Q1. Could you please start by introducing yourself to our readers?
I’m Michael Stephen Daigle. I grew up in the Northeast U.S.. I live in New Jersey, and have lived in Maine, Massachusetts, and New York. I don’t recall when I started writing, but it feels like I’ve been doing it forever. I wrote two books when I got out of college, one of which became part of the 6-book Frank Nagler Mystery series. I’m a life-long Boston sports fan, and was at the game in 1975 when Tony Conigliaro hit his last-ever home run.
Q2. In your view, what distinguishes a writer from an author?
Semantics. Whatever you call yourself, the task of creating written works requires imagination, discipline, attention to detail, and hard work. I’m not a suffering artist type. I’ve been doing this a long time and have written in many forms, including a long career as a journalist. To be productive, which can lead to success, requires the ability to stay on task and manage your time.
Q3. Which part of your book “Nagler’s Secret” proved to be the most challenging to write, and why?
Parts of the story take place in different decades, so making sure all elements of the story and characters stay in order took planning. The challenge for any story, and for any mystery, is to make sure you get it right, the right pacing, the characters in the right place, saying the right things so the reader feels satisfied when they are done reading.
Q4. How do you typically celebrate once you’ve completed a book?
Actually, start the next one. Which is hot as hard as I seem,. Because, especially with the Nagler mysteries, one story flows into the other. The satisfaction of finishing one is knowing that you’ve given the readers a worthy reading experience.
Q5. How do you leverage social media to connect with your audience as an author?
That is all under review. After Facebook was hacked two years ago, I had to rebuild the social network. I’m planning to explore Tik Tok and Substack and start over with other mediums. In the meantime I rely on my website, www.michaelstephendaigle.com.
Q6. On average, how many hours a day do you dedicate to writing?
Four to five, and more if I’m on a journalism deadline. It’s a job.
Q7. What kinds of books did you enjoy reading during your childhood?
Very young, I read sports books and newspapers daily, I later moved into historical fiction then literature.
Q8. Is there an author within your genre whom you particularly admire?
For mysteries, Walter Mosley, who writes exquisite fiction. For literature, Markus Zusak, whose stories border on magic. I’d add Kristin Barr, who writes ferociously and fearlessly about women.
Q9. How has the experience of writing and publishing a book “Nagler’s Secret” influenced your perception of yourself?
The writing of Nagler’s Secret was taking place while I was republishing the other five books in the series. There was a lot of learning going on.
Q10. How would you sum yourself up in just three words?
I’m a storyteller.
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