Author Q&A with Maude Perrine

Maude Perrine is a French Canadian author and audiobook narrator who shows genuine emotion at every turn. She enjoys sipping tea and cozying up on the couch with a good book, her husband, and her two rescue dogs. In Alaska, breathing in the fresh air up in the mountains, is where she feels most at home. She may not have a lot of energy due to her multiple chronic illnesses (such as cystic fibrosis and diabetes), but her determination is not to be underestimated. “Love You” is her touching debut into the writing world.

1. Tells us about your writing/published book(s)?

“Love You” is a YA romance novel based on a true story, which personally, I am a sucker for. I considered making it into a memoir, but the way it reads is just so romanticized it didn’t fit quite right.
It’s the long-distance love story between Maddie and Danick, a hopeless romantic with cystic fibrosis, and a boy who didn’t believe in love, that is until he met her.

2. What’s your favourite genre to read?

As stated earlier, YA romance novels are my weakness… Any “sick lit” I will love. Anything psychology-related as well.

3. Have you always wanted to write?

Yes! I’ve always loved to write… mostly about my life, but some fiction too. I used it as therapy to talk about all the medical trauma I was processing. My dream job was to be an author. Bookstores have always been my favorite place to escape to, and it would be my absolute dream to see my own writing in one!

4. What do you do when you have writer’s block?

Cry. Just kidding! Take a break, grab some water, a snack, and do something unrelated. Come back to it later when inspiration strikes again.

5. Tell us about a scene that you loved but had to edit out of your book.

As “Love You” was originally written as an anniversary present for my husband, it included a few more… intimate details. Make-out scenes and such. They were sweet moments, and I still love reading them… but some things will have to stay our little secret.

6. Do you like reading the same books you write?

Yes, for sure. In fact, I’m very glad I enjoy reading this genre -including my own writing- so much because I re-read it a lot during the editing process. I think my husband thinks I’m crazy sometimes because it can still make me laugh -or cry- although I’ve read it so many times!

7. How do you fit writing into your everyday life?

I have a busy schedule as I do a lot of volunteer work, almost every day. But as soon as I get home, I have a matcha tea for energy and get right back to writing!

8. How do you handle criticism?

Sadly, I don’t take it very well… that’s something I admit I know I’ll have to work on, as being an author comes with a lot of criticism! (Constructive or not.)

9. Tell me about your current work.

I’m currently writing my own memoir which I’m planning on calling “Strength in battle.” It’s a vulnerable piece for me to write as it contains all the trauma I’ve held captive in my body since I was a child. However, I want people out there who have been through similar situations to know they’re not alone and they will make it through it, stronger than they were before.

10. Tell me about your main character.

Maddie is me. If you want to know me better, read my books. Fiction or nonfiction. She’s a shy girl who’s been through more than she deserves in a lifetime, yet she’s one of the bravest people you’ll ever know.

11. Would you want your book made into a film?

I doubt it would ever happen… but I would love that! It would be difficult to choose an actor to play Danick though, nobody I can think of can really capture his brand of handsome!

This or That…

Short books or Long books:

The longer the better.

Romance or Fantasy:

I’m a hopeless romantic.

Ebooks, Paperbacks or Audiobooks:

Paper is always best.

Character Driven or Plot Driven:

If you’re not attached to the characters, what’s the point?

What’s the best piece of advice someone has given you?

Just be yourself.

You can find Maude on Twitter

Author Q&A with Maude Perrine