Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am an American author and the CEO/owner of equestrian sports medicine company Professional’s Choice, Inc. I’ve written over forty novels in various genres including thrillers, mysteries, young adult mysteries, fantasy, and women’s fiction.
I’m a lifelong equestrian, having horses since I was five-years-old. If you don’t find me at my desk writing, you’re sure to find me at the barn!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Engagingly Dead: An Ella Extraordinary Eats Mystery. What inspired this series are a few things. The first is that I loved writing The Wine Lover’s Mysteries in the early 2000’s. Those books gained a large readership and the characters were so fun. When I wrote that series I was in my 30’s and wrote my protagonist Nikki Sands in her early 30’s. It’s now fifteen-years later and I wanted to write a series that had the same comedic tone, the food/recipe aspect, the mystery, and of course a bit of romance to it. I’ve found that as a fifty-something woman I face different issues than I faced in my 30’s. I wanted to create a character who is dealing with some of the things that I can relate to and I think many people in my age group are also dealing with… in this series, Ella is approaching fifty. She’s raised three daughters and is now an empty nester without a partner to nest with as her ex-husband left for a younger version a few years back. She’s trying to find her purpose in life and through the insistence of her bff, her daughters and even the ex, Ella (who has always been a fantastic cook) opens up her own catering business. Of course, there’s murder and mayhem involved a few laughs, some humor and an element of real life seriousness thrown in. So…essentially, what inspired this book/series was the very first mystery series I wrote (now being turned into a feature film) and my own personal life—except for the murder part!
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know that I have any unusual writing habits. I do rotate my writing spots depending on my mood. There are times I write in the kitchen because I like the light in there, other times I write in my bed because it’s warm and cozy and I don’t want to get out of it! I definitely write in my office. If I have a block, I get up and walk or I lie down and daydream and see where my imagination carries me too. Walking definitely helps! I will start speaking dialogue out loud. So, if you see me talking to myself, I’m not crazy. I’m, just expressing my characters!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Growing up I read a lot of Stephen King, Anne Rice, Agatha Christie, James Patterson (as an adult). Stephen King’s book on writing was very inspiring for me. There are so many, it’s hard to think off the top of my head!
What are you working on now?
As I mentioned, I am working a new mystery series with the first titled Engagingly Dead. I am also outlining the fifth Holly Jennings’ Thriller and I am writing scripts set in various area of the equestrian world.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
This is tough as publishing is always changing. I use Instagram and Facebook but have recently jumped on TikTok. I think if you believe in your work, you kinda have to throw it all against the wall, utilize the avenues that feel authentic to you and see what sticks. There’s no wrong or right here.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Passion, Purpose, Persistence, Patience, Peace. (My 5 P’s….)
If you’re not passionate about writing then don’t do it. There are no guarantees to success own this path so if you don’t absolutely love to write with every part of your being, then do something else.
Purpose: If you feel as passionate as I mentioned above, then you’ll know that writing is your purpose and you owe it to yourself and others to live this purpose.
Persistence: Don’t give up. Ever! I had over 200 rejection letters and 8 manuscripts written before becoming a published author.
Patience: Understand that it’s not likely you’ll become an overnight success so be patient, write a book and then another and then another…and another… patience pays off in this game.
Peace: Have the peace of mind when you release a book that you did the best you could at that time. Know when to let go. We can always make it better and five years from now you’ll look back and know it could be better because you grow as a writer. But for now, know you did your best (and make sure you have) and then let it go.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
BumGlue. This comes from my mentor who has now passed (Bryce Courtenay). Bryce was the top selling author in Australia for many years. He wrote some amazing works. The advice he would give to new writers is to glue your bum to the chair and write. You won’t have book without doing the writing/work.
What are you reading now?
Embassy Wife by Katie Crouch and 8 Secrets to Manifesting by Mandy Morris.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am enjoying writing screenplays so I’ll write more of those and see where it takes me. I’ll always write mysteries and thrillers though. Ideas are everywhere!
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?
The Black Stallion, Little Women, the Bible, The Alchemist
Author Websites and Profiles
Michele Scott Website
Michele Scott Amazon Profile
Michele Scott’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile