1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I grew up in a military family and had the opportunity to travel and experience diverse cultures. I studied sociology to delve deeper into the dynamics of human and group interactions. My curiosity expanded into studying nursing, holistic healing, and energy work. These transformative practices and studies became an integral part of my personal growth and inspired me to share my experiences and insights through writing.
I live just outside Nashville, TN with my husband, sister, and a small pack of dogs. In my leisure time, I read and listen to audiobooks across various genres. I enjoy spending time with my grown children and grandson, painting, traveling, playing hide and seek with my yellow lab, and watching hummingbirds divebomb as they compete for the feeders on my back deck.
2) What inspired you to write your book?
I am inspired by the younger generations and the unique struggles they face with the ending of the American dream, unattainable housing/rental costs, inflation, AI, and global wars. They are much stronger than their label as “snowflakes” and have within them the ability to create the change they want in this world.
The resilient human spirit and ability to overcome adversity serve as my greatest source of inspiration. Witnessing individuals rise above their circumstances and transform into the best versions of themselves fuels my desire to learn, grow, and evolve personally and as a writer. I aspire to contribute to the collective human journey by offering hope, encouragement, and insight through my words.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
There are several messages I hope will be takeaways from my novel.
1) The younger generations are strong and capable of becoming the heroes of their stories and our society. Unlikely champions are born out of adversity and are not necessarily whole or completely healed when called upon to act.
2) There are people you meet who are part of your destiny. They become your circle and are often more important than the circle into which you are born.
3) Today our society is fractured on so many levels including by generations. We have all heard the Gen Z and millennials discounting “Okay Boomer” as well as the derogatory name-calling by the older generations of “Snowflakes”.
I would like a takeaway to be that there is strength in all the generations and by joining together we are all stronger and better able to redirect our attention to the true evil corrupting our world.
4) Trust your instincts when you sense a connection and when you sense bad intentions. You do not always need to act immediately but do not discount either. Keep an open mind, observe, and be honest with others and most importantly yourself. Good or bad, if people show you who they are, believe them.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
My novel is a mixed genre of speculative fiction with elements of science fiction.
I have always been intrigued by novels and movies that make you think and wonder if that could happen in some near or distant future.
From Orwell’s 1984 and Huxley’s Brave New World to the many Star Trek shows and streaming series from Dark to Stranger Things, we are transported to a compelling and often frightening future. Once there, in that created future, we are challenged to consider the impossible, including our own reality.
5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
I would love to sit down with Niamh. She is a seer and a sage. With her piercing black eyes she sees beyond the veil and the layers of reality. I think we could all benefit from her wisdom.
I would ask her about our world and society’s future, specifically, the geopolitical upheavals and global climate changes. Are we already in WWIII? Will Russia invade more of Europe? Will America fracture and fade or reunite and become stronger?
Too many questions given our current times! I would end my conversation with Niamh by asking her about personal concerns about my loved ones. Will my family be safe? Should we prepare for lean times? Will they move closer to home?
6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Instagram and Facebook have been the most helpful in developing my readership. I enjoy engaging directly with my readers and keeping them updated on book fairs, travel, and new projects.
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Keep going and do not give up. Writing is an intimate process, even when writing fiction. You are putting your soul out on display for others to critique. It is hard not to take it personally so grow a thick skin and push through the discomfort.
Your story is worthy. It needs to be told and someone out there needs to read it!
If you are new to writing, join a writing community for support and to learn your craft.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
My future is full of books! Reading them, writing them, even listening to them. I have just finished the second novel in the Shifting Realities series. I am making revisions before I send it out to my editor. I am hoping to have Shifting Realities: The Alternates out to my readers this summer.
About the Author
M.E. Grantham, the author, brings a wealth of life experiences and a diverse background to her writing. Her upbringing in a military family exposed her to various cultures and ideas through extensive travel. Having lived in England for two years, she was fortunate to have an English teacher who ignited her passion for literature, laying the foundation for her literary journey.
Captivated by the intricacies of different societies, Grantham pursued a study of sociology, delving deeper into understanding the dynamics of human interaction. Her curiosity eventually led her to explore nursing, healing, and energy work , including modalities such as Reiki, Tibetan shamanic healing, and multi-dimensional healing. These transformative practices became an integral part of her personal growth following her father’s passing, inspiring her to share her experiences and insights through her writing.
To refine her artistic expression, Grantham dedicated herself to honing her writing skills. She immersed herself in the writing community, becoming a proud member of both The Porch in Nashville and the Atlanta Writers Club. Here, she engages with fellow writers, sharing ideas and fostering a supportive environment that nurtures creativity.
The resilient human spirit and the ability to overcome adversity serve as Grantham’s greatest sources of inspiration.
Witnessing individuals rise above their circumstances and transform into the best versions of themselves fuels her desire to learn, grow, and evolve, both personally and as a writer. She aspires to contribute to the collective human journey by offering hope, motivation, and insight through her words.
Outside the world of writing, Grantham resides just outside Nashville with her husband, sister, and a small pack of dogs. Her leisure time is enriched with reading and listening to audiobooks across a variety of genres. She enjoys spending quality time with her grown children and grandson, exploring the joys of painting, traveling, and engaging in playful rounds of hide and seek with her yellow lab, Bear. M.E. Grantham’s life experiences and dedication to holistic healing are deeply reflected in her writing, offering readers a unique perspective and inspiring stories.
