Inside The Author with Marie Michaela!

Would you like to get to know more about how the inner book brain of an Indie Author works? 

This is the place!  

Periodically, we'll invite an Indie Author to open up their brain, and show us inside.  We'll have a conversation that deals a little bit with writing craft, reading influences, and some other fun stuff.

Today, we thumb through the pages of Indie Author Marie Michaela's grey matter...

Discover More About Marie Michaela HERE!

What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?
I have not gone on any.
What is the first book that made you cry?
“Where the Red Fern Grows” by Wilson Rawls.
What is your writing Kryptonite?
Music.
Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?
I want each book to stand on its own.
How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
I learned that I needed to be okay with the first rough draft not being perfect in order to finish the book.
As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?
A mouse.
What did you edit out of your books? (keep it family-friendly, please)
I edited dialogue and the structure of the dialog.
What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Self doubt.
What is your favorite childhood book?
“Ella Enchanted” by Gail Carson Levine.
What is the most difficult part of your writing process?
Not editing along the way.
What is the easiest part of your writing process?
Outlining.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
6 months.
A common misconception entwined with authors is that they are socially inept, how true is that?
We like our people to be a bit eccentric, like us.
When did it dawn on you that you wanted to be an author?
When I was ten years old.
Who are your biggest literary influences?
L. Frank Baum, Lewis Carroll, Veronica Roth, and A.G Howard.
What’s your favorite movie which was based on a book?  Why?
The Outsiders because both the book and the movie were emotional.
How did it feel when your first book got published? How did you celebrate?
It felt exciting. My fiancé and I cooked a nice dinner, since it was in the beginning of the lock down.
What is that one thing you think readers generally don’t know about authors?
All authors need to promote themselves, and it's helpful when readers write reviews.
Can you tell us about your current projects?
I am currently writing a drama about a young girl who almost unknowingly becomes a fairy queen. My fiancé and I are working on a series of “Otterly Awful” stories. They are anthropomorphic mysteries for adults.
Are you attending any conventions/festivals where readers can meet you and/or buy your books?  Please provide all the “find it” information.
Not currently but I plan to after there is a vaccine for COVID19.
Please provide links and/or instructions about how readers can purchase signed copies of your books.
My author website is mariemichaelabooks.com. For a signed copy, I will post when I will attend conventions/festivals. I can be reached through my email address: [email protected]
Any advice you would like to give to aspiring authors?
Make a habit of spending one hour a day working on writing. There is a reader who has been looking for your story.