Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Biography
Michael Patrick Mardel (1949-) was born near the city of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. He has trained to be a teacher-librarian ending up with a Bachelor of Education and a Graduate Diploma of Librarianship. At the age of 40 he started studying psychology as that is what he always wanted to do. He graduated with a Graduate Diploma of Applied Science (Psychology) and has spent his time since then counselling, teaching students how to drive, and being a carer. In 2004 he assisted his publisher on bringing out Library Walkabout and from then on he self-published Walkabout Dreaming years 5-8 and 3-4, Sustainability in the 21st century part 1 (all revised in 2018) and part 2 (Growing your own), Computer Walkabout (being revised), Storyteller Walkabout, Music Walkabout, Psychology Walkabout and Style Manual. He wrote the Australian short stories for boys (& girls) over two years. These stories are now available from Amazon through CreateSpace for $5.99 and on Kindle. Other textbooks are available at his website: http://www.downunderonline.org.
Michael has now written a trilogy around the life of Paul O’Leary for middle grade readers. There are now 4 YA books: The diary of a babydyke in transition; Frack off: trouble in the high country and the Kimberley; The Mermaid and the Seahorse; and A Cowboy Downunder.
In between writing Michael reads for reviews.
He also has a counselling book under the pen name of Patrick Ferreira called Most common questions about surviving emotional abuse…and the answers..for men.
He now lives in Darwin.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Computer Walkabout. Many things have changed with Microsoft since this was first written about 2011. XP and Office 2010 were the go but now it’s Windows 10 and Office 365. Word 2016 is the latest version and still quite different from Word 2013.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Quiet. I still use paper to write things down.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I was never much of a reader until I met Enid Blyton in Year 5. One author I have followed, after JK Rowling, is Joanna Penn. I like her religious leanings.
What are you working on now?
Reading for reviews – I usually have 3 on the go – Kindle, PC and presently an epub on Edge.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
awesome
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Stick at it – no-one else can do it for you unless you engage a ghost writer.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Be true to yourself – from a grandmother.
What are you reading now?
One of my books is from a real library: The quiet side of passion by Alexander McCall Smith. I enjoyed his lady detective books – he really gets into the minds of his characters.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Update my other textbooks
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?
Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Mardel Website
Michael Mardel Amazon Profile
Michael Mardel’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account