J.L. Michael Interview

• Q. Can you tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to become a writer?

  Ans. Growing up, I was a very good athlete, but a leg injury ended all of that. I needed to find something to occupy my free time, and I took up developing my writing skills.

• Q. What genre(s) do you primarily write in, and what draws you to that particular genre?

  Ans. This novel is what I label "An offbeat historical adventure with supernatural undertones." While often lighthearted, it has moments of great peril and unsettling circumstances. Life is like that. History is like that. Adventure is like that. Books should be like that.

• Q. What is your favorite book, and what about it resonates with you the most?

  Ans. A Soldier of the Great War by Mark Helprin--beautifully written, historically transportive, passionate in the portrayal of life's trials and triumphs.

• Q. Who is your favorite author, and how have they influenced your writing?

  Ans. Herman Wouk, as his historical research in such gems as The Winds of War, both informs and entertains.

• Q. How do you balance writing with other aspects of your life, such as work, family, or hobbies?

  Ans. Family first, career second, writing late at night whenever I can.

• Q. How do you show appreciation and love to your followers and readers? Do you actively engage with them on social media or through other means?

  Ans. I am a private writer and not a social media type. My goal for readers is to provide a novel that will entertain, inform, and not preach to them. I am always open to replying to any reader inquiries and do so without fail.

• Q. What do you enjoy most about being an author, and what keeps you motivated to continue writing?

  Ans. Writing is my private time in a life full of supporting others. I am motivated to leave a legacy beyond the obligatory offspring and headstone. Libraries will always be here, preferably with a novel or two of mine on the shelves.

• Q. Have you ever faced writer's block, and if so, how do you overcome it?

  Ans. Not so much a block, but a fever. When I get into a writer's groove, things just flow out of my head and onto a page.

• Q. What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting their writing journey?

  Ans. Keep writing. I thought I was a good writer ten years ago, but I wasn't ready. I thought I was a better writer five years ago, and all the work in between paid off. Five years ahead, it will be true again.

• Q. Do you have any upcoming projects or works in progress that you'd like to share with your readers?

  Ans. I have completed a sequel to Missteps, Perfecting the Shutterbug Strut, and plan to seek literary agent support to get it published.

• Q. Finally, what are your goals and aspirations as a writer? Where do you see yourself and your writing career in the future?

  Ans. The acronym NYTBSA is a goal of mine. Simple as that.

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