For all that is good and holy in the world, what possessed you to become an author?
Possessed is a great word to use! It almost felt as if I had no choice in the matter. I’d been a writer and editor in the nonprofit sector for almost two decades but had never written fiction. It may sound a bit woo-woo, but a book title and concept came to me out of nowhere. I told my husband, “I think I’m supposed to write a book.” I didn’t realize at the time that being a writer would be such a roller coaster ride.
How did you conceive the idea for your latest novel?
A good friend of mine mentioned seeing a website that listed the final words and meals of Texas death row inmates. One inmate asked only for Frosted Flakes and milk. It got us both thinking about the psychology of death row last meal requests, and how memory and loss play a role. From there, I wondered what would happen if a prison cook became obsessed with preparing meaningful last meals – and what in her past could drive such an obsession. I decided to set the book in 1950s Louisiana because that time period provided a powerful backdrop in terms of social issues like poverty, racism, prisoners’ rights, and the death penalty.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Definitely a pantser. I’ve written six novels and never attempted an outline. The characters come to me first, and the plot second. Of course, that’s a frightening way to write a book. I always get to about 40,000 words and decide the story is crap and that I have no idea how to continue. Luckily, the characters talk me through it. I love the surprises that emerge when I allow the stories to grow organically. Some of the twists in my current novel, The Last Suppers, came about that way.
What does your writing routine look like?
I actually don’t have a daily routine, even though that’s what most established authors advise. Because I still take on freelance editing projects, I find it hard to switch gears and be creative on those long work days. However, when I get in the groove, I can write for seven hours straight. My degree in journalism taught me to write quickly, so I tend to use my writing time wisely.
Do you have pets? If so, what kind and how many?
We have an elderly, one-eyed, deaf cat named Walter Matthau. He also has IBS, but doesn’t like me to share that tidbit. He’s a real love bug. My husband and I took one look at him and knew we had to save him. Funny thing is that we ended up needing him as much as he needed us!
What is the best advice you have for aspiring and pre-published authors?
First, DON’T GIVE UP! My first novel was rejected by 90 literary agents. It took writing three more books before I landed my agent. Rejection is part of every stage of publishing, even after your book is published. Second, find a trusted critique partner. It’s almost impossible to write in a vacuum. We rarely see the pitfalls in our own work. Third, don’t rush into querying. Take time to get feedback and revise.
Mandy Mikulencak has been a writer her entire working life, first as a newspaper reporter, then as an editor and PR specialist in the nonprofit sector and for the UN. She is the author of two novels of historical fiction: The Last Suppers (Kensington, December 2017), which is set in 1950s Louisiana; and Forgiveness Road (Kensington, March 2019), which is set in 1970s Mississippi. Her first novel, Burn Girl, garnered a 2016 Westchester Fiction Award for young adult literature. She currently resides in Durango, CO with her husband, Andy. In her spare time, Mandy loves to hike and bake, the former necessary because of the latter. Readers can visit her website at www.mandymikulencak.com.