Romance at Heart Magazine Author Interview: Claire Michaels

Interview with Claire Michaels:

Hi Claire. Thank you for doing this interview. I would like to welcome you to the Romance at Heart Interview and Author Grilling session. *bg* We are interested to find out as much about you as we possibly can, so lets get started...

- Please tell us about your latest book.

My latest novel is entitled Tears Of Myhu available on March 13th, 2007 through Samhain Publishing. It’s a Sci-Fi/ Futuristic Romance. I have never written anything like it. Initially I wrote it as more of a writing exercise. It evolved into a MS.. The story centers around a young man struggling to understand the society he lives in as opposed to the society he was born into. There’s a love story. I added a unique aspect to it. Which I find particularly challenging.

My heroine hardly speaks. Most everything is conveyed through actions it was terribly hard but still so much fun to write...

- What can we expect from you in the future?

I am editing a paranormal romance that I hope to submit as well as a few other books. I am outlining a trilogy as well. So wish me luck!

- How do we find out about you and your books?

My website www.clairemichaels.net

- How may readers contact you?

I love to get e-mails! Clairemichaelsau@aol.com

- Do your fans' comments and letters influence you in any way?

Absolutely, I don’t think I would have the confidence to write if I didn’t get such incredible support from people who read my stuff. As much as I love to write there’s a lot of insecurity attached to it for me. So when I get someone that said they enjoyed my book. I get a rush. I feel like it made my characters come to life.

- How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?

There are a lot of my emotions involved in my writing. However, not too many life experiences. My writing is my get-a-way. I get to live a life that is not my own. The one thing I do draw from is places that I have been. New Orleans holds a really special place in my heart. So writing about it was my own way of honoring it.

- When did you first think about writing and what prompted you to submit your first ms?

I have written since I was a child. Honestly, I submitted a MS because it was requested. Maria, my very first editor and publisher contacted me. She had read something of mine that I posted on the internet and asked what else I had. I sent her a really rough draft of Between Dreams And Darkness and the next thing I knew I was signing contracts. It was probably one of the most amazing things that happened to me.

- What truly motivates you in general? In your writing?

Challenges really motivate me. I’m a problem solver. If you tell me it’s impossible I try to make it a reality. I think it stems from be dyslexic and being told writing would be difficult. I loved it too much to give it up.

- What does your husband think of your writing?

My husband is incredibly supportive. I am lucky. He teases me a lot about the love scenes though. LOL But he’s really proud of me. I am really shy when it comes to telling people about my writing. My husband isn’t. It’s the first thing he says when people ask him about me. LOL

- How long have you been writing - have you always wanted to be a writer?

I have been writing since elementary school. I was one of those overly sensitive kids. I felt like everyone around me did something well. I wrote a poem once. My teacher made me read it out loud. After class she asked me to write her something. I did and she put it on her desk. Said she was going to keep it so when I became famous she had something of mine. From there I started writing short stories the rest is history.

- Which comes first, the story, the characters or the setting?

Characters definitely specifically my heroes. They hit me upside my head until I outline them.

- What is the hardest part of writing/the easiest for you?

The hardest part is committing to my stories. I have a lot of internal debate. I wonder if they truly are good storylines or if I am deluding myself LOL The easiest part is the first chapter. Setting up the story. I get a kick out of that,

- Are you in control of your characters or do they control you?

My character control me. They develop there own personalities. It’s frustrating and fun all at the same time.

- What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?

Writing a story that people can visualize and become a part of. If I have done that then I’ve done my job. LOL

Thank you very much for taking the time with us and answering our questions. I really appreciate this interruption to your busy schedule. Good Luck, and we will be looking forward to the next delightful creation from your talented imagination!

Yours in good reading,
Rose!

www.clairemichaels.net Bio Review Buy Claire's Linden Bay Romances Books Buy Claire's Samhain Publishing Books Soon