Michelle Miles

Our special guest today is Michelle Miles. She would like to start the interview off by including a brief bio of herself.

Michelle Miles first found her spark for writing when she was a teenager and looking for a way to escape the doldrums of her junior high English class. She writes contemporary hot romance as well as has a time travel action/adventure two-book series. She is currently writing fantasy and futuristic novels. Michelle is a member of Romance Writers of America and is a native Texan residing in Fort Worth. In her spare time, she enjoys watching hockey, reading, adding to her shoe collection and drinking coffee.Michelle’s latest book, TAKE ME I’M YOURS is available now from Cobblestone Press.

MB: Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

Michelle: First, thanks for much for having me! I’m thrilled to be interviewed here. I’ve always had an interest in books, but I was in junior high when I first start writing my stories down on paper. My then-best friend and I wrote and illustrated our own Indiana Jones adventures. Starring the two of us, of course. And then later I dabbled in fan-fiction writing Star Trek and Star Wars stories. I guess you could say I’m a bit of a nerd when it comes to that stuff. The first “real” story I wrote was in my Freshman English class about a princess, her evil uncle, the Duke, and the love who would save her from the Duke’s tyranny. I’m relieved to say that story is lost and gone forever because it was just awful. Then, later, I wrote my first “full length” novel. About 250 pages, handwritten, on notebook paper. Filled front and back. A science fiction story set in space and very reminiscent of Star Wars.

MB: Can you share a little of your current work with us?

Michelle: I have two works-in-progress at the moment. I’m in the revision stage of one which is a fantasy story about a female gladiator and her assassin lover. It’s based on Ancient Rome with lots of conspiracies going on. I’m hoping to find an agent for that. The second one is a futuristic with a heroine who is a smuggler and her former lover who’s a secret agent. They’re on the hunt of a mysterious tablet that turns out to be a map that leads them to something that’s not exactly a treasure.

MB: How long does it take you to write a book

Michelle: It depends on how gung-ho I get. LOL I drafted the gladiator book in about two months and it’s currently at 80,000 words. I’m now revising it and trying to clean up the plot and make sure it’s perfect before I start submitting. I’ve been known to crank out a 50k word novella in about six weeks before, though.

MB: What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

Michelle: I’m trying to get better, more consistent habits. My new goal if I’m writing new material is 1,000 words a day. That’s when I’m determined and it’s hard for me to do that sometimes. If I’m revising, I try to get a chapter a day done.
But, really, I’m a sporadic writer. I wish I could write every day but sometimes life-stuff gets in the way. Plus I volunteer for a lot more than I should and my time has to be devoted to some things that involve writing, but not writing. If that makes sense. Now with it being summer and the kid home all the time, it makes it difficult for me to write at night. I kinda like hanging out with him and Man during the evening and find myself ignoring the computer more and more.

MB: What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Michelle: I’m not sure I have one. For my fantasy worlds, I draw out maps on graph paper. Is that a quirk? :) Depending on the mood of the story, I either need complete and utter silence to write or I need some fast-paced, blood-pumping music to keep me writing. I find movie soundtracks work well for that.

MB: What animal do you think makes the best pet and why?

Michelle: I’m a cat lover. They’re so low maintenance (as opposed to dogs). Plus my cat hangs out with me in my office while I write. Sometimes he parks himself on my feet. It’s great in the winter!

MB: What is your strangest habit?

Michelle: I tend to fidget a lot. And I can’t talk without my hands. If they were suddenly gone, I’d probably be mute. :D

MB: What’s a saying you use a lot? Where did it originate from?

Michelle: I have a million of them actually. ;) I like to quote movies, so I use lines from various places. One of my favorites though is, “Keep on keeping on.” I actually liberated that from someone else.

MB: What is your favorite animal?

Michelle: White tigers. They’re so cool.

MB: What do you want to know about the future?

Michelle: Nothing. I like to be surprised.

MB: What is your heritage?

Michelle: I’m a Native Texan and proud of it. I was born in Dallas and raised in Mesquite but now a Fort Worth resident. I’ve been here for over ten years and love it.

MB: Have you ever cried during a movie? If yes, which one and why?

Michelle: Oh, gosh, yes. Even though I hate admitting it. I think the list is way too long, but a few of them are The English Patient¸ Gone With The Wind, An Affair To Remember and I’ve been known to shed a tear at Disney movies, too.

MB: What is the best way for readers to contact you?

Michelle: You can contact me via email at michelle@michellemiles.net, visit by website at http://www.michellemiles.netand sign up for my monthly newsletter.

MB: Any advice for aspiring writers?

Michelle: Never give up. Keep writing, no matter what. Educate yourself on the industry as much as possible. Join a writing group – either local or online – and find a critique partner you can trust. They will be invaluable to you.

MB: Anything you would like to add to this interview or comment about?

Michelle: Thanks for having me!

No, thank you Michelle for joining us and giving us a little insight to your writing and your life. Hope you will stop by often keeping us informed of your latest releases (we'll review them for you:-) )

Can't wait to read Take Me I'm Yours.