Meet the Author: TM Mayfield

TM Mayfield writes romantasy. Her most recent release is The Fae's Deceit. For more information, follow on Instagram @seetaylorwrite or visit https://linktr.ee/tmmayfield_author

Tell us about The Fae’s Deceit.
This is the next book in my romantasy series, The Stonemaw Chronicles. In a lot of ways, it was easier to write than The River Queen. The MCs were already established, as is their relationship. But it was also a lot harder than I expected! There are so many more things that go with a second book in a series as far as consistency in details, not veering too far from the OG plot while not repeating yourself… things like that. 

Share a favorite line from The Fae’s Deceit.  www.goodreads.com/book/show/218141074
Next to them, Vefa looks at the large beast standing next to the king. “An Almerian leopard? Amazing! Can I pet it?” 
I sigh, shaking my head. 
“No, Vefa. That’s stupid,” Atalia says next to him with a roll of her eyes. 
“But Vines! If it’s not a friend, then why is it friend shaped?” 
“You’re a fucking moron, Vefa. You know that? That thing will eat you if it gets the chance.” 
“Ouch, Atalia. I’m wounded.” 
The sound of a boot scuffing the floor squeaks behind me and the Almerian groans a moment after there’s a thud.
 
What’s a core memory that made you want to be a writer?
I remember being 7-8 years old and writing books with ridiculously terrible illustrations. I always had so many ideas that I wanted to make into books and both of my grandmothers always encouraged me to keep going if that’s what I wanted. 
 
What was your favorite book as a child?
My favorite was actually Little Women! My Mema had me read it and I think it’s my most read book even now. I actually took home the copy she had when she passed away so I can always have it. 
 
What was your last five-star read?
Vampboozled by E. F. Watson! It was such a fun bite-sized read with accurate ADHD representation and the connection between the MCs was sizzling! 
 
What finally made you decide to write a novel?
I was on Booksta last year and decided to go for it after some of my fave indie authors turn friends highly encouraged me to take the leap. 
 
What is the most challenging aspect of being an author for you?
The addiction to character art while having tiny indie authors royalties is a big one! But honestly, I think it may be the fact that I have so many ideas floating around in my head and only such much time in a day!
 
What is something you've learned along the way that might have changed how you wrote your first book?
Just because you can do something in a short time and on your own doesn’t necessarily mean you should. My first novella was Buried in Friendship and I literally wrote it and published it in 3 months. Knowing what I know a year later, I don’t think I was actually ready to publish so quickly even though it’s my book most people pick up! 
 
What piece of advice do you have for a new author?
Write the book. You hear that from everyone, but it’s true. Write the book. Write it for yourself if you need to. But you can’t edit a blank page and even a story that takes multiple drafts is better than one left off of paper to begin with. 
 
What do you need to set the mood for writing?
Music - the playlist for the book I’m writing. Snack - junk food. Idk why. But that’s what I need. Drink - a route 44 sonic drink. 
 
What is something you'd like readers to know about you as a person?
I promise you I really am as weird and awkward as I seem. I’m neurospicy and it shows in my interactions. 
 
How do you get past writer's block or being "stuck"?
I move projects if I can. If not, I set it down until the next day. 
 
What are you working on right now?
I’m currently working on two different projects. One is a rivals to lovers novella called Relics, Rivals, and Rage and the other is Happily Ella After, which a standalone romantasy loosely inspired by Cinderella with themes from Jungle Cruise and The Mummy. 
 
When is your next book coming out?
My next book is projected to come out mid-Spring 2025. It’s Happily Ella After. Think Stabby Cinderella x The Mummy x Jungle Cruise with he falls first, a damsel who isn’t in distress, and dragons. 
 
When did your last book come out?
My last book was The River Queen, which is the book before The Fae’s Deceit. If The Little Mermaid and Atlantis: the Lost Empire clashed with mermaids & fae, with a side of “he falls first” and fated mates, you’d have The River Queen.