Supermom(literally), aspiring author(so she says) and regular NaNoWriMo conqueror(she's got a series to show for it).

Today we have with us one of FANTASCI Top 8 finalists M.B. Dalto (druidrose)

Welcome to our Thursday #Hangout ma'am. Before we get started, you're a real estate paralegal, does that mean you help settle cases of haunted houses? I mean, Para(normal)-Legal!

I wish it was that interesting, but alas - I am merely a legal assistant to the attorneys who help people buy and sell their houses. I've been doing it for over 10 years now, so it pays the bills... for now.

For now, hmm!?!😎

You went beyond all odd and made it up to FANTASCI Top 8. Ever thought you'd hit that spot or you'd aimed for something higher?

I honestly thought I would be out of the game after the Initial 64 were narrowed down to the top 32. But then I got into the Sweet 16 and the Elite 8, and the rest is, as they say, history. Of course, it would have been nice to move on up and stay in there until the end, but the exposure, recognition, and experience to that point was more than I ever could have imagined. I met some pretty cool people and made some really awesome friends, so I don't think I could ask for more at this point.

What book did you compete with? Tell is about it?

I entered with TWO THOUSAND YEARS, my first completed novel and my baby. As you mentioned in that lovely introduction, I am a slave to NaNoWriMo, and TWO THOUSAND YEARS was the first time I ever "won" back in 2014. It's a Fantasy novel where your average twenty-something is taken to an alternate world of magic and mystery in order to fulfill her predestined duty as the Queen Empress. It all goes to hell from there, let me tell you....

Have you taken part in any other contests? What do you look out for before signing up?

I have taken part in many contests - maybe too many. It's slowing down now, but at first I wanted to get my story out there as much as I could. I have no shame in self-promotion, and how else would I get exposure if I didn't try, right? I'm more selective now- I see what a contest has to offer me as a potential winner, the grading systems that as used, and the requirements. If I'm going to be judged on a story merely by what my Author's Note says, it probably isn't worth my time.

If you were a judge, what books would you say deserved to be recognized?

I would want to see a story that has heart and soul. You can tell when you're reading that an author actually cares about their story in the first chapter, and writes from the heart as opposed to what the masses want to read. That's what I would look for - not to mention, I love writers that take risks. Tackle those taboo topics. Make a reader cry. Never be afraid to make your readers hate you!

Considering the contest lasted over several weeks, what has been your biggest lesson?

Patience is a virtue. *laughs* It was a long haul, and every week was practically torture as we waiting for those votes to get tallied and results to be posted. That doesn't mean FANTASCI did anything wrong - on the contrary, they managed one of the best competitions on Wattpad! But as a contestant, the waiting was what drove me over the edge. And then we got to do it all over again with each new round.

When it comes to reading, what authors & genres are your preferences?

If it's not obvious enough, Fantasy is my go-to genre and has been for a very, very long time. I'm currently in love with everything Sarah J. Maas has written, and A Court of Mist and Fury is my most recent obsession. George R.R. Martin and J. R. R. Tolkien are also on that list of all-time favorites. But if I'm going to take a break from Fantasy, I must say I have a soft spot for historical romance that only Diana Gabaldon and the Outlander series can fulfill.

What's been your hardest setback of writing?

My self-confidence has always been my hardest setback. I am my own worst critic, but I think a lot of writers can say that about themselves. I second-guess myself a lot which is another reason why NaNoWriMo helps me get my drafts done... I'm on a deadline there, so I have to keep the personal doubt to a minimum if I'm going to make sure I hit my month's goal.

What's your 'bat slap' when you feel down?

World of Warcraft. True story. I'm a gamer, and I love everything Blizzard makes, and if anything's going to get back distracted, it's that. During NaNo, I won't let myself play until I hit my daily goal... talk about motivation!

Before we round up, any word for 'Watt-munity'?

One of the biggest things I keep telling myself and anyone who will listen is always write for yourself. Write YOUR story regardless of what those around you want. There will always be naysayers regardless of what you put to print, even if it's the best written story this side of Wattpad. You can't please everyone- and sometimes you can't please anyone- so you need to make sure you can please yourself first.

Thanks for taking the day off to #Hangout with the gang ma'am.

Looking for some nice Fantasy book with a rich badass lead?(we're tired of the peasant superhero) Then be sure to show some love to Ms. Dalto's newest book, Rouge Assassin.

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And that's it folks, it's been nice having you on here with us today.

Till next time. Stay scheming!