Meet the Author: Meg Cabot

Meg Cabot, author of the best-selling Princess Diary books kicked off our 2019 event season on November 4th with a reading and signing of her novel, No Judgments.

Cabot will now join us virtually on August 11th for the release of the second book in the Little Bridge Series, No Offense.

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We had a chance to catch up with the author before our event last fall and here’s what she shared with us.

Cabot didn’t have to go far to find inspiration for her new book. When a massive hurricane severs all power and cell service to Little Bridge Island—as well as its connection to the mainland—twenty-five-year-old Bree Beckham isn’t worried . . . at first. She’s already escaped one storm—her emotionally abusive ex—so a hurricane seems like it will be a piece of cake.

Q: What was the inspiration behind writing No Judgments?

A: The inspiration behind No Judgments was Hurricane Irma, as well as the island we all love, Key West – although in the book I’ve renamed it Little Bridge! That made it easier for readers who aren’t familiar with our unique geography to understand how we became so cut off from the rest of the world after the hurricane – the bridge washed away!

Q: What made you, your husband and friends decide to stay during Hurricane Irma?

A: As anyone who was here in the days leading up to the storm might remember, there was some skepticism as to whether it was really going to come to Key West. And then when we knew it was, there was no gas (thanks, Hurricane Harvey!) and nowhere to go since the entire state of Florida was “in the cone.” We decided to take our chances, in retrospect probably not the best choice. But hey, no judgments!

Q:  How did you handle the challenges in the weeks following Irma?

A: We were fortunate to have a propane generator, and even more fortunate that Suburban Propane didn’t evacuate either and was out immediately after the storm, giving refills. We were also fortunate to have a working landline – especially since all Internet and cell service was out for weeks! We had neighbors and friends and even total strangers making calls from our house to let loved ones know they were okay, since the media was insisting that Key West had been wiped off the map. This included local Key Wester Brittany Davis, who used my phone to launch a pet rescue effort – and helped inspire No Judgments!

Q: How do you deal with emotional impact of a book (on yourself) as you are writing the story?

A: Mostly, I take it out on my friends. I’m lucky to have so many, and that they’re such good listeners.

Q: You have written Middle Grade and Adult Fiction. Is the creative process different? If yes, how so?

A: Writing for adults and children isn’t that different. I try never to “write down” to kids, but I do keep the kissing to a minimum in my kids’ books.

Q:  When writing a series, how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also for yourself?

A: I won’t start a book until I have an idea for a plot that grabs me and won’t let go. Then I decide what kind of people would be the most upset at finding themselves in that situation, and stick them in it. Putting those characters into that twisty plot keeps things fresh and fun.

Q:  What particular food or desk items must you have near you, or with you when you are in the creative writing process?

A: I drink tea in the morning, then I move on to water. Writing is thirsty work! Obviously cocktails after 5, when the writing for the day is done.

Q:  What are you reading now or have read recently that you’d recommend to others?

A: Some good books I’ve read recently and enjoyed that are already in stores (or will be soon) are:

• A great mystery – The Child Finder by Rene Denfeld (be sure to check out the new sequel, The Butterfly Girl).
• A great rom-com, but with deep emotions – Get A Life, Chloe Brown by debut author Talia Hibbert.
• A great non-fiction book – Diagnosis by Lisa Sanders, MD

Those are great reading suggestions. All titles, including Meg’s latest book are available online and in our store. Stop by or just click on the title to purchase online.  https://shop.booksandbookskw.com/