Who are you?
I’m Bethany Mangle, a 32-year-old author who bounces between a remote part of Texas and the city of New Orleans. I’m married to a fellow nerd, and I have a spoiled French bulldog named Potato.
What do you write?
I write young adult contemporary novels. I started writing as a kid and kept trying to get published as I grew older. I don’t necessarily avoid any particular themes, but I like to delve into some deeper and darker feelings when exploring my characters. I love storytelling, and I’m so grateful to be able to make it part of my profession.
Where do you write?
I’m the most productive when I’m comfortable, so I prefer the couch or working in bed over a traditional desk. It’s easier to move around since I only write on my laptop. I’ll occasionally use a notebook to work through some plot points, but I’d rather type than use a pen.
When do you write?
I usually just write whenever I feel the urge. I don’t have a set routine or a daily goal. Since I’m a night owl, most of my writing happens either late in the evening or the early hours of the morning. It’s just quieter and more peaceful then.
Why do you write?
It may sound corny, but I’ve just always loved stories. I can’t pick one particular thing that drives me to write. I just love the experience of getting to build new worlds and imagine different situations. Writing also pushes me to be more aware of what’s happening around me and how I feel in my daily life. Those reflections end up right back in my work.
How do you overcome writer's block?
I pick one or two theme songs that really remind me of a particular project and listen to them on loop while I’m writing. This way, whenever I put on those songs, my brain is automatically returning to that world and those characters. I tend to tune out music fairly easily, so it isn’t annoying to loop the same song or two on repeat.
Bonus: What do you enjoy doing when not writing?
When I’m not writing, I enjoy reading, spending time with my husband, and spoiling my dog. I’m also an avid gamer, so I’m often yelling at my television or flailing around in a VR headset.
My thanks to Bethany Mangle for today's interview.