Author Q&A: Molly McTernan

Welcome back to the blog! Today I have a very special interview for you with poet Molly McTernan, author of Poetic Surrender. Thank you for joining us, Molly!

H.K.: Tell me about yourself and what you write, including your book Poetic Surrender.

Molly: Hello! My name is Molly McTernan, and I am the author of Poetic Surrender, which is a faith-based collection of poetry that came out February of 2023. I mostly write allegorical fiction, Christian non-fiction, and poetry, but sometimes dabble in other genres. Aside from writing, I really love reading, practicing violin, going for bike rides, and spending time with my family and (many) pets!

H.K.: You're a wonderful poet, and I hope I'll be able to read some of your other genres eventually! So, how have you as a writer dealt with negative feedback and rejections?

Molly: Getting rejected and receiving negative feedback on my writing used to be something that was very hard for me, but each time that I went through the process, I learned a lot and came out all the stronger for it. I now run a critique group and see the importance of not only pointing out the good, but giving suggestions to make it better. Rejections are just a part of getting accepted, and there is a lot to be learned from it all!

H.K.: There's always a lot to learn, I'm finding. Let's chat about Poetic Surrender. What is a significant way it's changed since the first draft?

Molly: I'd say the content itself. At the beginning, my book was titled Poetic Ponderings and had quite a few poems in it that are no longer included. It was when I was looking back and thinking over what my goal for this collection truly was that finally made me realize that I had to surrender my pen, re-title the collection, and take out and add in some poems. The feedback from trusted friends and family that I got was invaluable, and I am so thankful to have people in my life who aren't afraid to share their thoughts.

H.K.: Changing a draft is never easy, but I'm sure Poetic Surrender is stronger because of your edits. Here's a fun question: If you could spend a day with a popular author, who would you choose?

Molly: If I was allowed to go back in time to visit with authors, my first instinct is to go to one of the Inkling’s meetings.  Those men (but especially Tolkien and Lewis) cultured some of my favorite stories and I can only imagine what the experience would be like to be there and watch them bounce ideas off of each other and read tidbits aloud.  They not only helped each other with writing, but also with faith and friendship and I so admire that.

H.K.: It would be incredible to visit with J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. When you're writing, does it tend to energize or exhaust you?

Molly: Almost always, energize.  That feeling of creating exhilarates me and I absolutely love to have a story inside, itching to come out.  That being said, there are times when I have gotten exhausted, and even though it was hard, I had to learn to step back and take a break.

H.K.: Being burned out is never fun as a writer, so it is important to take those breaks. Often writers are also readers. What author(s) did you dislike at first, but then develop an appreciation for?

Molly: Oh, this is a hard question.  A recent one might be Robert A. Heinlein, author of Starship Troopers.  When I first started that book, I was thinking things like “This is just another sci-fi, heavy on world-building and action, but little else” and I couldn’t have been more wrong.  The longer I read, the more I realized that Robert had wove philosophical questions and Scripture into his story in a brilliant way.  Now, that book is on my list of recent favorites and just proves that sometimes you need to read things out of your preferred genre.

H.K.: I've started reading some things outside of my preferred genre, and yes, sometimes you discover some hidden gems that way! I'll close with this question: How do you prioritize your walk with God as a writer?

Molly: Because I look to Him as the Master Storyteller.  I have such a deep appreciation for words and for all that He has done for me, and it is now my mission to glorify Him through my writing.

H.K.: Beautifully put, Molly. Thank you so much for joining us today! Readers - if you're curious about Molly's writing, consider supporting her by purchasing a copy of Poetic Surrender, or leaving a review for it! Have a great day, and Happy early Pi Day!