Mara Williams
Author Interview - Mara Williams
Author of The Truth is in the Detours
In this sharp-witted and poignant novel, two former friends with a complicated history are thrown together on an unexpected road trip, where old lies unravel and new truths emerge with every mile marker.
Ophelia Dahl has just buried her beloved father when she finds among his personal effects a blindsiding document. The mother Ophelia thought died thirty years ago isn’t dead after all—she abandoned her. But how could she, and where is she now? With some neighborly help, Ophelia’s going to find out.
Beau Augustin is an acclaimed author and Ophelia’s childhood bestie turned teenage nemesis, still chafing after all these years. As luck would have it, Beau’s current project—family deceptions—is set to take him across the West Coast. Ophelia has a brilliant idea: Beau’s book. Her life. Win-win. In a Subaru filled with baggage, they hit the road.
Despite detours, dead ends, and old grudges, Ophelia is desperate to unravel a lifetime of lies. And Beau’s research is a little more personal than he’s letting on. Mile by mile, they’re getting closer to their truths—and to each other—than they ever thought possible.
Author Interview - Mara Williams
Author I draw inspiration from:
Just one? If I’m forced to choose, I’d say Kate Clayborn. Her voice is layered, lyrical, and tender, and she weaves contemporary stories that feel like folklore. One of my favorites is Love at First because of the way she rewrites Romeo and Juliet with more mature protagonists and a happy ending. Luck of the Draw is another beloved book. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic and pining are divine. I’ll also mention Maggie Smith, Kennedy Ryan, Alicia Thompson, Katherine Center, and Jandy Nelson.
Author Interview - Mara Williams | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book:
Under an umbrella on the beach, or in a bubble bath, or on a plane, train, or car. Basically, anywhere I won’t be interrupted easily.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with:
I’m going to have to go with Mr. Darcy from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice because it would be hilarious to see his reaction to an elevator, but also because he’d likely be so awkward that he wouldn’t force uncomfortable small talk.
Author Interview - Mara Williams | Book Character I’d Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author:
I have no memory of not wanting to be an author. I remember writing picture books in kindergarten and novels in spiral notebooks by third grade. When most kids were signing their name with the last names of their crushes, I was picking out pen names. I lost sight of this dream—and lacked the confidence to pursue it—in early adulthood. But after building a career and starting my family, I got to a point in life when I thought, “If not now, when?” and recommitted to the pursuit of writing not as a hobby but as a passion.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook:
I devour books any way I can, but prefer paperback, eBook, and audio. I love the look of hardcovers, but I prefer the feel of a paperback in my hands so I can bend the spine, dog gear the pages, and make notes in the margin. I also love the convenience of eBooks—that I can purchase a book from anywhere and immediately begin reading. They’re great for traveling. I can pack a dozen books on a vacation or open the book on my phone in a pinch. I am always listening to an audiobook as well, even while reading another in print. I listen on walks, runs, or while doing errands and chores. When I really love a book, I own all three versions so I can re-read them in a variety of formats.
The last book I read:
Never Been Shipped by Alicia Thompson, which tells the story of estranged friends and bandmates who reunite on a themed cruise to play the songs that made them famous—and find their way back to each other. I loved everything about this book—the longing, the regret, the nostalgia. There's something about an Alicia Thompson book that rips your heart out and reassembles it anew. Her characters are kind and doing their best, but also messy and wounded and getting it wrong. It's so satisfying to see them finally get it right.
Author Interview - Mara Williams | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer:
I draft on computer (or on my phone in a pinch) and edit on paper. I have a full-time job, a large family, and a needy dog, so I can’t be precious about my process. I write on my phone or laptop from on the couch, in the kitchen, in the backyard, at coffee shops, and while dictating into my notes app on a jog. I have waterproof shower notes in case inspiration strikes there. But I’ve done some of my best writing while sitting in the passenger seat on long drives (being able to read and write in a car without getting sick is my only superpower). There’s something about being unable to surf the web, move around, or engage in other distractions that helps me get into a zone. When I’ve finished a draft, I print it out to read through it and mark it up before transferring edits back to the manuscript.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with:
Nora from Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan. I would love to watch the sunset with her from her front porch and write from her tea house . Our kids are about the same age, and we seem to have similar sensibilities. I fell in love with the pace of her lifestyle while reading the book and would love to be able to attend a barbecue or dinner party on her dream property.
Author Interview - Mara Williams | Book Character I’d be Best Friends With
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a:
For many years, I was a dancer, teacher, and choreographer and ran a dance school. During that career, I told stories through movement. It is such a different medium and process, but taught me critical lessons about composition, metaphor, pacing, and detail.
Favorite decade in fashion history:
I adore the 1950s classic dresses with cinched waists and flared skirts worn by Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, and other stars of that era. I wear dresses at every opportunity—I find them so much more comfortable than jeans or shorts. I love the pearls, small hats, and kitten heels and the bright colors, polka dots, and striped patterns of casual dresses, and the glamour and elegance of the more formal versions.
Place I’d most like to travel:
Greece. My husband and I have been talking about a taking a trip to Greece since we got married and originally planned to go there for our honeymoon. But years later, it still hasn’t happened for one reason or another. I’m drawn to the vibrant colors of the islands and the food.
My signature drink:
My favorite rare indulgence these days is an espresso martini. I have a sweet tooth and a coffee obsession, so this dessert cocktail checks every box.
Favorite artist:
I cannot choose a favorite novelist or poet. But as predictable as it sounds, my favorite songwriter is Taylor Swift. I’ve been a fan since she debuted but really fell into the rabbit hole during the pandemic when she dropped two surprise albums during the middle of our collective despair. It was the exact right dosage of beauty, poetry, and joy when I needed it most. Folklore was the soundtrack as I drafted my debut.
Number one on my bucket list:
Publishing a book used to be number one. It looks like I need to revise my list.
Anything else you'd like to add:
Thanks for asking such fun questions!
Find more from the author:
https://www.instagram.com/marawilliamswrites
https://www.threads.com/@marawilliamswrites
About Mara Williams:
Author Interview with Mara Williams
Mara Williams drafted her first novel in third grade on a spiral notebook—a story about a golden retriever and the stray dog who loved her. Now she writes novels about strong, messy women trying to find their way in the world. When not writing or reading, Mara can be found enjoying California’s beaches, redwoods, and trails with her husband, kids, and disobedient dog. For more information, visit www.marawilliamsauthor.com.
