Majanka Verstraete studied law and criminology, and now works as Legal Counsel. She is the proud Mom of a beautiful two-year-old girl.
Majanka has been passionate about writing ever since she learned how to read. She has written several children’s books, but nowadays focuses mostly on speculative fiction for young adults and new adults.
Her works include the acclaimed Angel of Death Series about a Halfling Angel of Death, and The Adventures of Marisol Holmes, about a shifter princess who also happens to be the great-great granddaughter of the world’s most famous detective.
Her upcoming releases include Hear All Evil, the second book in the Academy for the Wicked series. She is also working on The Conclave of Fear, the last book in The Adventures of Marisol Holmes series.
When she’s not writing or spending time with her daughter, she is probably keeping occupied by one of her bazillion other hobbies, such as crafting miniature houses, painting, playing Dungeons & Dragons with her friends, or reading. She also enjoys spending time with her three cats: Snoebels, Teigetje and Kyra.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is your favorite book you have written thus far?
This is a difficult question to answer because it changes over time. Fractured will always have a special place in my heart, as it’s the first book I’ve ever written that was published. But I also really love The Soul Thief.
2. Which of your books was the easiest to write? Which one did you struggle with the most?
The Soul Thief practically wrote itself. I had an idea of what I wanted to write, came up with an outline in my mind, and then wrote the whole first draft in a day or three. It’s the fastest I’ve ever written.
The book I’ve struggled with the most was The Wolf of the Baskervilles. Since it’s the third book in a series, there are a lot of characters and storylines to juggle.
3. How old were you when your first book was published?
I was twenty years old. Wow, I feel old now!
4. Which of your characters do you like the most? Are there any that you really dislike?
My favorite character I’ve written about so far is Riley Scott, the protagonist of the Angel of Death Series. I really like Riley, because she’s brave and courageous, but she also makes mistakes and she can be very stubborn.
Even when I write villains, there’s none of them that I really dislike. I mean, I wouldn’t be friends with them in real life, but I like writing about them, and about what makes them evil.
5. How long does it usually take you to write a book?
This depends a lot on the book in scope. I try to complete my first draft as fast as possible, usually within two-three months. But then I don’t touch it again for a few months, and then I re-read it to see if the plot still makes sense to me, if the characters are engaging, etc. I can’t do this when I re-read it immediately, as I’m still too close to the manuscript then – there needs to be some time in between.
Then it’s rewriting (if necessary), editing, proofreading, and so on.
6. Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I’m a hybrid author. Some books I’ve plotted and then wrote based on detailed outlines. Others I just have a vague start of an idea, or I know what I want to happen in chapter one, and then I follow the story to where it leads me.
7. Do you have any hobbies besides writing?
Way too many, if I’m being honest. Can I add another eight hours to each day? I like building miniature houses, crafting, painting, reading (of course!), video games, Dungeons & Dragons and spending time with my cats.
8. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Don’t give up. Keep on writing. Even if it’s just a few words per day, eventually you’ll reach your goal and have a completed novel.
9. What are you working on right now?
As this answer changes so often and I will probably forgot to update this page (apologies on beforehand!), I recommend you check out my blog where I keep track of my WIPs and/or subscribe to my newsletter, where I keep my readers updated about upcoming releases.
10. How can we show our support as readers?
If you purchased one of my books, and you enjoyed it, please consider leaving a review on Amazon, Goodreads, and any other retailers you can think of. Reviews really help a lot for authors. And of course, you’re always welcome to shoot me a message as well using the contact form above. I love hearing from my readers!
