Blog Tour: Author Interview with Emma Michaels

I'm happy to have Emma Michaels, author of the upcoming book The Thirteenth Chime stopping by Book Faery today to answer a few questions.

"Emma Michaels was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, until she moved at eighteen to Washington State. Suddenly, the world was a new place filled with tall green trees that reached further for the sky with every moment, making her want to do the same. Ever since, she has tried to make her life something new and different from what it was before, pursuing her future career, setting high goals and reaching for them with every moment.

With her Debut novel, The Thirteenth Chime being released August 13th 2010 and future releases planned Emma Michaels aspires to one day make it to the top ten of the New York Times Best Sellers List. With her fiancé at her side and her small white Chihuahua, Hope, she writes, reads, reviews and tries to live everyday to its fullest, whether in the pages of a good book or reaching out to others."

Connect with Emma
Blog | Website | Twitter | Goodreads

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Thanks for stopping by Emma, and congratulations on your debut!

So first thing's first, according to your blog, you were a book reviewer before getting published, and you still write a few reviews now.  Is there anything else you can tell us about yourself that we can't find via your blog or website?

A) Good question. I have a lot of strange quirks like a love of quills and notebooks even though I almost always use my computer to write. My favorite bookstore is actually a very small bookstore in San Diego, California called Warwick's. It is half book store and half office supplies/ art supplies and gifts making it the perfect fit for me. I draw often and love many different types of crafts. Overall, yes, there are many things I could tell you but I think we might be here for quiet a long time. *laughs*

If you could describe your novel in one to two sentences, how would you do so?

A) It is story of the bond between two people - David and Destiny - as they are pulled into a trap created by a madman almost fifty years ago. It is their journey together, despite all of their differences and their past as they face "The Thirteenth Chime".

What exactly inspired you to write The Thirteenth Chime, and how long did it take you to write the first draft?

A) I had a number of inspirations for "The Thirteenth Chime", but I think it was Washington State itself that compelled me to write this novel the most. This land is beautiful and you can feel its presence all around you in the trees, the earth and in the ocean. The first draft did not take me very long to do, but I did spend a few years doing the research. I wanted to be sure that certain elements of the story were as authentic as possible.

Do you have a favorite scene from The Thirteenth Chime?

A) Yes I do! I can't describe it in great detail yet, but I can share that it is a moment between David and Destiny when they are alone and they come to terms with the past. They finally accept one another.

Who's your favorite character?

A) Stephanie. She is a close friend of Destiny and a very important character within the story. She is just filled with so much heart and spunk!

Did any authors in particular inspire you to write this novel?

A) No, not this particular novel. I have been inspired by authors after reading their books. Tamora Pierce, for instance, has always been a great source of inspiration and hope to me.

Do you listen to music when you write, or do you need absolute silence?

A) Music is very important. It can help me write a scene because it brings out the emotions within me that can help me work through what is going to happen next. Another advantage to the music is that if you reach a roadblock, you can lean back, close your eyes, and let the notes and sound of the music flow through you like a cool breeze on a warm day.

What is a typical day like in the life of Emma Michaels?

A) I love my routine *laughs* A typical day for me is when I lay to the birds chirping for a few minutes in bed before I get up and eat while checking important messages for the day. Once I have handled messages, I turn head straight into writing. The hours I write very depending on the day, but I make sure I write each and every day. I also make sure I get out every day and enjoy the world around me, even if it is only a short walk on the beach or the main roads surrounded by trees. I also make sure I spend as much time with my fiance and Chihuahua as possible!

Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate!!!!!!
White or black? White for houses black for clothing (unless it is summer)
Day or night? Day, though it used to be night. Since moving to Washington it has become day. (though my favorite is still sunrise or sundown!)

Dark chocolate or milk chocolate? Either! yeay chocolate... I guess if I had to choose... dark.

Coffee or tea? Tea. Although I like coffee, I've tried to give it up and drink tea almost every day.

Paranormal Romance or Paranormal-YA? Paranormal YA, although the beauty of my book is that you get both in one!

Printed book or E-book? A good question! Although I am a traditionalist in that I do love the feel and smell of a good book in my hands, I have grown exceedingly fond of e-books. They help to save the environment and the savings that publishers accumulate from e-book sales provides more royalties to the author and more to charitable donations. Bokheim Publishing believes in only doing e-books, although they do work with printed books on request, which was a blessing for me as they are going all out to do both for "The Thirteenth Chime"!

Thank you so much for helping me spread the word and to everyone reading! If we all work together we can get The Thirteenth Chime to the New York Times Best Sellers List but I can't do it without you!!! Thank you for your support!