Author Interview: Mara Tran

• What inspired you to write your latest book?

I’ve been fascinated by the Victorian era and Victorian literature since age 12 when I first read Sherlock Holmes. However, it was Wilkie Collins who solidified my love for the “domestic mystery.” I wanted to write stories that read like a Victorian classic, with a large cast, generational secrets, murder, humor, and lots of backstory for everyone.

• What is your favorite book/genre to read?

I read widely across genres, but my favorites are definitely historical fiction, mystery, classics, and magic realism.

• What themes do you find yourself returning to in your work?

Most of the main characters either come from tragic circumstances or are currently caught up in them. I find that I have a reoccurring theme of resilience in the face of adversity, of rising above bad circumstances and choosing what sort of person they’ll be despite what’s happened to them.

• How do you handle writer’s block?

Tea, hot showers, and long walks. The majority of the time, writer’s block is caused by my failure to see a plot element from the correct angle. So I need to take a step back, refresh the brain, and talk it through - quite literally - to myself or a willing ear.

• What do you hope readers take away from your stories?

There are many themes in my stories, but above all, I’m writing character-driven Victorian domestic mysteries that are meant to be a rollicking good time. I hope readers become immersed, fall in love with the characters, want more, and maybe spark an interest in the era as well.

• What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a writer?

“Write for yourself first, others second.” Every writer wants readers to love their work, and I’m no exception. But for other people to love what you wrote, you have to love it first - and that love will come through in your writing. Writing for yourself first also prevents you from falling into crowd appeasement rather than writing what the story needs.

• If you could meet any character from your books, who would it be and why?

Hard one. Lord Antonio Giovanelli. He’s the kind of person you want at parties and on holiday because he’s traveled everywhere, done everything, and is a wonderful storyteller. 

• Where can readers find your books? Where can they follow you online?

The Ward is available as a signed paperback edition in my Ko-fi shop, ebook, and unsigned paperback on Amazon. You can find me on Goodreads and Instagram @thereadinghedgehog