Author Interview with A.K. Michaels

20 Questions

(Author Interviews)

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1. Where do you write from?

I have a workstation set up in a corner of our living room, mainly because I don’t like missing anything lol, but also because I watch our grandchildren so need to be able to keep an eye on them.

2. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I didn’t, not for a long time. I only started writing as part of therapy. I’d written three books and was on fourth before family even knew I was writing. I then let my sister and one of our daughters read what I’d done and they both urged me to publish. It was only then I thought, ‘Hey, I could do this’.

3. How long does it take you to write a book?

That really depends on what else is going on in our lives. I’ve written some very quickly, and others have taken much longer. The quickest was a challenge by my editor and I wrote an addition to The Witch, The Wolf and The Vampire series in two weeks.

4. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

If I’m honest I’m not really sure. Some ideas just pop into my head and I build on them. Others start as a character for one story then realize that’s not where they should be and need their own story. Sometimes I have a particularly vivid dream and think, yeah, that’d be good for a story.

5. When did you write your first book and how old were you?

Age – nope not telling lol, but it was only a few years ago, 2013 to be precise.

6. What do you like to do when you're not writing?

Spend time with family is most important to me so I always enjoy that time. Life is so dang short that you have to grab every moment and hold it dear. I also like spending time with hubs and binge watching a boxset. The latest is The Walking Dead!

7. What Genre do you write?

Mostly paranormal romance, with dystopian thrown in along with suspense and lots of action.

8. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I’ve got over thirty out just now, across eight series.

9. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

I do get some lovely messages and emails. It’s always such a thrill to hear from someone who has enjoyed one of my stories. The latest was a lovely lady who said she’d been in tears but I knew why and felt so happy that the way I’d written down the words in my head had got that reaction.

10. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I really really wanted to be a Police Dog Handler. Unfortunately, I’m short, just around 5ft 1 in and we had rules on minimum height for police officers and I didn’t make it!

11. Tell us about your current project.

I’m working on a ‘secret project’ lol! It’s one to join a series that another author has and she invites other authors to write a story to add to the series. I’m super nervous about it but I’ve had some of my betas read what I’ve written so far (after they’d read a few of the series) and they say it’s a good fit.

12. How do you handle writers block?

I procrastinate lol. I’ll find other things to do, FB, family stuff, and when the words want to flow, they will. No point in forcing it or I might not do my best, so I just chill and wait.

13. What one subject is TABOO in your writing?

Gosh, I’m not sure. I’ve had women who’ve gone through some bad times, but the wrongdoers always get what they deserve, usually in a rather bloodthirsty way. I don’t think there’s anything that can’t be written, or hinted at, so long as it’s done in a compassionate way and not glorify the people doing things that are wrong. Unfortunately, the world has people who do some horrendous things and I don’t think it’s ‘real’ to not have bad guys. But my hero or heroine, usually doles out some harsh justice.

14. If there was one book you wish you'd written, which would it be?

Ok, I’ll just put this out there – who the heck wouldn’t want to have written Harry Potter!!

15. What is your biggest pet peeve?

Bad manners, drama and bullies! I hate those with a passion! My gran mostly brought me up and I’d get a ‘skelpt ear’ if I was rude. Drama, jeez, life is too short for it and I steer clear! Bullies are the worst kind of people, but in a way we should pity them as they’re obviously not happy with themselves or their lives if they can act like that.

16. Is there one current tv show that is a "can't miss" for you?

Game of Thrones! I love it! And hubs and I are working our way through The Walking Dead boxsets, on series five at the minute!

17. Who was your greatest influence?

My Gran. She had me from a baby until I was almost eleven and she had a strict code of conduct, but gave me so much love too. I’ve taken her values through into my adult life and I hope she’d be proud of me now.

18. How do you choose your book covers?

I work with Becca and Angel from Sassy Queens of Design. Mostly I’m not entirely sure what I want! We’ll discuss ideas and then they’ll work on some to gauge what it is I’m looking for. I usually know what I DON’T want but mostly not what I do lol. They are very patient with me! Go the Sassy Queens!

19. Something personal about you people may be surprised to know?

I’m a very anxious person, a real worrier, and I don’t go out without someone with me. I get in a total mess if I don’t have them with me. I can do small walks with the dogs on my own, but Luna is a German Shepherd and very protective so I feel secure with her.

20. How would a reader find you online? IE: Website, Facebook, Twitter