Heather’s Bookshelf: Author Interview with Aisling McBreen
Book Title: A Portrait of Time
Released: 09/01/25
Genre: Adult Time Travel Romance
Interview by Heather L. Barksdale
What inspired you to write “A Portrait of Time”?
McBreen: I read an article about a woman who paddleboarded the Suwanee and found some submerged caves due to the water levels being low. So I started to think "What if those caves held secrets... like time travel... ?"
How did you come up with the names of your main characters?
McBreen: I tend to look back to all the people I've ever known for my characters. "Luke" is named after a guy in high school who was a tortured artist-type. "Eileen" is named after my Dad's twin sister, who passed before I could meet her. If she were alive, she would be like my main character.
Is there anything that you want readers to know about you, your writing process, or your book?
McBreen: I think "writing process" is a bit of a misnomer, as I carry stories in my head, obsessively thinking about every twist and turn for every hour of every day until the book is finished :)
If "A Portrait of Time" was adapted into a movie, who would you like to see cast to play your lead characters?
McBreen: Oh, definitely a slightly older Timothee Chalamet and a slightly younger Amy Adams (possible, given time travel, right?).
When you encounter writer’s block, what do you do to break yourself out of it?
McBreen: Do something else artsy. Draw, paint. Sometimes I'll watch a related movie to get the cogs whirring.
Are there any tips that you would like to share with other aspiring authors?
McBreen: Don't be afraid to write something unusual. Write for yourself, and write until you are satisfied. The joy of seeing your characters come to life won't be there if you pander to the market.
What is your favorite book, genre, and/or author?
McBreen: I grew up with Stephen King books (all of them lol), and they are the only first editions I own!
What are you working on next?
McBreen: Part Two :)
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