What Luck! Author Maureen Lipinski Shares Her Journey From Women’s Fiction To YA Fiction And Back Again

Like so many authors, Maureen Lipinski is new-to-me and I’m so lucky to have found her. Not only does she write across genres, but I’d have to just cross just a few highway tolls to meet her. I can’t wait to meet her and chat in person…but until then, I’m pleased to welcome her to Women’s Fiction Writers and hope you’ll do the same!

~ Amy

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Amy: In 2009 and 2010 you had books published, A Bump in the Road and Not Ready For Mom Jeans.  (It’s been almost 17 years since I’ve had a baby, and I’m still not ready for mom jeans!!)  Now, in 2012, you’ve published a YA novel called Shadow’s Edge. Can you tell us what led you to change genres and what that has been like?

Maureen: I’ve always wanted to write in both the women’s fiction and young adult genres, and I’ve been so fortunate to find a place for my work in both areas. It’s been so much fun interacting with both adult and teen readers that I hope to continue to publish in both categories.

Amy: We all know that traditional publishing is changing.  Can you compare your experiences of having your first and third books published? And, what’s your take on it all? Which do you prefer, the old or the new? 

Maureen: I certainly notice more ebook sales on my royalty statements now, whereas when I was first published it was heavily weighted toward paper books. I personally prefer the feel of a book in my hand—I find it to be such a rewarding experience, sensory-wise—but I certainly have friends who would rather give up wine than their e-reader. I think that both e-books and traditional books have a place in the market and hope that will continue to be the case going forward.

Amy: Can you share with us what you’re working on now? Any more women’s fiction maybe? (fingers crossed) 

Maureen: Yes! I just wrapped the sequel to Shadow’s Edge. Now, I’m currently working on another women’s fiction piece that has a fun historical element. I graduated with a history minor, and I love that I can use this book as an excuse to bury myself in piles of research books. Of course, my husband gives me a slight side-eye when I walk in the door with piles of textbooks and shout, “Look! Doesn’t this look like fun?”

Amy: What is your definition of women’s fiction?

Maureen: I think that women’s fiction is more a marketing and publishing construct than anything, but when I hear the term I think of books that typically feature a female narrator and center around the unique issues and challenges faced by women.

Amy: What is your best advice for aspiring authors of women’s fiction? 

Maureen: Read a lot of what’s out there now. The market has changed quite a bit in the past few years, so I would recommend that an aspiring author spend some time looking at the books on the shelves. Also, a one month subscription to Publisher’s Marketplace—a website where publishing deals are announced—can be really helpful. Of course, don’t just write for the market, but being savvy to what’s hot currently can help if someone is trying to choose between two projects.

Maureen K. Lipinski, a graduate of Miami University (in Ohio, not Florida), resides in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and two kids. She writes women’s fiction and young adult.

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