Hi Michelle. We are very pleased to welcome you to Fallen Angels. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us.

You currently have two books out, Crisis Mode and A Myriad of Emotions. Can you tell us a little about each of them?

A Myriad of Emotions is the story of a newly divorced women freshly out of a loveless marriage, she finds herself involved with a co-worker who’s in a committed relationship. Crisis Mode contains four short stories about diverse subjects that some women experience today or know someone who has; unplanned pregnancy contemplating an abortion, infidelity issues three days before a wedding, spousal abuse, and a terminally ill parent.

How do you develop your stories? Do you write start to finish or skip from scene to scene until the story is complete?

I usually write from start to finish and go back and edit.

The stories in Crisis Mode are very true to life. Where did the ideas for these different plots come from?

The ideas for the book came from talking to many women and listening to the challenges they face in life, jobs, husbands and children trying to do it all.

What finally inspired you to sit down and write your first book?

Actually my sister gave me the push I needed after one of her friends published a book. I’ve been writing most of my life and my sister felt it was time to share some of my thoughts with other people.

Outside writing, how else do you like to spend your time?

I love reading first and foremost, I also enjoy watching basketball and football and listening to music.

What has been your most rewarding experience as a writer?

My most rewarding experience has been the positive reactions I receive from people who’ve read my books, or when someone says reading the book is like talking to a sister or friend.

What do you feel is the most difficult aspect of writing?

The biggest challenge I face is time management, I have a demanding full-time job and sometimes it seems like there are not enough hours in the day to accomplish all my goals.

As a writer, do you still have time to read? If so, what types of books or authors do you enjoy?

I read during my commute to work, and at lunchtime. I love different types of books, my favorite authors are Kimberla Lawson-Roby, John Grisham, Robin Cook, and Mary Monroe to name a few.

I take it from your website that you are a fan of the Sopranos series? What appeals to you most about this program?

The drama, family interaction and the mafia lifestyle on the Sopranos is fascinating to me.

You have a husband, family, and outside career, how do you balance the demands of your career and family with writing?

Balancing the family, my job, and writing is difficult, especially when I’m in the writing zone. Luckily everyone has been supportive and understanding, when a family situation arises, I have to be supportive in turn.

Just because inquiring minds want to know…. If you were stranded on a desert island, what is one thing you would take with you?

It would be a tossup between my husband, pen and paper (smile).

You have recently been making the Expo circuit. Can you tell us what this is like?

Being out and meeting people has been a very pleasant experience, I get to talk to people, surprisingly I’ve run into people who’ve read Crisis Mode, and hear their reactions. I’ve also realized there are a lot of lonely elderly people, who just want someone to talk to. Some would come back to my booth multiple times just to chat.

You are currently working on Peaches and Cream. When can fans expect this new book to be released?

I am aiming for spring release in 2005.

Can you tell us a little bit about the premise of this new work?

Peaches and Cream is the story of three generations of women who in one way or another abandon their children and the ramifications of the desertions and how it affected their lives.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

It appears my writing will focus on women issues, like relationships with the family. There are many books to be written just on that subject.

Thank you Michelle for taking the time to speak with us. I have enjoyed getting to hear more about you and your work.

Thank You for taking time out to get to know me!

Readers, visit Michelle’s website to see her work for yourself and to find out what is coming next!

Interviewed by: Amanda