It's Finally Friday (11) with Michelle G. Miller

Well hell there lovelies!

It's finally Friday, and I'm back with another edition of this meme! This week we have Michelle G. Miller author of  Never Let You Go. I have yet to read Miller's book, but I am hoping once in college I'll be using my kindle much more often so I'll end up giving it a shot! I can definitely say I am intrigued! Well now, on to the interview!

What is your favorite book of all time?

This is a terribly hard question! I wish I could say it is something deep and thought provoking but alas it is not. I first discovered historical romance by reading Judith McNaught many years ago (my first was Until You). I fell in love with period stories. Almost Heaven would have to be my favorite of hers. I have read many AMAZING books through the years but I go back to Judith because she reignited my love for reading after I graduated high school.

What was your inspiration to write your book?

My current work in process, Last Call, was inspired by music. It was a random thought that came to me while in the shower- because that's where ALL of the good stuff comes from- and it stemmed from how music connects people. The book is not about music but my main characters use song titles to bond.

My YA Fantasy series- The Prophecy of Tyalbrook- came from the idea that I wanted to write about a guardian who had to a girl who was the "key" to something. That was the first image in my head. That turned into Never Let You Fall (released May 1, 2013) and the upcoming Never Let You Go. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17879285

-never-let-you-fall

What is one book you wish, you had written?

I am a mad mad fan of Amy Bartol and The Premonition Series. I would love to have her imagination and ability to write about angels. I LOVE angel books in general and don't know if I could ever do them the justice that so many others have.

Why did you start writing books for young adults? And why this genre?

Well my fantasy series is YA/Coming of Age. I have worked with teens through our church youth group for four years now so it seemed logical that I would write for the people whom I connect with on a weekly basis. Honestly I enjoy YA because it can appeal to so many readers. I love hearing from teens and I love knowing that moms have read and loved the book too. I am most proud of the fact that I can recommend the book to teens and know that it is a clean read for them.

As for why fantasy that is pretty easy. In fantasy you can do whatever you want. When you get stuck in a plotline you can throw in a demon or magic and BAM the story changes. I love creating a place to get away from the real world for a while.

What makes your book so different from all the books out there?

One thing that I've been told is refreshing in Never Let You Fall is the relationship between Xander and Skye. He is a genuinely good guy. He adores Skye and expects nothing from her in return. There are so many "bad boys" out there these days and I wanted to write boys whom I would be happy to have my daughter say "that's what I want in a guy."

I also have romance but the story is YA, it's clean. I tried to portray my characters as the teens they are (17 and 19) and the fact that they are lusting after each other and making out is very natural for teens but my guy is chivalrous and wants to protect Skye's virtue.

Are you currently working on anything new? If so can we get a clue on what it is ;D?

As I mentioned in question #2 I am currently about 10 thousand words away from finishing my next book, Last Call. Last Call is a new adult romantic comedy with suspense. Maybe I should call is a dramedy? It's about a girl, Savannah, who gets invited to her cousins wedding (to her own ex) and with the help of friends goes on the hunt for a date. In the process she finds a few good men but can she find the perfect one? http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18216345-last-call

Who was your favorite character in the whole story? And why?

I love writing guys! In both my series and in Last Call I have found that I fall in love with the boys I write. In Never Let You Fall Xander was such an amazing character to create because he was so steadfast. I love his dedication to this girl and as the story unfolds and you see the backstory to their relationship it just gets better and better. In the sequel, Never Let You Go, there is a new character that I have enjoyed adding to the bunch. In fact one of my Beta readers keeps telling me he is rivaling Xander for her affection! ;)

Any tips or tricks for aspiring writers?

The best tip I received from another write was write every day. Two thousand words a day = a book in three months. That tidbit really helped breakdown the overwhelming task of writing a novel. I do not always get my 2k a day, and sometimes I get more, but knowing that's all it takes to get to where I need to be is a great help.

I would also say write what you know and love. Obviously the trends change in the market and while new adult contemporary romances with pretty large dash of sex is very popular if that isn't your thing don’t force it. I'd like to be the next big breakout Indie to reach the NYT Bestseller list but I'm not going to do it writing some erotic romance with a bad boy. That's just not who I am. I choose to write what I know and love and I hope that when you read my books that my passion for that subject is obvious. (Disclaimer: I am in NO way bashing bad boy romances! Some of my best book boyfriends are bad boys.)

What is your writing atmosphere like?

Thankfully now that the kids are back in school it is quiet!! *throws confetti* I have an office with a fancy desk and bookshelves with lots of books and goodies from my favorite book friends. My desk has a slate sign on it that says "Never Stop Writing" that is my motto. Depending on my mood I sometimes forgo the office and sit on the couch in our family room or even in my bed.

One thing that is a must is music. I always have Spotify on when I write and I typically have sweet tea and something to snack on. Oh my diet has suffered 

Speed Round Questions

Favorite food?

 Mexican

If you were stranded on an island what 5 things would you take?

I'm going to go the route of pretending this is like a vacation and I know I would get off eventually…
Kindle (so I can read) laptop (so I can write) Hubby (because he is my BFF) hammock (to tie to some trees and relax on) Cooler full of drinks with little umbrellas ;)

Turtle or Fish?

Ummm, fish. But the tropical salt water kind.

Reading or Writing?

AH! You can't ask a writer that! I would have to say reading because without reading amazing stories I don't think I would be able to write my own.

Print Books or E-books?

E-books for convenience but I do love print books for my shelves.

Favorite Book Store?

The Barnes & Noble up the road from me.

Favorite City in the world?

NYC is pretty awesome!

About Michelle 

I'm a married mom of three.
My husband, Jonathan, and I met in high school and have been together ever since (married Oct 7, 1995). He is my biggest fan and supporter and I thank him so much for that!
We have two dogs, Bear (Australian Shepard) and Phineas (Malti-Shzu) whom we adore.
I grew up in Maine and Alabama but moved to the Carolina blue skies in 2002 (NC) and love it here!

I love music and love to dance around my house especially with my little dancer Belle whose 6.
My sweet boy, Gabe, is 8 and keeps me into all the coolest Legos. The teen of the house, Gray (14), gives me my grey hair (which I conveniently cover up)! He is also an avid reader - proud mom moment!!
I'm currently a red belt in Tae Kwon Do, I've taken 2 years of self defense classes and my 2013 goal is to do P90X. I'm also a total decorating, do-it-yourself junkie!!

About Never Let You Go 

Two souls desperate to discover the truth about the past and determined to save their future…
SKYE
The usual warmth I felt deep in my soul when Xander was near me was beginning to dull. Yet I still remembered the warning: “Be careful, my Princess…you will lose all you love before you can win what you want.”
XANDER
I could feel it; she hadn’t been here. Two days of hell, riding as fast as we could and only taking small breaks, and yet she had outrun us. How?
A PRINCESS set on regaining her Kingdom and protecting those she loves…
A GUARDIAN who will stop at nothing to find the woman who stole his heart…
An EVIL FORCE who will destroy everything they know in order to have power over all…
The journey continues in Never Let You Go, book two in The Prophecy of Tyalbrook Series.