Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Giles

Hi Maggie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

Like many authors, I’ve written something or another for most of my life. I loved to craft (terribly written) original stories when I was younger and began really writing novels when I got into writing Fan Fiction. I’ve been a storyteller for as long as I can remember.

When I first sat down and penned an entirely original novel, I never really considered what the next steps were. I’d never edited my own work to make it better, I’ve always just written and it was what it was. I was lucky enough to be put in touch with a multi-published Canadian author who was a guiding light in helping me better understand the writing world and how one goes about getting their book out there.

This began the long journey of learning how to properly write a book, how to edit and ultimately how to find that person to get that one illusive yes.

It took many years of querying and seven novels before I landed my first publishing deal. I was very blessed to have met with the two wonderful women who run Rising Action Publishing Co. and have since released two books with them with two more on the horizon.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

As with most journeys it had its ups and downs. There were times I was convinced I’d never get a book out there. Times I was hard on myself, and as most authors experience, a lot of imposter syndrome. I mean, who was I to think I could publish a book? Art comes with a lot of self-doubt.

But in contrast there were the highs. The early readers who tell me they love my work. The industry professionals who would coach and encourage, and of course all the other writers who are in the trenches right along side you.

Becoming an Author is about a lot of patience and perseverance. If you believe in yourself and your story, you can get there.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I am an author of two published novels.

The Things We Lost, released April 2022, follows a mother in her thirties who gets sent back in time ten years to live an alternate past. Much has changed, but in particular a friend who died a mysterious death in university, is somehow still alive, four years after her funeral should have been.

Twisted, release September 2023, is a crime thriller following three points of view that tangles multiple characters into one confusing crime. It centers around a mysterious prescription medication that seems to be present at all the crime scenes.

My books are suspense/thrillers that typically keep readers guessing. I have two additional books coming up in the next year.

Wicked, the follow up to Twisted, centers around the conspiracy theory about the mysterious medication.

And The Art of Murder, where a seemingly perfect town’s veneer cracks when a murder spree disrupts its tranquility, entangling two best friends in a web of secrets and moral dilemmas, where loyalty and justice collide.

I strive to take relatable characters and put them in extraordinary circumstances. Each novel features growth as readers are invited to follow along on various adventures while each character faces an unexpected twist!

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.

It could be said that I took a risk on my publisher when I accepted my first contract. The reason this could be said is that my publisher was brand new and actually debuted with my debut novel. So it was a bit of a learning curve together. That said, I was really excited to work with them after we had our initial call. They were enthusiastic and so professional. Their openness about where they were with the company and their vision for my book just blew me away. While it could be said it was a risk, my gut instinct told me to do it and I am so glad I did.

I think it’s important to do some risk-taking in your choice career, however, make sure they are calculated risks and you feel comfortable with whatever the outcome may be.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.maggiegiles.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maggiegiles_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maggiegiles225/
• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/maggiegiles_
• Other: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/16463527-maggie

Image Credits
Photos: Captured by Kirsten & Laced Up Imagery Alexis Lagos

The Things We Lost: Ashley Santoro

Twisted & Wicked: Nat Mack