Hey everyone! Another Tuesday Wednesday, another interview =D A day late, but here I am with a great interview with a great author.
I found Michelle’s Immortality Bites series a while back and simply fell in love with it! It is a hilarious Paranormal series that had 5 books. Though it’s over, I keep hoping for more and this interview gives my hope some new life… YAY!
Michelle also write a Paranormal YA series, that is two books deep so far… The Demon Princess series. She also has a new Paranormal Romance series called, Living in Eden. You’ll actually get a chance of winning a signed copy of the first book in this new series, cool huh?
Well, without any further delay, I welcome Michelle to my awesome humble abode… {Giveaway details at the bottom of the post}
Enjoy!
- When did you first start writing?
When I was about 12 years old I started dabbling a bit with creating stories and characters.
- Have you always been interested in Romance?
I am inclined to say no, but all of my ideas have always contained a very strong romantic element. I’m a bit of a hopeless romantic, I guess. But it’s really not my main focus when I’m telling a story, that element just happens organically for my characters.
- What about in the Paranormal?
I’ve always been intrigued by the thought that something magical could be waiting around any corner, the extraordinary living side by side with the ordinary. I love fantasy and sci fi, so it was a natural thing for me to write paranormal stories. I’ve tried to write non-paranormal stories and I get totally stuck.
- Why writing Paranormal Romance?
Those are just the kind of ideas that the muses hands to me. ;)
- Were there any Books, Movies or Writers that have inspired you?
Originally, when I first started taking writing seriously, I was inspired by Laurell K. Hamilton for adult books and L.J. Smith for young adult. I was majorly inspired by Buffy the Vampire Slayer as well, that humor/drama/fantasy feel really appealed to me.
- What is your favorite subject in the Paranormal Romance Realm?
I like to explore the fine line between good and evil and the choices that we make every day toward one or the other. Plus, sexy vampires or demons who battle their true nature in order to be better than what is expected of them in order to win the love of the heroine.
- The sex scenes in your books are amazingly hot. Where do you get your inspiration?
Why thank you. :) My inspiration comes from my characters themselves. As long as they’re really into each other, the scene will basically write itself. I like focusing on the sexual tension between the characters the most, and whatever comes after that is really just a bonus.
- Do you find it hard to write them?
If I do, then it means there’s something off. I need to fix motivation. If I do have a sex scene, it is not gratuitous (in my opinion). It’s there as an important part of the plot or character development.
Favorites:
- Favorite Paranormal themed Movie?
Okay, I’ll say it. Twilight. The first one. I’ve seen it more times than I care to admit.
- Favorite Paranormal themed TV Show?
Buffy! And, at the moment, Supernatural!
- Favorite Paranormal themed Book?
I loved Kiss of Shadows by Laurell K. Hamilton. It was one of the first I read in the genre.
- Favorite Author?
At the moment it’s Suzanne Collins. Can’t wait for Mockingjay to come out.
- Favorite Paranormal Romance Author?
Eve Silver, who’s not only a good friend, but an amazing author.
- Favorite one of your Books?
I’ll always be the fondest of Bitten & Smitten because it was my first book and Sarah will always be the most vivid and real (to me) character I’ve ever written.
- Who is your favorite of your own characters? Why?
Normally I’d probably say Sarah from the Immortality Bites series, but right now I’m really liking Darrak, the demon from THE DEMON IN ME, because he makes me laugh and he’s just a lot of fun to write.
- Which was the hardest to write? Why?
The hardest book I wrote was Fanged & Fabulous because I was writing it right when Bitten & Smitten came out. I found it distracting when I read reviews that said what should have happened or how Sarah should act. At the time, it was difficult to separate my creative side from my business side. I want to please readers, but I have to focus on telling the story that my characters want to tell. Sometimes it becomes a bit of a tug of war.
- What would you be if not a writer? Why?
I did have a career as a graphic designer before I started writing full-time, so probably that. As far as dream careers, I’d certainly consider being a movie star. ;)
Quickies!
- Coffee or Tea? Coffee
- Up or Down? Up
- Virtual or Real? Virtual
- Right or Left? Right
- Day or Night? Day
- Here or There? There
- Sooner or Later? Sooner
- Light or Dark? Dark
- Fast or Slow? Slow
- Vampires or Werewolves? Vampires
- Angels or Demons? Demons
- Reading or Writing? Writing
- What is your favorite part of the writing process?
Brainstorming just before I get started writing. Everything seems possible and wonderfully shiny then.
- What is your least favorite part?
Copy edits. At this point, I’m frankly sick of looking at the story. That’s how I know it’s really done!
- I absolutely LOVED your Immortality Bite series. Is it really over?
My normal answer to this is yes, it is. However, lately Sarah has really been talking (very loudly) in my head. For some reason she seems to thinks her story isn’t over yet. So...you never know! Stay tuned!
- Your new series, Living in Eden, in your own words?
A woman is possessed by a demon who makes a bargain with her that if she helps him find the witch who cursed him, he’ll help her with her love life. She agrees only to find that the man of her dreams just might be the demon himself.
- What is coming up next for you?
The second book in the Living in Eden series, SOMETHING WICKED, is out October 2010.
- What are you working on right now?
Right now I’m finishing up my third book for Harlequin Blaze called INEVITABLE that will be out March 2011 and I’m about to start Living in Eden #3, THAT OLD BLACK MAGIC. Can’t wait to hang out with those characters again.
- Do you have any advice or tip to those like me that want to become a published Author someday?
Write what you love to read. Make sure that your protagonist has a specific goal she wants to achieve—without that goal, plots tend to meander. Also, do your research, read other novels paying close attention to sentence/paragraph structure, emotions on the page, character arcs, pacing. Also read how-to-write books such as Stephen King’s On Writing and magazines like Writer’s Digest. Absorb information from everywhere to help you hone your craft. Get beta-readers or critique partners who are honest with you, and don’t have too many of them. Too many cooks in the kitchen spoil the broth, as they say. Trust your gut when it comes to implementing the changes they suggest. And, lastly, never give up!
- Anything you would like to say to your fans out there?
Thank you for buying my books and spreading the word about them. I appreciate the emails, tweets, and comments on my Facebook page. My fans seriously rock out loud. :)
- Thanks so much for being here!
Thank you for inviting me and for the great questions!
Thanks so much Michelle for taking the time to answer my questions and for the great giveaway!
You can win a SIGNED copy of “The Demon in Me”!
To Enter:
- Leave a comment about anything on this post.
- Leave an EMAIL for contact! (if you don’t feel comfortable leaving it here, email me at larissa@larissaslife.com)
Extra Entries:
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+3 Follow me on Twitter (@larissa_sarah)
+3 Follow Michelle on Twitter (@michellerowen)
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries! (including this one!)
U.S. & Canada Only!
Ends August 9th!
Good Luck!
Thanks so much for tuning in and I’ll see you soon!
xoxo,
fun!
Would love to see some of the graphic designs!
books (dot) things (at) yahoo (dot) com
follow on google
and twitter (@BooksThings)
follow Michelle on twitter
friended on goodreads
14 total entries!
13 entries
Network blogs
Blog
Facebook
jennscl@gmail.com
Good interview! I always like the 10 bonus questions round!!
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+3 Follow me on Twitter
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook
Michele P.
nedsped at gmail dot com
Total= 15
I like that Sarah is getting talkative in Michelle's head.
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+3 Follow me on Twitter (@larissa_sarah)
+3 Follow Michelle on Twitter (@michellerowen)
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
+15 Add all your entries! (including this one!)
usignolc(at)yahooDOTcom
Awesome interview! And of course she loves Buffy, who doesn't?! (Hello, all the sexiness that is Angel!)
Amanda
wolfbauer3@gmail.com
Follow on google
and twitter (@shelbieamanda)
follow michelle on twtter.
network blogs follower
"like" on facebook
total 19
Great interview!! I love her books, and I met her at the RWA conference and she was super nice!
Networked Blogs
Followed you on Twitter
Followed Michelle on Twitter
"Like" you on FB
added you as a friend on goodreads
16 total entries! :)
I always love reading the quickies and loved the interview! Can't wait for Something Wicked to release!
+5 GFC follower
+2 "like" on FB
+2 friended on Goodreads/Jeanette Juan
+1 add entries=10
lilazncutie1215(at)yahoo(dot)com
Great interview! Love that the sex scenes aren't gratuitous...have read a few otherwise good books that were ruined by sex scene after sex scene...people need to TALK to each other once in awhile lol!
+5 Google follower
+3 Twitter follower
+2 Liked on Facebook
+2 Goodreads
I will have to check out both series. Thanks for the giveaway.
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+3 Follow me on Twitter (@beckerjo)
+3 Follow Michelle on Twitter
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries!
Total = 21 entries
Michelle - Can't wait to read the new book! Thanks for doing this interview
+5 google friend
+3 follow on twitter (@MinnChica)
+3 follow Michelle
+2 friends on goodreads
14 total
Michelle - Can't wait to read the new book! Thanks for doing this interview
+5 google friend
+3 follow on twitter (@MinnChica)
+3 follow Michelle
+2 friends on goodreads
14 total
Beautiful covers!! Now, I have a question? Can the cover models come to my house and play??
+5 I follow on gfc
+1 comment
+6 total entries
mlawson17 at hotmail dot com
This is not a contest entry.
I just loved the interview :)
I so want to read your Immortality Bite Series.I love buffy two have five of the seasens trying to get the rest of them.
+5 GFC Follower
+2 Like on Facebook
+2 Goodreads
+2 Adding togetter
=11
sasluvbooks(at)yahoo.com
Great interview - lots to look forward to. Thanks.
5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+3 Follow me on Twitter (@larissa_sarah)
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries! (including this one!)
= 11
great interview books sound great thank you for this giveaway!
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+3 follow on twitter/latishajean
+3 Follow Michelle on Twitter
+2 Liked Larissa's Life on Facebook
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries!
16 total
tishajean@charter.net
I heart the Demon Princess series--I did reviews on both, and when I met Michelle at RT Conference in Columbus, Ohio I told her how much I loved Micheal. LOL
I sooooo hope there is a book three!
Annie~
amcelfresh@hotmail.com
+5 Google Friend
+5 Network Blog
+3 Twitter Follower
+2 Follow Michelle
+2 Goodreads Friend
+1 ADD
-------
+18
great interview . I just sat down and actually watched buffy for the first time and omg why did no one tell me the ending was so sad
meandi09@yahoo.com
Great interview. I love Twilight and Buffy also. I was very disappointed when Angel left the show and Buffy did not end up with Angel. They were met to be together. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com
Sounds like a series I need to read - love Paranormal Romantic Comedies!
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+3 Follow me on Twitter (@larissa_sarah)
+3 Follow Michelle on Twitter (@michellerowen)
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries! (including this one!)
TOTAL 22
malleybean at gmail
Great interview. I’ve heard such good things about her books! Plus I loved Demon Princess myself!
+5 GCF follower
+3 follow on twitter @KailiaSage
+3 follow Michelle on twitter @KailiaSage
+2 friend on Goodreads
+1 total: 14
twilightforever.edward at gmail dot com
Another great contest Larissa! I have been looking forward to reading Michelle's books.
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+3 Follow me on Twitter (@intensewhisper)
+3 Follow Michelle on Twitter
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries!
21 Entries
robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com
Great interview! I love Michelle's books
+5 GFC follower
+5 Networked Blogs follower
+3 Follow Twitter
+3 Follow Michelle on Twitter
+2 Like Larissa'a Life on Facebook
+2 Friend on Goodreads
+1 Total
= 21
I've been wanting to start that series, its on my to-read list =) I see Michelle liked Kiss of Shadows also. I loved that book and read the whole series. Thanks for the great contest.
Tanyah1224@yahoo.com
11 entries
3-twitter follow you
3-twitter follow Michelle
2-like u on FB =)
2-goodreads friend
1-added all up
This series looks so good--thanks so much! :)
+5 Follower
+1 Add up
=6
Thanks again!
Love, Hannah
xoxosweeet at yahoo dot com
Great interview!! I have two favorite parts to this interview:
1) This is the first time I've read an interview where the author describes the battles of writing with their story in mind, and the critiques screaming in their ear. I can't imagine how hard that must be, especially when you're in the middle of writing a work!
2) This is also the first author interview that I've seen the amount of advice on what to do for those people who want to write professionally!! That was amazing and wonderful to get a that in depth answer!!
Extra Entries:
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+3 Follow me on Twitter (@AmongTheMuses)
+3 Follow Michelle on Twitter (@AmongTheMuses)
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries! (including this one!)
= +14 Total
amongthemuses @ gmail . com
Good interview! I like how she suggested that you write what you enjoy reading. That way you will be passionate about it and enjoy yourself, and more than likely someone else will enjoy it too!
Thanks for hosting the contest!
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+3 Follow @larissa_sarah on Twitter
+3 Follow @michellerowen on Twitter
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries!
Total Entries: 15
Thanks,
Scoot
seescootread[at]gmail[dot]com
Brainstorming is the best part of any process. Writing for you planning and event for me so i totally understand. It really is a time where anything seems possible. When I am planning an event I always tell whom ever is helping to just run with ideas.
lllinthe808[at]gmail[dot]com
Extra Entries:
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+3 Follow me on Twitter
@ lll808
+3 Follow Michelle on Twitter
@ lll808
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
Chasity @ LLL Reviews
+1 Add all your entries! (including this one!)
Total: 21 pts, if I counted correctly, lol! Thanks!
Enter me!
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+3 Follow me on Twitter (@vampbookclub)
+3 Follow Michelle on Twitter
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries!
14 total.
chelsea AT vampirebookclub.net
Thanks for the great interview! It was fun reading!
+5 GFC Follower
+3 Twitter follower
+3 Michelle's Twitter follower
+2 Larissa's Life facebook fan
+1 Adding
Total 14
allisonsbj3(at)gmail(dot)com
Great interview!
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower-Rae Pavey
+3 Follow me on Twitter @throuthehaze
+3 Follow Michelle on Twitter@throuthehaze
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook-Rae Pavey
+2 friend on Goodreads-Raelena
+1 Add
TOTAL: 21
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
Great interview! and terrific advice for writers! Who knows, maybe someday I'll try!
meredithfl at gmail dot com
+5 I follow on GFC
+3 I follow Larissa on Twitter @tessaa99
+3 I follow Michelle on Twitter @tessaa99
+2 I've liked your blog on FB
+2 I am your friend on Goodreads
+1 adding entries!
=17 total
I really liked your advice on writing. I'll really take it to heart!
lovemybabysquid at yahoo dot com
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+3 Follow me on Twitter (@larissa_sarah)
+3 Follow Michelle on Twitter (@michellerowen)
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries! (including this one!)
Total is 16
Great interview, the books look awesome.
my email = bibliognomes@gmail.com
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+3 Follow you on Twitter, @GeckyBoz
= 9 entries
Hi, my name is Claire and that was an awesome interview! I loved the "Quickies" part of the interview as well as the fact that her favorite author is Suzanne Collins! I LOVE The Hunger Games!
Extra Entries:
+5 Google Friend Connect Follower
+5 Networked Blogs Follower
+3 Follow me on Twitter
+3 Follow Michelle on Twitter
+2 “Like” Larissa's Life on Facebook
+2 Be my friend on Goodreads
+1 Add all your entries!
Total is 22!
Thanks so much!!!