Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a middle school teacher and writer. I’ve written two books of poetry and have been published in many literary journals. I was excited to be invited to share my poetry at the Austin International Poetry Festival in 2017 and was included in the anthology “When Time and Space Conspire.”
I recently published the first novel in a three part trilogy. I hope to have Part Two published in Fall 2018. In addition, I am working on a historical fiction novel based on my husband’s grandfather and his escape from Poland at the turn of the twentieth century. I also wrote a contemporary romance novel which I hope to publish some day. As you can see, I love to write!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Tales from Blarnach: The Chosen One. I have a large family and this work began as a story written for my children and my many nieces and nephews. Each had a part and I drew (very poor) illustrations in each chapter. We even got little stuffed animals to match each character. It was a family thing and never meant for publication.
Over the years as I took writing classes, I often thought of that story. I went back to it, eliminated most characters, and rewrote it as a darker, young adult novel. I was encouraged by teachers and editors to publish it and after almost ten years from the creation of the original story, Blarnach was born. Incidentally, the name “Blarnach” comes from letters of the last names of the four daughters in my family.
I was lucky to be able to share ARCs of my book with my students. It was well received and I got some great feedback. My sister Maureen has always been my first reader and provided excellent critiques as I wrote the story. She was the one who encouraged me to see this project through to completion.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I do! When I write, whether it’s poetry, additions to my blog, or novel writing, I put headphones on and blast music. It allows me to escape into my writing and become a part of the world I’m creating.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have always been a huge reader and now teach Literature and Language Arts. I don’t have a particular favorite author but at one time, I had read everything Stephen King ever wrote. I’m a huge fan of historical, dystopian, and young adult fiction but also love to read adult fiction and nonfiction.
One of my favorite things to do is to attend Author Talks. I went to the AAUW Author Luncheon last April and was completely enthralled by the authors Brunonia Barry and Randy Susan Meyers. I highly recommend both.
What are you working on now?
I’ve just completed the outline for Book Two of my Blarnach series. I’m excited to work on the novel and hope to have a rough draft completed in the next two months.
I also post regularly to my blog “Writing and Reflections” (mkvecchitto.com). I started my blog to get back into the habit of writing on a regular basis and have found it to be a rewarding experience.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am new to Book Promotion. I’ve taken some classes to learn more and have updated my Goodreads and Amazon pages. I have recently discovered sites like this and am working on engaging with them to promote my book.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Try to write every day.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You fail only if you stop writing.” – Ray Bradbury
What are you reading now?
I’m reading several YA titles to keep up with my students. I also recently finished “The Fifth Petal” by Brunonia Barry which is set in Salem, Massachusetts and “Before We Were Yours” by Lisa Wingate.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I will continue on my writing path to see where it leads.
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?
several volumes of poetry
Salt by Mark Kurlansky
Night by Elie Wiesel
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton
The Tommyknockers by Stephen King
Johanna: A Novel of the Van Gogh Family by Claire Cooperstein
Author Websites and Profiles
Michele Vecchitto Website
Michele Vecchitto Amazon Profile
Michele Vecchitto’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account