Book: A Time Of Reckoning
Q1. Hello Ma’am, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
Hello, I am Michelle & am really happy to meet everyone!
I have been writing and reading for as long as I can remember. I adored story time in elementary school, and the library days where we sat choosing and reading books that we thought would be wonderful. I enjoyed Judy Blume back then, as well as the Anastasia Krupnik YA books growing up. When I started to write, I created short stories and passed to my classmates who always asked for more. It was fun, and I loved being creative, and thinking of all the twists and turns that could happen to my characters. I wrote my 1st book in High School and named it Fallen Angel and was so proud.
When I am not writing, I am an Operations Director at my job, and lead big teams. I am also a MA licensed optician, and spent a good amount of time in leadership roles within the Optical/Optometry industries. I have a “thing” for fashion eyewear. I am also a fitness lover, and need to move my body. I am currently enjoying Orange Theory classes, as well as hiking, biking, and golfing, although not so good there!
I love to cook and have no objection to a good TV binge on rainy, or relaxation days. Love Ted Lasso on Apple TV, as well as The Morning Show, and Terminal List on Amazon was fantastic!
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing ‘A Time Of Reckoning’ book?
My main challenge was the middle. I knew I had the structure, and the story formed in my head, and had a pause moment when I tried to balance character development with the smaller ideas/things in a story that belong, or do not belong. How much is too much? Was a question I asked myself. I, personally, love a big, long book…but after talking with some literary agents, and others in the writing community, there was a shift to maybe shorter, “faster” story telling and I lingered there a bit, too. I also became focused on editing. So many iterations, and drafts, followed where I would tweak and tweak, until it was the finished version.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
I really love Sharon Kay Penman for her historical fiction writing and time periods. I could get lost in her books, and her characters. I also adore Kate Quinn’s writing, and her Mistress of Rome series. I liked how she switched character voices in chapters, and I did adopt that style, too, for the multiple viewpoints.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
I live in New England, just outside of Boston, and I love the city. I visit when I am able, to people watch, absorb the vibe, and find the quiets spots in the bustle to simply “be” and enjoy lunch. There is also a place called Thanksgiving Forest, in the suburbs, close to my home, that has miles of trails that open to hidden beaches, and small hills that I used to take my dog, Brady, too, when he was alive. We would walk for hours, enjoying the day, and one another. No matter the season, rain or snow, we were there weekly while I formed new ideas.
Q5. Is there lots to do before you drive in and start writing a book?
Yes. I think it is in the planning the structure process, get the bones of the book in place. I also tend to write my chapters not in a particular order.
Q6. How long did it take you to write ‘A Time Of Reckoning’ book?
From start to finish it took 8 years. And then I let it sit for another year because I was really shy about sharing.
Q7. On what all platforms readers can find ‘A Time Of Reckoning’ book to buy?
A Time of Reckoning is available on many platforms including; AmazonKindle.com, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble.com, Tolino, Scribd, Baker Taylor, Borrow Box, Bibliotheca, RakutenKobo & Overdrive
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘A Time Of Reckoning’?
I worked with a a great digital marketing group to develop the cover. I knew I wanted it simple, with one symbol that captured a key element of my story. And that became the Rowan Tree or “tree of life” as it is the place my heroine will go for solace and strength. It is also steeped in Celtic mythology and current customs.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
To keep myself fresh, I just make sure I am writing, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be a book. I write my corporate communications bi-weekly newsletter, which keeps my writing muscles fresh. I also journal, which slows my mind down to focus on random gratitude or book ideas. I will definitely walk more, too, when actively writing to make sure I am taking breaks and getting fresh air.
For my readers, I hope I keep upping my game as far as not being predictable with the story, and seeking feedback from a writer’s group for their perspective, as well as a couple friends who will not just “yes” me, but challenge me with their thoughts on snippets of the story, or if something (a character) feels too tired or not “in character.” I want everyone to keep coming back, and to share feedback and what they might want to. I read all messages, and hear all ideas, as communication is key.
Q10. Are there any secrets from the book (that aren’t in the blurb), you can share with your readers?
Hmmm, no real secrets but Book 2, The Reckoning, is ready to be released in the Fall, probably around Halloween. And I am working on a 3rd book now, to complete the story. Book 3 “spoiler” would be featuring some Scandinavian characters. The time period in my story is just before the Vikings invade and I am so excited to tell this story, and add some more conflict to Devin’s already hectic, and precarious position as a woman ruling in a world of men.
Book Is Available On Amazon
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