Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
. I started in the banking industry right out of college in 2005. The financial crisis was traumatic for all that were a part of it, and even those who were innocent bystanders. I spent those early few years in the mortgage business where I saw first-hand fraudulent lending practices and “liar loans.” After the traumatic event passed, I always envisioned myself spending time in a small Italian village, sitting on the balcony writing a memoir about the crisis, such as the factors that precipitated it, what transpired, and the outcome. It turns out life has different plans, as I was working from home during the Covid-19 pandemic with way too much free time on my hands, I decided not to write a possibly boring memoir of my life during the financial crisis, but a fictionalized version of events that may or may not have occurred.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Good Banker is my first novel. During the pandemic, I started reading more books as we all had more free times on our hands. One of the books I purchased, was less than spectacular, and I believed I could write a better story. So after only a few days of thinking of a plotline (and without the ending decided upon), I started writing. The story took some interesting turns as I wrote, and three months later, the first draft was completed.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
No, but I did write a good portion of this book on a foldable pocket keyboard while traveling through Europe.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
As a natural introvert and coming from a worrier family, the two books that have influenced me the most were Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People” and “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living.” I probably read these books 15-20 years ago, but I still sometimes stop and think about the important life lessons these books taught me.
What are you working on now?
Promoting “The Good Banker”
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Since this is my first novel, it’s a bit of an adventure and a learning curve, but everyone I’ve shared a few chapters of my book with say they love it… So I’m hoping word of mouth, and sites like yours will work together to get this book into the reader’s hands.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stay determined. It is not easy to write a full-length novel. It’s even harder to market and sell the book. But if you are able to sit down, and write a novel that you, yourself can be proud of, that’s a success, no matter what the critics say.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.” The first few times I heard this during my teenage years, I absolutely despised this aphorism, but now I’ve learned to accept and embrace it.
What are you reading now?
Nothing- too busy.
What’s next for you as a writer?
The sequel to “The Good Banker”
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I usually gravitate to self-help books, but if I’m on a remote island, I’d have to go with a few fictional suspense books, maybe “The Good Banker.”
Author Websites and Profiles
Michael G Website
Michael G Amazon Profile
Michael G’s Social Media Links
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