The Author Mommy: An interview with Chandler R. Williamson

 

theauthormommy.com

The Author Mommy: An interview with Chandler R. Williamson

There’s a special kind of magic that happens when creativity and motherhood meet, messy, joyful, unpredictable, and deeply human. Few people capture that magic quite like Chandler R. Williamson, the writer and creative force behind The Author Mommy. Through her books, her art, and her candid reflections on family life, she invites readers into a world where imagination is nurtured in the middle of everyday chaos, and where storytelling becomes a way to stay grounded, inspired, and connected.

Williamson brings a voice that feels both familiar and refreshing to the literary stage. Today, she talks about her writing, motherhood, inspiration, and the beautiful balancing act that fuels her work.

Welcome, Chandler!

 
GM: Many parents struggle to carve out time for their own passions. How did your writing routine evolve while raising your family, and what strategies helped you protect your creative space?
CW: I usually have to write either first thing in the morning or afternoon. I often will go on drives and listen to either my own audiobooks or music to help me brainstorm ideas for my books. 
 
GM: Your stories often carry a sense of warmth, humor, and resilience. How do your children influence the tone or themes of your writing?
CW: They really haven't because I've been writing these stories long before they came along. They are an incredible source of encouragement and they love my characters, too, even if they aren't necessarily old enough to listen/read them for themselves. 
 
GM: You’re also a painter, guitarist, and archer—creative in so many directions. How do these other outlets feed or shape your writing voice?
CW: My favorite medium is graphite and pastel drawings, actually. I've always loved drawing pictures of my characters to help me envision them easier and more clearly. My other talents often make it into my characters, example Brock from the Beyond Tyral Series is a talented archer, Will from Convicted is an artist, etc. 
 
GM: What do you hope fellow parents, especially mothers, feel when they read your books? Is there a message you hope stays with them long after they close the book?
CW: My hope for my readers is that they know they're never alone in struggles with mental health and abusive relationships. My biggest dream as a writer is to make my readers feel like I and my characters get them on a level no one else has before. And to make them laugh along the way. 
 
GM: Your earlier work, The Holiday Spirit, has a very different vibe. How has your writing evolved between that book and your more recent projects?
CW: This is a good question! I've definitely improved in my writing, especially character building. The original antagonist, Wren, was the typical, mustache twirling bad guy who talked WAY too much! He's now more menacing and secretive like you'd expect from the Spirit of All Hallows Eve. My writing comes easier to me than it did back then, if I can turn off my inner editor. I'm much more experienced with crafting characters to be lovable and realistic with flaws and conflict that are much less artificial feeling than before. Keep in mind, however, that I've had most of my stories and characters around for the better part of 20 years. My next book's concept and characters were formed in 2006.
 
GM: You’ve built a strong connection with readers through grassroots promotion and community engagement. What has surprised you most about the way your audience responds to your work?
CW: I love connecting with people in person at artisan markets and book signings! Honestly, on the positive side, I've had people come back worth tears in their eyes to tell me how impactful my story was in their life. That was a dream come true for me and exactly the reaction I want from readers. On the more negative side, people often assume that "romance" means "smut." I usually get one of two responses when I say that I write romance. *elevator eyes* "So you're THAT kind of writer." Or, "That's great!! Good luck!" as they proceed to walk away with a large, insincere grin. Most of the response is positive, but because of that, I've started specifying that my romance will never be "spicy" and I write sweet romance. 
 
GM: Living near the Rocky Mountains gives you a stunning backdrop. Does the landscape influence your creativity or the emotional texture of your stories?
CW: I LOVE going on drives through the forested areas of mountains! But most of my stories take place in places and environments in not as familiar with. My writing sessions often begin with describing the environment around me that's universally understood and can make the reader feel the wind, smell an ocean or pine trees, or see birds leaping from tree branches.
 
GM: What challenges have you faced balancing author life with family life, and how have those challenges shaped your identity as a writer?
CW: Honestly, I haven't found the perfect balance and it's something I'm still figuring out. I think my biggest lesson has been that writing isn't just sitting at a computer or writing with a pen and notebook. It's the moments of brainstorming with my husband on how to improve my characters and stories. It's the songs I listen to. It's the moments of random inspiration I get while driving my kids to Grandma's or tidying my home. 
 
GM: Looking ahead, what stories or themes are calling to you now? Are there new genres, formats, or audiences you’re excited to explore next?
CW: I'm delving into a contemporary light fantasy with my next book, The Tides Between Us. My son has also requested I write the children's book I created as a kid because he wants to know what happens. And I'm always excited to revisit old characters for the remainder of the Beyond Tyral Series. Maybe there's wedding bells in the future for Ellie and Erick. ;)
 
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