Lynn Michaels
Why did you become a writer?
L: Every time I read a great story, I don’t want it to end. I try to make up things in my
head about how the story will continue. I’ve always done that, and at some
point I figured if I just write the stories myself it would be a lot easier. I
still do that, by the way.
S: I suspect a lot of writers are great readers!
What attracts you to the romance genre?
What attracts you to the romance genre?
L: I used
to think of romance genre as being those old fashioned Harlequin romances. They
were terrible, so I stayed away. Then I accidentally started reading
paranormal romance. Fantasy/sci-fi/paranormal were my go-to genres. But the
newer stuff blended the story, so I had paranormal and fantasy elements with a
great love story. That convinced me to read more, and I was hooked. That bled
out into my writing, so I went with it. Now I even read and write contemporary
romance.
S: (Chuckles.) After reading those, I knew I could do better.
Do you write in other genres?
Do you write in other genres?
L: I
started writing more fantasy/sci-fi, but when I got hooked on the romance
stories, all was lost. I could still see myself writing something non-romance
in the future, but I’m having fun with this stuff now.
S: What is your perfect romantic evening?
L: A nice
dinner. Some time out in the pool with my hubby. Quiet and low key, just
spending time together. I don’t need anything flashy. Time well spent together
is the best gift.
S: Do you remember your first kiss? What was
memorable about it?
L: My
first kiss was a boy I had a major crush on. It was outside of a dance – like a
school dance, but it was at the youth center of the military base I lived
on. I think I was about 12 years
old. It was sweet and perfect. That boy became my husband years later.
S: Holy cow! That's amazing!
Do you believe in love at first sight? Has it ever happened to you?
Do you believe in love at first sight? Has it ever happened to you?
L: Yes and
yes. I fell head over heels in love at
first sight with the boy who I eventually married. I met him in the fifth
grade. The first time I saw him walking across the playground, I just knew he
was special. He was everything. I never lost my love for him and we eventually
reunited and married. Now we’ve been married for 15 years. He’s my soul mate.
S: That is such a heart-warming story. It gives those looking for love hope!
If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose to write books
If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose to write books
L: Yes. I
can’t not write. I love the novel format the most. Nice long stories you can
sink your teeth into, whether that’s reading or writing. My passion has been
books my whole life.
S: If someone wrote a song about you, what
would be the title?
L: Fun
question. Probably something like – "Don’t tell her what to do," or "Needs a warning label," or "She doesn’t like to play by the rules."
S: What’s the best advice you have ever been
given?
L: Once
someone said to me that life wasn’t meant to be miserable. If you’re miserable,
it’s up to you to take steps toward a happier path. You might not get there in
a day, but you have to at least move in the right direction. One step at a time.
S: (Nods.) I always tell people you can choose to be happy or you can choose to be miserable.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
L: I’m not
sure. Actually publishing books. Getting past my fear of what others will think
and just putting it out there. That’s probably one of the hardest things I’ve
ever done.
S: Complete this sentence: “When one of my books is released, I...”
L: I freak
out a little. It makes me nervous. I want people to enjoy my books, and there
is always a part of me that thinks they won’t. But then I let it go. I remind
myself that the goal isn’t to make people like my work, it’s to put it out
there for them to consume and make a part of their own story in whatever way
works for them. It belongs to the reader at that point. I let it go. But in the
back of my mind, I hope when they get to the end that they think of things to
continue the story in their heads.
S: What is your deepest regret?
L: I
regret not traveling more before I left Europe. I could have had so much more
experiences, seen so much more of the world. I was too young at the time--a teenager. I hope I’ll have another shot at it some day.
S: Where do you get your inspiration?
L: I think
many people ask that. They wonder how these stories come to life. It’s really a
synthesis of many different ideas. I take a tiny piece of this and a sprinkle of
that and meld them together. Maybe it’s a line of a song, or a quick scene from
the trailer of a movie, or a news article. It’s never any one thing, but
multiple things that get my brain moving in different directions. One of the
best things about writing is that I can create something new from a mere spark
of idea or insight. I can twist things around and do it my way. I like bending
the rules and seeing what I can do. Then I hope the reader enjoys it too.
S: Another one of your books, "Sometimes Rogues Returns," comes out today! Tell me about it.
L: Sure. Here's the blurb--
Bryan and Kayden are back with the WCPC team to finish what the demon started.
The mystery at Brown-Blythe Manor isn't over. The case is being re-opened, and Bryan is charged with finishing the engagement, only he knows there's more to the job than his boss expects.
Kayden and the others from the WCPC team follow Bryan back to where it all began. Including Chad, who has more going on inside his head than he wants to admit.
WCPC handles all your paranormal needs. Poltergeists, ghosts, or mystical apparitions, we can help. We employ the most talented wranglers who can control even the toughest demons around. Call the consultants at Watercrest Cannon Paranormal Consultants to help.
Broody wrangler and tactile psychic must solve the mystery at Born-Blythe Manor-Sometimes Rogues Return.
S: That sure sounds intriguing! Where can readers buy your book?
L: Initially, it is available from eXtasy Books at https://www.extasybooks.com/978-1-4874-2664-4-sometimes-rogues-return/. However, it will be available from all major booksellers.
S: Lynn, thanks so much for joining me today! If you would like to learn about Lynn and her books, please visit--
Facebook
friend: https://www.facebook.com/lynn.michaels.71465
Facebook
LIKE page: https://www.facebook.com/Lynn-Michaels-1450504665203028/?ref=bookmarks
Lynn’s
Loonie Bin - Facebook Readers Group: http://bit.ly/LooneyBinonFacebook
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sljasble
Great interview.
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