Today I'm happy to host a fascinating author, Missy Michaels, for Open Mic Monday. She's been kind enough to answer a few of my questions and share a bit of her new novel, To the Swift. Welcome, Missy!
Thank you for taking
the time to stop by Kisses, Caresses & Whispers in the Night today. I
really appreciate your time. Can you tell us a little bit about your
newest release?
To the Swift tells the story of Monica LeBlanc, a Louisiana
native, who moves to Memphis, TN in an effort to save her marriage. Daniel
LeBlanc needs a fresh start to prove to Monica that he loves her more than the
gin and vodka that’s available at the nearest liquor store. They easily make
friends in their new city but one of their new friends has a twisted obsession
with Monica.
What inspired this
novel in particular?
Stories my grandmother told from her youth, my own
experiences and my fascination with the city of Memphis, TN.
Who is your favorite
character in this novel and why?
Felix is my favorite character because his
actions are intriguing.
What comes
first--characters or plot ideas?
In this book the characters came first.
How important is
setting? Does it play an integral role in this story?
Setting was very
important to the story. It is set in two real cities, the characters eat in
real restaurants and visit places that really exist in Breaux Bridge, LA and
Memphis, TN.
What motivates your
main characters?
Wanderlust, obsession, love and independence.
What is the central
conflict?
A marriage that’s in trouble, a twisted friendship and misplaced
trust.
What is your favorite
aspect about being a novelist?
My favorite part is getting to know the
characters and their motivations.
What draws you to
this particular genre?
I write the type of stories that I’ve always loved to
read.
Are there any other
genres you can see yourself writing and why/why not?
I will write a ghost
story. I grew up listening to my family tell stories of supernatural
experiences.
What’s your goal as an
author?
By that, I mean...why write? Why is it important to you? I’m observant, creative, blessed with a good
memory and a fantastic imagination.
If you could snap
your fingers and transport yourself anywhere in the world, where would you go
and why?
I would go to the mountains in
Colorado because the view would be amazing. Or into a bank vault because that’s
where the money is.
Tea or coffee? Tea.
Night person or early
riser?
I’m definitely a night person.
Sometimes the alarm clock makes me sad.
Tell us 5 little
known facts about yourself.
1) I collect Hot Wheels
2) I own a 1992 Chevy Camaro RS 25th
Anniversary edition
3) My favorite movie is Disney’s The Lion King
4) I’m learning to speak French
5) I meet the qualifications to be on Worst
Cooks in America on Food Network
I love your 5 things! Whenever I ask that question, I'm not sure what I'll get but I'm rarely disappointed. Thanks! Now let's take a peek inside "To the Swift".
Book Blurb:
March 22, 2013
Monica Jerome grew up wealthy, pampered and carefree in
Lafayette, Louisiana. Daniel LeBlanc grew up poor in the nearby town of Breaux
Bridge. Daniel meets, pursues and marries Monica after only a four month
romance. After nearly ten years of marriage and the birth of their daughter and
two sons they decide to leave the bayou country of Louisiana to move to
Memphis, TN. After settling into a front office position with a luxury hotel in
her new city Monica finds herself being preyed upon by an obsessive stalker.
Unbeknownst to her, it is someone she trusts and considers not only her co-worker
but a new friend. A spur of the moment decision to save a marriage has totally
unexpected repercussions. What happens when a friend quietly and persistently
unleashes his own agenda to make devastating changes to the outcome the couple
desperately seeks?
Excerpt:
Monica rehearsed how she would present this turn of events to her parents as she drove to work. She was taking them to dinner at Mulate's while her kids spent the evening at Melanie's. Monica had explained to Daniel that it would be much better to sit down to talk with them than to springs a call on them from Memphis.
She was still reeling from that experience herself.
That evening her parents both dined on the Stuffed Catfish Cecilia and their petite daughter dove into the Fried Alligator Platter. While they decided if they had room for Atchafalaya Mud Cake or Key Lime Pie for dessert an air of expectancy lingered over the table. And it wasn't over what their next menu selection would be. Jack remembered very well the distinct change in his daughter's demeanor the day before.
Monica let her eyes wander from their fellow diners to the musicians. As the band played several couples had been enticed onto the dance floor by the upbeat tunes. Monica knew this was one of her parents favorite restaurants for both the delicious menu and the lively Zydeco musicians.
As she turned back to the table she realized that her parents were watching her. And waiting.
"This was delicious as always, they never disappoint. Monica thank you for dinner sweetheart," Adrienne stated as she sipped her iced tea.
"I know. This food is so good I can't stop. I really want Key Lime Pie even though I'm stuffed." Monica patted her stomach while she sighed softly.
"We can buy a whole pie to take home. That way the kids can enjoy it with us," Jack suggested. Keep the small talk coming Monica thought gratefully.
"Monica, are you pregnant?," Adrienne asked abruptly. Okay then. So much for the light banter.
"Pregnant...umm, no. I do have news though," Monica responded slowly while collecting her thoughts. Her parents were observing her intently. Monica looked at her iced tea glass to the right of her plate and started counting the melting ice cubes.
Connect with MIssy on Goodreads and Facebook:
Buy To the Swift at: http://www.amazon.com/To-the-Swift-ebook/dp/B00C1R2KI0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366737286&sr=8-1&keywords=to+the+swift+by+missy+michaels
5 comments:
I found your great blog through the WLC Blog Follows on the World Literary Cafe! Great to connect!
Pretty romantic illustrations.
Interesting book. Enjoyed the interview--especially the part about Colorado (I grew up in Denver) and the Camero. We must be kindred spirits--I have a 1997 silver Firebird with performance package and a black racing stripe. License plate: HT FLSH1. Not a mark on her.
Good luck with the book!
Jan
Interesting book. Enjoyed the interview--especially the part about Colorado (I grew up in Denver) and the Camero. We must be kindred spirits--I have a 1997 silver Firebird with performance package and a black racing stripe. License plate: HT FLSH1. Not a mark on her.
Good luck with the book!
Jan
Thank you very much Jan! That's really cool about your Firebird, we are kindred spirits!
Missy Michaels
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