Ten questions with Margot Douaihy
Margot Douaihy had the type of debut publishing experience writers dream about. Gillian Flynn (of Gone Girl fame) selected Margot Douaihy’s debut novel to be the first book she published in her imprint Gillian Flynn Books and the novel is optioned for a television series.Below she answers questions about her fascinating character Sister Holiday and what it took to bring her to life.
1. Please tell us about your debut novel.
Scorched Grace is my take on a hardboiled mystery. The story is told from the perspective of a tatt'd up punk nun named Sister Holiday who's determined to find the culprit behind a deadly arson spree at her new parish. Sister Holiday is a 33-year old, gold-toothed, hot-tempered, and genuinely devout nun with the Sisters of the Sublime Blood in New Orleans. She's also a mystery fan. Sister Holiday fancies herself a sleuth in the spirit of Marlowe with an iconoclastic splash of Bikini Kill, and sets herself on a track to join a PI agency. The novel nests myriad mysteries; it's a whodunit, a whydunit, and who-the-h*ll-is-Sister Holiday? The poetic yet gritty style of the book hold keys to solving the various riddles.
2. I’ve read that only 4% of the people who start a novel, finish writing it. Why do you think you beat the odds?
I stuck with this series because of my undying love for hardboiled, noir, and general mystery genre. Mysteries are my obsession, really. Before I was a mystery writer, I was a fan and scholar. I also must cite the endless support of my partner (Bri), my mother (Francine), father (Thomas), twin sister (Christa), dear friends, amazing agent, editor, and entire publishing team at Zando.
3. Was your debut novel the first book you wrote? (Any prior efforts hiding on your hard drive?)
I've written and published four books of poetry, including a true-crime poetry project, Bandit/Queen: The Runaway Story of Belle Starr (Clemson University Press). I come from a long lineage of crime writing poets. My favorites include Edgar Allen Poe, Margaret Atwood, Chris Abani, and Jorge Louis Borges, just to name a few.
4. What helped you become a better writer?
Trusting the process. Giving myself time. Being genuinely vulnerable. Asking for help. Reading widely and generously. Listening. Deeply listening. Practicing self love and self compassion. Reading more. Asking myself: why am I writing and what do I hope readers take away from the book? Art can do many cerebral and entertaining things, but at its core it is an emotional experience. When I keep the heart of my work foregrounded, I write better.
5. What was your process like getting an agent?
LOLZ. I applied to a novel contest (that I didn't win). But Laura Macdougall saw something in my writing. She knew I was an oddball writer who didn't mind swimming upstream and who wanted to take big creative swings. I'll be forever grateful to and for Laura Macdougall and United Agents for rolling the dice with me.
6. How did you celebrate when you learned your book would be published?
I am still celebrating! I try to celebrate by slowing down and treasuring the moment. Reminding myself: This is real. Sister Holiday is alive in the minds and hearts of readers. What a miracle. Sister Holiday is celebrating too.
7. What was the most exciting moment involving the publication of your debut novel?
The moment my Zoom rectangle popped up and I saw the face of Gillian Flynn, my publisher and the iconic author of Gone Girl, Sharp Objects, and Dark Places. I almost fainted when Gillian said she read Scorched Grace, fell in love with it, and wanted to acquire the series! Scorched Grace has the unique honor of serving as the debut title for her brand new publishing imprint with Zando. I will never recover from that unexpected, exceptional moment. Gillian's been one of my book icons, and I'm in awe of her brilliance and kindness.
8. What’s your best advice for someone who wants to be published?
Never ever give up. Keep writing. If you are getting rejected, it means that the work isn't done yet. Keep revising. Give it time. Let it sit then return to it. Work hard, read widely, ask for feedback, read more. Listen to feedback, let it percolate, and then decide what's useful. Trust your instincts and trust that all skills can be honed. Don't write in a vacuum. Attend literary or genre conferences. Share with other writers and learn. Most importantly, take time to dance in your kitchen, go for a walk, say hi to a stranger, or cuddle a cat. Writing can be draining, and it's important to recharge your battery.
9. What's one of the best novels you've read lately?
PATRICIA WANTS TO CUDDLE by Samantha Allen (Zando, 2022). It's a deliciously insightful queer literary horror journey of smart camp, withering critiques, and genuine love.
10. What are you working on now? Any projects coming out soon?
BLESSED WATER, the second book in the Sister Holiday Mystery Series, debuts March 2024. BLESSED WATER takes place over the course of three days: Good Friday, Saturday, and Easter Sunday. I wanted to write a book that you can devour in one day or over one weekend. It's a FAST mystery that will keep you breathless.