Author Spotlight with Michele Fogal and her newest book King of Rain

The Author Spotlight will focus on a different author every few weeks – it may feature an experienced writer who has a long history of published books, or a new author who is destined to be a future star. Today our Author Spotlight will be on Michele Fogal. You can keep in touch with Michele at the links following the interview!

Author Spotlight: Michele Fogal

First off, I want to thank Michele for taking the time to answer these questions for me. Please feel free to leave any questions you may have in the comment section below!

ABOUT THE BOOKS:

What is the title of your newest or upcoming book?

King of Rain

What publisher is this book being published by?

Dreamspinner Press

What is the publication date?

3/13/2015

King of Rain by Michele Fogal

Purchase links: Amazon / Dreamspinner

THE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:

Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I am a Love Story Novelist, in both SF & M/M Romance, a mother, a story addict, an endless student and a drooling xenophile.

Can you give the readers a brief summary of your latest book?

Being uber-tall and broad made it easy for Logan to hide his sexuality and vulnerability behind armor made of strength, ambition, and emotional detachment. His mask of macho success was shattered when he discovered the friend he’s carried a secret torch for has a boyfriend, and everything he’s always wanted now belongs to someone else. Logan can’t pretend not to care anymore, as his rage erupts in a horrible act of revenge. It’s impossible to hide his demons, now that they’ve broken loose. Since losing his sweet boyfriend, Jeremy’s loud and proud life of sex parties and clubbing feels empty. When he meets the dark and self-destructive Logan, Jeremy recognizes the demons he sees in Logan’s eyes. After all, he has plenty of his own. Logan isn’t looking for love, he’s looking for punishment and release, but with Jeremy all three seem momentarily possible… until he learns his victim was Jeremy’s lost love. Logan doesn’t expect forgiveness and knows he doesn’t deserve a real life, but after a taste of intimate closeness, finding salvation alone will mean he has to change, or die trying.

What genre does it fall in?

Contemporary Romance

Will you share a few words about your latest book, other than the usual blurb?

I was scared to write this book. Midway through writing, I read a few reviews on Book 1 where readers said that they had no interest in book 2 because the main characters were the antagonists of book 1 and who cares about those assholes anyway? Sigh. The problem was, I did. I could see how dinged up these guys were, how lost, how in need of love and hey, maybe I haven’t gotten over that soft spot for the bad boy that I should have matured out of long ago. It was such a relief to hear that readers found some magic in the redemption of my lost boys when book 2 came out.

Give us a little insight into your main characters! Who are they?

There are 2 main characters and we experience things from both points of view, but in my mind, it’s Logan’s story. At the end of book 1, he’s committed an act of sexual aggression and gotten caught by his family. His shame runs deep, not only about what he’s done, but who he is inside.

Will we be seeing these characters again any time soon? Is this book part of a series?

Yes, this is book 2 of my West Coast Boys series. The stories all feature the contrast of wilderness access and urban living that I love so much about where I live. The chilly north-west rain forest also felt perfect for Logan. He uses it to try to escape from his habits and lies, and as nature does, it helps him.

Tell us a little bit about your writing style. When and where is your favorite time/place to write?

I love a quiet house. Whether that means everyone is out or asleep, I feel like I can finally string thoughts TOGETHER and really listen to what the characters are trying to tell me.

What sort of book do you enjoy reading in your free time? What was the last book you read? Did you enjoy it?

I just finished Jordan L Hawk’s “Bloodline” and then “Hoarfrost” in her Whyborne and Griffin series. All I can say is that #GayVictorianFantasy is my favourite hashtag and I ADORE her books. “Hoarfrost” was somehow so fresh for me, even having read lots about these characters. Epic adventure, wild fantasy, and men in love. Gobble, gobble, gobble.

Did you always know you wanted to be a writer? Have you held any interesting jobs while you worked on your books?

I wrote on the inside of my mother’s womb actually. Ok, not really. I wrote a lot of poetry in high school and by university age, I was pretty hooked. Then I realised what a crap career writing makes and pulled up my big girl shorts to try and make some moola. It’s a bit like gambling though. Us addicts always just want to play one more hand. As for jobs, I currently cram writing in between my household, my kids and my small business clients (I’m a communications consultant which is code for Writer in Hiding).

What does your writing process look like?

On a great day? I’m in the zone and ripping ahead feeling like the story is perfect. On a bad day, I’m shying away from the keyboard, quite certain that the story is flawed, or maybe more accurately, that I’M flawed and will be unable to finish it “properly.” Then I have those sneaky days, where I trick myself into doing something that “doesn’t really count” and is therefore not terrifying.

Why did you choose to write GLBTQ romance? Why not another genre?

I’m bi and have a few family members who are in the rainbow too. I feel passionate about sharing tales of hope and love within this community.

One last questions…totally unrelated to books! I am a passionate foodie. Is there one thing in your pantry that you would be horrified for people to know that you eat?

My kids are disgusted with my new obsession: marinated mushrooms! My local grocery store has them in the deli and I was putting together a charcuterie and cheese plate recently for a party, and wow! Thank god no one else likes them and I can stand in the fridge sneaking them and moaning with pleasure at their delicate flavour and firm yet soft flesh while dripping oil on my toes. (That was some food porn for you my dear! LOL)

Thankyou so much for answering my questions. I think my readers will enjoy learning more about you! Good luck in your future writing!

KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE AUTHOR:

Find out more about Michele by visiting the author’s website. You can also check out their profile on Goodreads or follow on Facebook or Twitter.