David Michael

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

WITH

DAVID MICHAEL

Hi David how are you?

Oh, I’m just wonderful! It’s been a little gloomy here in Salt Lake for the last few weeks, so I’m enjoying the break in the crummy weather and soaking up some sun!

Tell me a little about yourself?

I was born and raised in Utah (nope, not a Mormon). My dad’s entire family is spread all over southern California so I spent a lot of time there as a kid as well. I LOVE animals and have 2 cats and a dog in my tiny little apartment. I’m the oldest of 7 kids (don’t get me started) and every last one of my siblings are still terrified of me.

You are quite a charmer, how do your readers react when they meet you in person?

A lot of my readers are all smiles and tend not to say much. It’s weird to me because I spend an INSANE amount of time on my Facebook page interacting with them and we talk about EVERYTHING. I always expect them to come bouncing into my lap and give me a big hug instead of quietly freaking out on the inside.

Are the stories old ones you have saved on you computer or new?

Everything I write is new content. I BARELY outline, so when I sit down at the keyboard, it’s a new adventure every day!

When and why did you begin writing?

Oh hell… I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember… I think my first “book” was in 5th grade? There really wasn’t a reason behind it. It just seemed like what I needed to do!

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

A writer? I’d say sometime in Elementary school. I didn’t consider myself an AUTHOR until I got my first royalty check. It was a weird head-space thing for me.

What inspired you to write your first book?

My very first book back in the day was written because I was mad at my best friend at the time. He quit hanging out with me because the popular kids didn’t like me. Hahaha!

 My first PUBLISHED book was inspired by my own life and ideals. It was meant to address what happens to us, the average people, when good and evil stop playing by the rules. Who draws the line between right and wrong? It’s something that’s always bothered me, so I wrote a book (that turned into a series of five books) about that very topic!

Who was the easiest character to write for and why and hardest and why?

I think, thus far, Luke from the United Series was the easiest to write. I connected really well with his personality and he was always just so willing to talk when it was time to work. The hardest has got to be Parker. His lifestyle is one I don’t and probably never will understand. Hopefully, after his book is finished, I’ll at least have a little more insight.

What was your favorite book as a child?

Hmm… When I was REALLY little, my grandma used to have this giant pink picture dictionary that I LOVED to read with her (so much so that I actually found a copy on eBay a couple years ago and bought it!). My Side Of The Mountain was a teen favorite, along with Between A Rock And A Hard Place.

How did you come up with the title?

That part was easy for ‘Porter’—it was the main character’s name!

How much of the book is realistic?

It’s a pretty realistic book. I mean, it’s a story that could probably happen to 10% of the population in southern California. Haha!

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

A combination of the two. I think a lot of good fiction requires that we pull things from our own lives AND things we observe in the lives of others.

What books have influenced your life most?

That’s a tough one because there are SO many! The MoonQuest by Mark David Gerson comes to mind. The Xanth novels by Piers Anthony. Anne McCaffrey’s Dragon Rider books. (clearly, I read a lot of Fantasy… Hahaha!)

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Mark David Gerson for sure. I met him LONG before I ever published and he has been nothing but a font of information, inspiration, and encouragement for me.

What book are you reading now?

At this exact moment, I’m reading ‘The Boys In The Boat’ by Daniel James Brown

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

Daryl Banner is new to me (not necessarily new to the “scene”). His writing is easy to read, steamy, and quick to put in on my short commutes to work.

Which one of your books would you say is a favorite of your readers?

At this point, I have to say ‘Porter’ is quickly making its way to the top of that list! Before the porn star came on the scene, I think ‘Damned’ was the communal favorite.

And which one is your favorite book you have written?

‘Damned’ (my 4th book) is still my favorite. There’s a lot of ME in that book and it’s the one I connected to the most.

Who is your favorite character out of all the ones you have brought to life in your books?

Luke (‘Cursed’, ‘Damned’, and ‘United’). Followed by Holly (‘Porter’)

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

This is a snippet from ‘Parker’ (the next book in the Dick Dynasty Trilogy)

“Sirens.

The only thing I remember vividly about the ambulance ride was the screeching keen of the siren.”

How would you describe yourself?

Quiet, thoughtful, observant, caring, and kind. With a mean streak a mile wide if you get on my bad side. Hahahahaha!

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Marketing and promo work. Ack! The bane of my existence! I just want to write! Being outgoing is so taxing! Haha!

Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

Nora Roberts (tell anyone that and I might have to kill you… Kidding!) The way that woman can tell a story and make her characters come to life is seriously brilliant. She blows my mind every single time.

If you could co- author a book with another author who would it be?

Lola Stark! **happy dance** I love that woman! We’ve worked together on several projects but never actually co-authored anything… We’ve talked about it though… Hmmm…..

Who designed the covers?

Louisa with LM Creations did The United Series for me! The designer of ‘Porter’ doesn’t want limelight for it though because it’s something she does as a favor to me and a hobby.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

The halfway mark. Every. Single. Time. The beginning and the end of a book always go by so fast for me, but the middle… Ugh. It’s where I plateau and I just have to force myself to plow through it.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

If you want to sell your books, sell yourself first. Be a good person. Interact with your fans. Make them like YOU. Then they’ll follow you to the ends of the earth and back.

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

Thank you thank you thank you! This last year and a half has been crazy and I couldn’t have done it without you!

What do you like to do when you’re not writing your next book?

Sleep. Hahaha! I work a “big boy job” on top of my writing, so any chance I get to sleep, I take it! I’m also a bit of a gamer and I LOVE to travel.

What is your favorite movie?

Practical Magic. Easy.

If one of your books was made in to a movie like so many books from Amazon, which one would you like it to be and who would you cast as your leading characters?

‘Damned’ would be my choice (assuming I can’t say the entire series…) Luke would probably be, Adam Rodriguez. Hayden would be Cam Gigandet. And Kane would be Kellan Lutz.

What and when is your next release?

‘Porter’ goes live June 11th 2015 and Parker will be releasing early in December of 2015.

Thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview with me it has been a absolute pleasure chatting with you.

**bows**nods**waves**blushes** Thanks for having me!!!