M.K. Lobb considers her next story.
What twists and turns does your story tell?
M. K. Lobb is a fantasy writer with a love of all things dark — be it literature, humour, or general aesthetic. Her novel SEVEN FACELESS SAINTS debuted February 7, 2023 with Little, Brown (Hachette). The sequel, DISCIPLES OF CHAOS, will follow in early 2024.
"A thrilling mystery that is as full of twists and turns as it is searing romantic tension, Seven Faceless Saints is a heart-stopping saga about a religious elite teeming with corruption and the rebellion that works to bring them down from within,” offers Kelly Andrew, author of The Whispering Dark.
Lobb grew up in small-town Ontario and studied political science at both the University of Western Ontario and the University of Ottawa. She now lives by the lake with her partner and their cats. When not reading or writing, she can be found at the gym or contemplating the harsh realities of existence.
“With an impressive and balanced command of gorgeous prose and compelling pace, Seven Faceless Saints draws its readers into a mystery as intelligent as it is intriguing,” says Ayana Gray, New York Times-bestselling author of the Beasts of Prey trilogy.
Goldie Chan: Hi M.K., thank you for joining us at Forbes. What has your career path been?
M. K. Lobb: I started my post-secondary education at a school for advanced studies in the arts and humanities. It should have been a perfect fit, but for some reason it didn’t feel right at the time. I quickly became a political science major instead, and finished out my degree in that field. Since I had done some volunteer work for a major Canadian political party, I was offered a job in federal parliament immediately upon leaving school. That entire time, however, I was focused on something completely different: writing books. I skipped classes to write. I woke up early before work to write. I did research on literary agents in my down time. Even as I transferred from parliament into other government jobs, I was always writing, querying, and trying desperately to make my publishing dreams come true. Finally, in 2020, I received an offer from a literary agent who sold my novel the next year. It was the 7th or 8th one I’d written.
Chan: What has been your favorite book to write?
Lobb: I know it seems the obvious answer, but I have to say Seven Faceless Saints. Prior to writing it, I had just shelved the novel I thought was the book of my heart. I was in a pretty bad place and decided I was going to write something fun, without thinking about what would (or wouldn’t) come next. I had always wanted to try my hand at writing a murder mystery, so I did. I created a darkly magical world with a questionable belief system, and messy characters with a fraught relationship. It’s all the things I like about YA fantasy: some mystery, some romance, a bit of horror, and hopefully.
Chan: How would you describe your personal brand?
Lobb: I’d say my brand is a little dark and a little weird, but with a sense of humor. I like to think I don’t take myself (or anything, really) too seriously. My favorite color is black, I possess the unfortunate habit of saying exactly what I’m thinking, and I want to avoid emotional situations at all costs. I’m essentially just three awkward raccoons in a leather bomber jacket.
Chan: What are you reading right now?
Lobb: I’m just finishing up Leanne Schwartz’s A Prayer for Vengeance, where a soft boy and a murderous girl have to take down the evil leader of their city. It’s out in September! I’m also listening to the audiobook of Cruel Illusions by Margie Fuston, which is super fun so far!
Chan: What is the most important element to a story?
Lobb: Oh, this is such a hard question, because I feel like there are so many crucial elements that need to come together to create a good book! For me, at least, the priority is tension. Tension between characters, tension through unanswered questions as the plot progresses, tension created through atmosphere… These are the things that convince someone to keep reading. It’s all about creating a compelling world full of problems to be solved, and you want the reader to anticipate those conclusions. You can’t do that without sufficient tension!
Chan: What are you currently working on?
Lobb: Right now I’m working on developmental edits for Disciples of Chaos, the sequel to Seven Faceless Saints. This should be the last round before it goes to copy edits, which means all the major changes are done! I’ve also just finished writing another project with a historical slant, and I had a lot of fun with it.
Chan: Any branding or career advice for this new year?
Lobb: Don’t be afraid to show your audience who you are! I feel like I’m better able to connect with readers and potential readers when I’m my authentic, weird self. Further to that, don’t only use your social media to constantly promote your work or product - I think people get weary of that. That said, don’t feel like you need to be so online that it impedes your creative processes (this tip is directed at myself, specifically).
