C.M. Bryden - Author Life

C.M. Bryden recently released her fourth book, Tale From Fairyland, in April 2018. We wanted to catch up with the author and ask her a few questions.

Did you always dream of becoming an author?

No. Not until after I had finished work and had time to decide what I wanted to do with my life, although I have always scribbled and made up stories for my children, but mainly for my own amusement.

What was your first job?

Office Junior, when I first left high school. The first of many jobs over the years, then into selling, running a large shop, a finance officer and finally, a nursing assistant at the local mental health hospital; my first job when we moved from Kenilworth in the Midlands to Cornwall. My final job before retirement was working in rehab for mental health patients living back in the community.

How did you come about writing your book? Was that your intention or did you start writing for fun?

It all started for fun, except that once I started, I found my head was full of characters all wanting their stories told. There are still more clamouring to be heard.

What was your life like before you became an author?

Busy. And very demanding because I was a working mother doing a full-time job, with two children who needed driving back and forth to their activities.

Did you face any struggles before becoming an author? If so, how did you overcome them.

I would like to say I didn’t struggle but it wouldn’t be the truth. All writers struggle, especially with trying to find the right words. The main problem is always trying to find time, that was me, until I retired and since then, I’ve never stopped writing. I’ve always got something on the go. I do like to write a novel (romances are my love. Mainly because I have a happy marriage: 60 years with my wonderful husband.) At the same time, I write stories for children. I know, that’s crazy, but it works for me.

Now that you are a published author, how has your life changed, if at all?

No, it hasn’t changed really, except I now have an illustrator for my children’s stories who is keen for us both to do talks for local school children. Good fun but it keeps me away from my study and computer.

Can you please describe a typical day in your life now?

After breakfast (in bed and made by my Mr Wonderful), it’s a quick look at my diary to see what has to be done. Doctors, dentist, etc. All the things that getting old requires. Doing the household chores (although, we now have a lady that does for us). Then, it’s into my study. Emails to answer, phone calls to make to family and friends. Radio switched onto Pirate Radio FM, a great, local, Cornish radio station. Open my computer, then check my work from the previous day. Get my head into gear and then my fingers start to fly over the keys as yet another masterpiece takes shape.

What is your most memorable moment of your life as an author?

Holding my first book in my hands, knowing it was all my own work, then seeing it look so beautiful.  How could any writer not be thrilled?

In a few words, how would you review your experience with Pegasus Publishers?

They have been wonderful to work with. My only wish is for my books to be successful but that, of course, is in the lap of the Gods.