Author Interview: Emma Michaels

Before becoming an author, Emma Michaels was a blogger, too. And just like I said previously on this post, that's one of the strongest reasons why we bloggers should completely support her as better as we can. Her first book, The Thirteenth Chime, debuts on August 13th, 2010, and I expect everyone to check this out! That said, today I have an interview with Emma Michaels, and I hope you enjoy it.

First of all, the question I never get tired to ask: Where did the idea of The Thirteenth Chime come from?

The idea came from one night where there was a storm hitting the area where I live and it had knocked out the power. We went next door to share a few candles and the storm raged outside. Suddenly, the howling of the wind died down and for a moment there was silence. Then the antique grandfather clock in the house began to chime. The sound echoed throughout the house and it made me unconsciously reach out to grab someone's hand, wanting to feel a bond in that moment. It was in that moment that the inspiration for The Thirteenth Chime was born.

Who is Emma Michaels? Just tell us a little about yourself.

Well, originally I grew up in California but I moved here a little over two years ago and met my now fiance. Coming to Washington was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I love it here and it is very beautiful and it suits me perfectly. I love having dense, green forests all around me yet I can walk just five minutes and be on the beach, or drive a bit and be in a major city (it's the city girl in me!). I love reading and I have a career goals of not only becoming a professional author, but to make it to the top of the "New York Times Bestseller's List". I love traveling and boats. I also have come to love blogging in a way that I never could have expected. It has allowed me to not only share my findings of other books with other bloggers and blog readers, but to reach out and connect with my audience in an amazing way. I am truly grateful to everyone for all of the support and encouragement I have received along the way. I also promise that if potential fans love my writing, that I will continue to write for as long as everyone wants me to write!

How was the whole process from writing the book to have it nearly published?

I began querying agents back in December '09. After I received well over a hundred standard form rejections from agents who did not even request to see a single sample of my writing, I took the plunge at the encouragement of a dear friend and began querying publishers directly. All I can say is, wow, what a difference! I received encouragement and offers almost right away and when I finally decided on going with Bokheim, I was not prepared for what would happen next. Not only did they keep me in the loop on almost every part of the process, but they heard me out on my ideas and often tried to implement them. I am very grateful to them as they really helped to make the process easier for me and even more enjoyable for me than I would have ever thought possible.

Besides The Thirteenth Chime (and, consequently, the Sense of Truth series), is there any other story you've been working on lately? Any others book ideas?

Yes! I'm working on a couple of projects currently with one finished and another one on the road to being completed. The former I can't give away too much at this time (but if you love owls you are going to love this!) but I promise to keep everyone updated!

What did inspire you to create your characters from The Thirteenth Chime?

It was the original inspiration from The Thirteenth Chime that began the idea of the story and the bond between two people. In some ways, I feel as if they introduced themselves to me, and I was just fortunate enough to be the one to share their story with all of you. David and Destiny are two very unique characters, and I know that wherever their story goes from here I can't wait to write what happens next!

Is there anybody who you would go crazy (freak out!) if he/she ever got and read your book?

There are a bunch of authors I would go crazy about if I learned they got and read (and hopefully liked) my book but I think the one that would mean the most to me is Tamora Pierce because I wouldn't be where I am now without her!

Was there anything in your story that you had to do a research to write about, or everything from the story you brought up from your own imagination?

A lot of the book came from my own mind, but I spent almost two years doing research on the locations, concepts and ideas within the story in order to make it as accurate as possible.

As a blogger turned author, do you feel completely accomplished? What do you still wish for your career as an author?

I don't feel truly accomplished though I have been fortunate enough to take the 'next step'. It is my dream to become a professional author and for me, I feel this is only the beginning. Now I have to get lots of people to read and like my first book so that they want more! I also want to get to the top of the "New York Times Bestseller's List" and to stay at the top. I hope everyone will join me in making this a reality!

What can you say to bloggers who want to be authors someday as well?

Please don't give up! I know it can be frustrating and even disappointing at times, but I didn't give up and that is why I am where I am now. I believe in each of you just as you have believed in me, and I want to one day get to read and enjoy your books just as I hope you will mine!

Can you quote a few lines that you really like from The Thirteenth Chime?

Actually I can't quote you directly from the book yet (sorry!) but I can tell you to watch out for some interesting moments when Destiny's current fiance, Scott, and her ex-boyfriend, David, share a few words with one another. All I can say is, "Oh David, can't you stay out of trouble for at least five minutes?".

What if The Thirteenth Chime were published here in Brazil?

I would love that! I never expected for The Thirteenth Chime to already have gone that far, but I would definitely be open to that possibility and doing a book tour there.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

Yes, I would like to thank each and every one of you for your kind support, messages of encouragement and being the wonderful people that you have been. I am so grateful to be able to exchange words with you and I hope one day to get to see all of you in Brazil!

Thank you so much for the interview and to everyone reading for all of your support! I hope you all will love The Thirteenth Chime!

Thank you, too, Emma! It's awesome to have you here, and I hope you will accomplish all of your dreams as an author. :)