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Why not start by telling us a bit about yourself.
Oh,
wow. This is probably the hardest question anyone ever asks. Guess I'll
stick with the basics: I write gay fiction (generally romance), am
multi-published, and queer as a football bat. I think that covers it
quite nicely. *grins*
Past
the basics, I have an insatiable love for anything Welsh (including my
Celtic ancestry) and medieval. My books are currently threatening to
overtake my desk and this half of the living room. My knight figures are
perched on top of my books. And I desperately need more space and hours
to feed my research addiction.
Have you always wanted to write or is it something that just came
about?
Little
bit of both, actually. I originally was intent on pursuing a PhD in
Archaeology, with a focus on medieval England, but somewhere down the
line, I started writing. I've always loved books and writing, but never
did anything serious with it. Eventually, my goals flip-flopped:
Archaeology became a hobby, writing became a career. I'm very passionate
about both.
Has it been everything you thought it would be or not?
It's
gone well beyond my expectations. I started writing seriously in 2005.
At the start of 2008, I'm a best-selling author, have won a few awards
(one recently), and receive fan mail every day that reminds me why I do
this: in the hopes that someone else loves my men as much as I do.
How did it feel when you realized that your very first book was
going to be published?
I
was ecstatic. Breathless, elated, stunned... I get that way with every
acceptance; it hasn't worn off and I hope it never does.
What's your favorite part of writing a book? Why?
Meeting
the characters. I don't "create" my men--they find me. I
simply put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and write what they
dictate. I love the exploration of their lives and their loves, finding
out what makes them tick. (Guess it goes without saying that I love
people-watching, huh?)
What's your least favorite part? Why?
Writing
the blurbs. *laughs* I hate writing blurbs. Can't say editing because,
quite frankly, I love doing it. As for blurbs, I have trouble writing
such short summaries of something much longer. It's hard for me to
gather points into a few paragraphs when they took several thousand
words to form in the story.
Is there anyone who helped influence your writing? If so, who and
why?
Personally?
My mother. (Yeah, what Southern boy doesn't love his Mama, eh?) She
instilled in me my love of books and writing. She writes as well, when
her schedule permits. And we always compare notes on books that we both
read and like/dislike. We have regular lunch dates (once a month) in
which we'll go eat Chinese, then head to a local bookstore.
Professionally,
I'd have to say my biggest influence is Emily Bronte. I read Wuthering
Heights as a teen and...wow. It blew me away. Still does. I've lost
count of how many times I've read that book. Romance specifically,
Glenna McReynolds holds that distinction. Her medieval trilogy (The
Chalice and the Blade, Dream Stone, Prince of Time) sealed my romance
fate. (And she's a beautiful person; I've spoken with her via email a
few times.)
If you could change one thing about your publishing career, what
would it be? Why?
Nothing.
Not a thing in the world. I'm moving at a comfortable pace and I
couldn't ask for anything more right now. Everything will fall into
place in time.
Do you have any tips or advice for those wanting to be a published
author?
Don't
ever give up. That's my biggest piece of advice. Don't let critiques
and/or reviews affect you; you have to develop a thick skin in this
business. And always remain professional--at all times. Publishers,
reviewers, readers--they all watch, so it's in an author's best
interests to remain professional.
How can your fans get in touch with you?
Pick
a way! Any way! *grins*
Email:
mychael_black@yahoo.com
Journal:
http://mychael-black2.livejournal.com
Website:
http://www.mychaelblack.com
(includes more information on my Contact page)
Thanks very much Mychael for the
interview and Literary Nymphs wishes you much success in the future!
Thank you! I'm beyond thrilled and honored for this chance.
*smiles*
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