Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started writing professionally closing on a decade ago. I started writing fiction for the hell of it long before that. A few years after I started copywriting for a living, I decided to do what I wanted to do and write/publish my first book. It is a horror novel called Morrigan’s Shadows. I’m currently in the process of writing two other novels and of publishing the sequel to Morrigan’s Shadows. Within two years, I should have a handful of books published.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book (due out August 18, 2015) is called August’s Gardens. It was inspired by its predecessor, really. I already had a story, but I felt like the world I wrote about wasn’t done spewing out ideas, so I kept writing. Moreover, virtually everyone thought the ending was so abrupt that it needed more. It was deliberate and I meant to leave readers feeling that way, but I was persuaded by their pleas to pick it back up sooner than I would have without them.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Hmmm. I don’t know what is usual.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I would have to say every book and author I have ever read has influenced me in some way. I learned what I liked, what I didn’t like, how to find my own voice, etc. through reading. I’ve read so much by now that I couldn’t possibly say what has influenced me the most. I know my favorite books and authors in no particular order include, but are certainly not limited to Fahrenheit 451, Stephen King, To Kill a Mockingbird, Douglas Adams, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Charles Dickens, William Hope Hodgson, H.G. Wells . . .
What are you working on now?
I’m in the middle of a short story anthology that I am really enjoying. I’m also finishing up (kind of) a project that I started more than ten years ago.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Is there a best method?
I talk to people and try to write good books.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Get ready before you publish. Get to know what that means and what your responsibilities are as a writer. If you’re not so busy you’re wondering when you will ever find time to write another book, you’re doing it wrong. If you’re selling well, you’re busy talking to people. If you’re not, you’re busy trying to.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read more books. Everyone says it.
What are you reading now?
The Queen of Bedlam by Robert McCammon. It’s brilliant.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I think my short story anthology. It’s a very personal project that I know I have to finish in order to be happy.
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?
A notebook, assuming I had a pen, The Stand, because it would keep me busy, To Kill a Mockingbird, because I can’t live without Atticus Finch, and a short classic horror anthology that has a good collection.
Author Websites and Profiles
Michelle Barclay Amazon Profile
Michelle Barclay Author Profile on Smashwords
Michelle Barclay’s Social Media Links
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