Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Born in New Orleans, I grew up on Elm Hall Sugarcane Plantation out-side the small Cajun town of Napoleonville, Louisiana. I proudly served on active duty in the military with deployments to Iraq and Kuwait. After completing my military service, I worked for the Department of Defense, supporting the military in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan. I have been lucky enough to travel the world, visiting and touring over twenty-five countries.
So Far, I have five published books, but I have completed drafts on eight additional books of varying genres.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Sevyn, an Adult Paranormal Romance. It was inspired by my love of reading Paranormal Romance books.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
When I get an idea or a good thought on a book, I write it down on anything within reach. Therefore, I have piles of Post-its, old receipts, torn off pieces of paper, and napkins all piled into neat little stacks that shift through for ideas.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The works of wonderful authors like L. A. Banks, Laurell K. Hamilton, John Grisham, Dan Brown, Beverly Jenkins, and Amanda Hooking have influenced me.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on an Erotica Series that is so hot and steamy, I will be using a different pen name. Additionally, I am working on book #6 of my Smoke & Fire Series, Adult Paranormal Romance.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Twitter and Facebook seems to work relatively well. They allow me to interact with readers and discover new readers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Although I am a new writer, I quickly learned that the key to becoming a better writer is to write, read, and learn. By continuing to write, read, and learn, you can eventually change your status from a good writer to great writer. Be proud of what you’ve written, especially if writing is in your heart. If you find you think of and write more than you do anything else, don’t stop and don’t be discouraged by outside influences. Write something every day, even if it’s just a page. Write no matter your mood. For example, you would be surprised at what kind of spark you can add to a character when you write while angry or happy or excited. Educate yourself about every aspect of the writing world— trust me, its necessity. Give your writing time to grab the market, don’t force it and don’t rush it. Patience is a necessity.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice that I have heard is to keep writing, keep reading, and keep learning. Don’t respond to negative reviews, use them to make my writing stronger. Don’t just write your book, release it and hope that readers will find it; search for readers. Don’t quit my day job is by far the best advice I have heard.
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading a Romance Novel called Live for me by Erin McCarthy.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As a writer I am anxious to release a variety of different genre books. So far I have written drafts for Paranormal Romance, Erotica, Horror, and Young Adult. My Young Adult Dystopian Trilogy has receive positive and inspiring feedback so far, so I have decided to spend additional time developing the characters and strengthening the plot. I am interested to see how younger readers will respond.
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 Bone Garden by Tess Gerritsen
Topez Beverly Jenkins
God Don’t like Ugly by Mary Monroe
A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
Author Websites and Profiles
Michele Wesley Website
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Michele Wesley Author Profile on Smashwords
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