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 Tere Michaels. You can keep in touch with her at the links following the interview!
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Author Spotlight: Tere Michaels
First off, I want to thank Ms. Michaels 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 BOOK:
What is the title of your newest or upcoming book?
Faith, Love & Devotion: Cherish & Blessed
What publisher is this book being published by?
Dreamspinner
What is the publication date?
2/13/2015
Faith, Love & Devotion: Cherish & Blessed
Purchase links: Amazon / Dreamspinner/ Goodreads
THE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
Tere Michaels unofficially began her writing career at the age of four when she learned that people got paid to write stories. It seemed the most perfect and logical job in the world and after that, her path was never in question. (The romance writer part was written in the stars—she was born on Valentine’s Day.) It took thirty-six years of “research” and “life experience” and well… life… before her first book was published but there are no regrets (she doesn’t believe in them). Along the way, she had some interesting jobs in television, animation, arts education, PR and a national magazine—but she never stopped believing she would eventually earn her living writing stories about love. She is a member of RWA, Rainbow Romance Writers, and Liberty States Fiction Writers. Her home base is a small town in New Jersey, very near NYC, a city she dearly loves. She shares her life with her husband, her teenaged son—who will just not stop growing—and three exceedingly spoiled cats. Her spare time is spent watching way too much sports programming, going to the movies and for long walks/runs in the park, reading her book club’s current selection, and volunteering. Nothing makes her happier than knowing she made a reader laugh or smile or cry. It’s the purpose of sharing her work with people. She loves hearing from fans and fellow writers, and is always available for speaking engagements, visits and workshops. Send here a message through her contact page or connect with her on Twitter (@TereMichaels) and Facebook .
Can you give the readers a brief summary of your latest book?
Cherish After several years of happy coupledom, Matt and Evan can relax in the knowledge that their little family has survived the worst of it. The two older girls are away at college, the twins have yet to fully hit teen angst, Matt is doing well with his part time security consulting, and Evan is about to be promoted to captain—it seems like things are calm and bright. Until they aren’t. As the holidays approach, Evan and Matt get a shock no parent is ever prepared for: feisty Miranda, Evan’s eldest, has a new boyfriend, Kent, and they are talking marriage after just three months together. In fact, Miranda wants to bring him to Thanksgiving dinner—along with his parents, Blake and Cornelia. Blessed Lives are in transition as everyone gathers at the stunning Hamptons beach home of Daisy and Bennett to celebrate the christening of their new baby. Griffin and Jim—secretly growing tired of their rootless lifestyle—are in a rocky spot in their relationship. And as the godfather, Griffin finds himself yearning for something he’s sure Jim won’t be interested in. Fatherhood. Matt and Evan are looking to reconnect during the long weekend, as their respective careers pull them in separate directions. With less time spent together, Evan grows concerned about what will happen when the last two kids leave the nest.
What genre does it fall in?
Contemporary Romance
Will you share a few words about your latest book, other than the usual blurb?
It really sets up the final book in the series, which is due in May. I loved crafting a story that leaves people anxious for more!
Give us a little insight into your main characters! Who are they?
Both couples are featured in Cherish & Blessed – they’re all pretty different actually. They handle emotion and life and challenge in their own unique ways. Sometimes tho, it’s three stoic cops and poor Griffin, who desperately needs someone to emote at!
Will we be seeing these characters again any time soon? Is this book part of a series?
Yes the Faith, Love & Devotion series
Tell us a little bit about your writing style. When and where is your favorite time/place to write?
I don’t have a specific time that works for me – whenever inspiration strikes is my favorite time! Sometimes it’s morning and sometimes it’s the middle of the night! I usually work in my bedroom – it’s relaxing and quiet.
What sort of book do you enjoy reading in your free time? What was the last book you read? Did you enjoy it?
Unfortunately, my schedule has been so packed lately I haven’t been able to read much. I did enjoy Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction by Jeff VanderMeer and Jeremy Zerfoss. It’s an amazing reference book.
Did you always know you wanted to be a writer? Have you held any interesting jobs while you worked on your books?
I’ve always wanted to be a writer, never anything else! In my past life, I worked as a production secretary at a few production companies. I was a staff writer for a national magazine. I also worked at Parsons School of Design, which I loved. Education would be my second choice for a career.
What does your writing process look like?
Hectic and scattered. I spend a lot of time ruminating on a book before I ever start writing. The first third has to work before I can move on; then I write the ending. I never write in chronological order.
Why did you choose to write GLBTQ romance? Why not another genre?
It chose me, actually. Or rather my story did. Evan evolved in my mind and I asked what the greatest challenge I could give him in falling in love again…and Matt was born. Romance is romance to me. People falling in love is my genre.
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?
Oh my goodness, what a great question! Tiny cat shaped cookies from Trader Joe’s.
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 Ms Michaels by visiting the author’s website. You can also check out their profile on Goodreads or follow on Facebook or Twitter.
The final book in this series is now available! – Truth & Tenderness.
Purchase Links: Amazon / Dreamspinner
[…] is book 6 in the Faith, Love & Devotion series by Tere Michaels. Check out my recent author interview for more information on the creation of this story and read my review of Cherished and Blessed […]