Interview with Michelle Grey, CONVERGENCE

Do you have a favorite character?

I have enjoyed writing each of my characters. Usually the ones I am most connected with are the ones I’m currently writing. Tori, my heroine from Convergence, was probably the most interesting for me, because her personality is so different from mine.

Have you ever had a minor character evolve into a major one? Did that change the direction of the novel at all?

I’ve had minor characters evolve into heroes or heroines in future stories. But in the current novel I’m working on, this is the first time someone I thought would be a very minor character has ended up playing a major role in resolving the plot line. Such fun!

Did you try the traditional route to publishing, i.e. querying agents/publishers?

I didn’t go the traditional publishing route initially, but now that I’ve been writing as an indie author for a few years I am branching out and working on becoming a hybrid.

What factors influenced your decision to self-publish your book(s)?

I think the climate in the publishing industry has allowed self-publishing to flourish, and allowed an avenue to get my books to market more quickly than traditional publishing. But it has also been difficult to find readers because of the glut of books that have come to market, so it’s just as important to know how to market as it is to know how to write well.

If you used a graphic designer/publisher’s designer, how involved were you during the creative process for your cover?

Marisa Shor at Cover Me Darlings is a creative genius. I conceptualize an idea, and she brings it to life. I know my limitations and am so thankful I’ve connected with Marisa, who can make anything gorgeous!

Do you belong to a critique group? Have they helped improve your writing?

Yes. I’ve been critiquing with the same two women since 2012. We’ve developed such a bond of trust over the years, which allows us to put our egos on the shelf and just get work done. They both bring unique strengths to my edits and I love working with them.

Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?

I’m a plotter by nature. I feel like I need to have a good idea of where the story is going in order to not wander off into the weeds too much…although that still happens.

Do you find it difficult to juggle your time between marketing your current book and writing your next book?

As an indie author, it is challenging to do both. You can write a great book, but if you fail to market it, no one will ever know about it. But writing is my heart, and much more of my time goes into that than marketing.

Besides writing, do you have any other passions?

I’m an ovarian cancer survivor, so I’m passionate about spreading the word about early symptom awareness. They call ovarian cancer the silent killer because the symptoms are so mild early on (when you have the best chance of beating the disease) that women generally ignore them until it’s too late. I try to incorporate that early awareness message into every author event I attend.

What’s next for you?

I’m working on two projects now. The first one is the fourth book in the Long Shot Series, which is Cam’s story (Tori’s best friend in Convergence). The second is a two-book project that is going to be offered to agents/editors for traditional publishing.

BLURB:

Nothing comes between Tori Whitlock and her tornado chase season -- not a serial killer, not even the hot FBI agent who’s vowed to save her life. But Detective Jack Mathis plays tough. Ending this case isn’t just his job, it’s his mission. And he finally has the advantage.

He faces Tori’s hostility and objections head-on, interjecting himself into every aspect of her life, and leaving him no time to dwell on his own.

Through the twists and turns of the madman’s game, Tori is forced to adapt to her unwelcome circumstances. Still, she fights Jack's presence, and her attraction to him, as he tries to open doors better left closed.

For Tori and Jack, life and death decisions are part of their jobs. But, can they overcome their pasts and realize that there’s a difference between life and living?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio:

Michelle Grey is an avid lover of books, and had always thought that someday she would take up her pen and write romantic suspense. In 2009, Michelle was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer, and she realized that “somedays” aren’t guaranteed. This life changing event motivated Michelle to pursue her dream of becoming an author. 

In January of 2013, Michelle released her debut novel, Dangerous Ally. 

In September of 2013, the next book in her Long Shot Series, Unspoken Bonds, was published.

Now a cancer survivor, Michelle decided to use her platform to promote awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms.  In January 2014 she published, Are You Listening: A Personal Journal of an Ovarian Cancer Survivor.

Because it is so important to spread the word, one hundred percent of the proceeds from this $.99 ebook go directly to the Vicki Welsh Ovarian Cancer Fund to support their mission of fighting ovarian cancer through awareness, education, research and support.

Michelle lives in the Midwestern US with her husband of twenty-eight years and has four amazing and unique children, a wonderful son-in-law, and two beautiful granddaughters.  Michelle believes that any day that involves family, writing, or reading is a great day, indeed.

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellegreyauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelleGrey13

Website:  www.authormichellegrey.com

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