she has been obsessed with since she first read Anne of Green Gables in Grade Six. A freelance writer and social media consultant, Melanie teaches English at Humber College. Melanie also loves writing essays and her first one, “My Pen Shall Heal, Not Hurt”: Writing as Therapy in L.M. Montgomery’s Rilla of Ingleside and The Blythes Are Quoted,” is included in L.M. Montgomery’s Rainbow Valleys: The Ontario Years 1911-1942. Melanie lives in Toronto with her partner and their very entertaining cat, Merlin. MAUD is her first novel. —
Have you had a chance to readMAUD: A NOVEL INSPIRED BY THE LIFE OF L.M. MONTGOMERY yet? What tricks do you use to get into your character’s skin? Do you have a specific playlist for your novel? Share your thoughts about the interview in the comments!
Happy reading,
Emily, Jocelyn, Anisaa, Sam, Martina, Erin, Susan, Shelly, Kelly, Laura, and Lori Ann








