20 Questions
(Author Interviews)
Brought to you by
Book Nook Nuts
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
Website http://www.akmichaels.com
Mailing List http://akmichaels.com/sassy-lassies-vip-clan/
Twitter https://twitter.com/AvaKMichaels
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/akmicaels
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