Exploring Character, Creativity, And The Journey Of A Bestselling Author
Mara Purl discusses her inspiration for Milford-Haven, her character-driven writing process, and the enduring themes of identity and community in women’s fiction.
Mara Purl is a literary force whose work transcends traditional storytelling, blending the art of narrative with the rhythms of modern media. As the best-selling author of The Milford-Haven Novels, Novellas & Novelettes, Purl has carved a unique niche in contemporary fiction, earning over 75 literary awards and captivating a devoted audience, particularly within the Women’s Fiction genre. Her innovative approach to serialised storytelling, reminiscent of Charles Dickens, has redefined how stories are consumed in the digital age.
Purl’s journey to literary acclaim is as multifaceted as her characters. From her early days as a journalist covering the Apollo-Soyuz mission for the Associated Press to her groundbreaking work as the creator of Milford-Haven, U.S.A.—the first American radio soap opera licensed by the BBC—she has consistently pushed creative boundaries. Her transition from actress to author, including her memorable role on Days of Our Lives, has imbued her writing with a keen ear for dialogue and a deep understanding of character dynamics.
Beyond her literary achievements, Purl is a passionate advocate for literacy and women’s empowerment. Her initiatives, such as the Aspiring Authors Scholarship Mentoring Program and her recent literacy project in Milford Haven, Wales, underscore her commitment to fostering creativity and education.
In this exclusive interview for Reader’s House Magazine, Mara Purl delves into the inspirations behind her beloved Milford-Haven series, her meticulous writing process, and the themes that resonate most deeply in women’s fiction. She also shares invaluable advice for aspiring authors, emphasising the importance of authenticity and voice. Join us as we explore the mind and heart of a storyteller who has not only mastered her craft but continues to inspire readers and writers alike.
What inspired you to create the fictional town of Milford-Haven?
First, I was invited to a small town on California’s Central Coast to spend a summer performing. I had grown up in Tokyo, then lived in New York, then Los Angeles. So I was intrigued by life in a village. I felt a story begin to take shape in my imagination. Second, I did some research. The real town was called Cambria, named for Wales, or Cymru, so I chose a Welsh name for my town. The name Milford Haven (I added a hyphen to my fictional town) deeply resonated. Third, I was invited by a small radio station in Cambria to create a drama. I began to write scripts, and create an acting and production team. We created “Milford-Haven”, went on the air in Cambria, and were an immediate hit. Then we came to the attention of a producer at BBC. “Milford-Haven U.S.A.” became the first radio serial ever broadcast by the BBC and we had a hit with 4.5 million listeners. Thrilling! Eventually this attracted the attention of publishers wanting to develop the show into a series of novels. What a journey!
How do you approach character development in your novels?
Is your fiction plot-driven or character-driven? For me, the novels are always character-driven. I begin with in-depth character profiles, and expand them as I write. There are details about physical appearance, personal possessions, background, education, predilections, memories, previous hurts and triumphs, goals and dreams. When I have a sense of who a character is, I can put her or him in motion with plot points.
Can you share your writing process and how it has evolved over the years?
I had to laugh for a moment at this question because the first word that came to mind was “obsessive.” I had been writing for a long time when I met my husband and I took him into my office. I showed him the shelves lining two walls crammed with notebooks full of scripts and manuscripts I had written. He was undaunted, by the way, and still puts up with the hours I spend at my desk.
I also must mention how much I love research, which I learned how to do by being a professional journalist at the Financial Times (of London), the Associated Press, Rolling Stone, and many other publications. The facts had to underpin every piece I wrote as a journalist writes or it couldn’t be published. I do the same deep-dives into subjects for my novels.
I begin with something piquing my interest and I start to imagine where this new inspiration might fit. I write down a note or a scene the moment it comes to me. I’m an “outliner” rather than a “pantser” (someone who writes “by the seat of their pants”) so I create an outline, then begin the actual writing.
What themes do you find most important to explore in women’s fiction?
Women’s fiction deals with all aspects of a woman’s life: career and ambition, family and background, rivalries and friendships, and the balance between finding oneself and finding the right romantic partner. The most important theme is identity: following a woman’s journey to find her unique niche, her special place in the world, her physical and emotional home.
How has your background in acting influenced your writing style?
The biggest influence is in my grasp of dialogue. Having grown up performing in plays and television series, I started memorizing and analyzing dialogue very early. I developed an ear for how people actually speak, and a sense of both text and sub-text. What people do say, and what they don’t say, are equally important. That part of writing my novels came easily, and I had to work harder to develop my narrative voice, which is now one of my favorite parts of the writing.
What role do you believe small-town fiction plays in contemporary literature?
Small-town fiction is both a real thing in the world, and a metaphor. Since my fictional town is coastal, I’ve visited or studied quite a number of coastal towns on coasts in the U.S., the U.K., Japan (where I grew up) and New Zealand (where I recently visited.) There are certain things they all have in common which my readers recognize. As a metaphor, the small coastal town is iconic as a place representing a fresh start, a community where one can find acceptance and make an impact for good, a place of natural beauty. It offers that sense of home that many readers long to experience in their reading.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors looking to write in the women’s fiction genre?
First, read in the Women’s Fiction genre. Each author has her/his own voice and own approach to the genre, but there are marvelous authors who are successful for very good reasons. They have believable characters, dynamic storylines, a sense of purpose, great insights, and marvelous adventures. Second, though it’s important to be aware of what others are writing in this genre, never copy another author. That is true self-sabotage. It’s your own voice you’re looking for, listening for. You’re here not to repeat what someone else has already done; you’re here to expand and add to the conversation. This is how you make a difference.
