Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Michelle Nicole Martin Interview




1: What is the most productive time of the day for you to write?
My writing schedule changes.  When I worked on my last book, “Princess and Missy’s Magical Adventures,” I wrote in the day time and edited my work at night. When I go out of my home, I bring a journal and pen and work on a children’s story, poem or journaling. With this tour, I am working in the early afternoon because I feel the most refreshed.

2: Do you start your projects writing with paper and pen or is it all on the computer?
I have a box of journals filled with different projects. I like to write with pen and paper. Usually, I do my editing on the computer.  Sometimes, I start something new with my keyboard. It just depends if I am on the road or at home when ideas come to me.

3: What do you draw inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from all forms. It can be as easy as someone smiling or laughing. Or it could be someone in my life that has helped me. For example, there was a homeless man, Brother Jay and his dog that saved my life. That is some of my inspiration that evolved from my published book. Other times, it is when I have helped someone. Most of my inspiration comes when I am driving or on a road trip.

4: Do you set goals for yourself when you sit down to write such as word count?
In the past, I have not ever worried about word count. When I initially start a project, I just write what comes to me. When I get home on my computer, I look at the word count. I then try to get into more detail. I take a lot of breaks when I work.  I then work until I am tired.

5: Are you a published or a self published author and how do you come up with your cover art?
I have only self published one book. I am hoping that the rest of my books will be traditionally published. I found a beautiful illustrator Richa Kinra through Craigslist. She lives in India.  I feel that her work is phenomenal and at a great price.


6: What drives you to choose the career of being a writer?
I have not always wanted a career as a writer. I served in U.S. Navy. I was mainly stationed in Yokosuka, Japan working on a tug boat. I also waitressed and have done odd jobs. My last career was a Phlebotomist, Lab Assistant, and EKG Technician.  I have received an Associates Degree in Social Science. I have always loved writing, but I didn’t think of getting published until later in life. What drives me now to be a writer is the love of the art. Words on paper can create a beautiful story that can be cherished for many lifetimes.


7: Do you own an eBook reading device?
My chapter book has an eBook option to buy on my website which is www.outskirtspress.com/princessand missy I eventually want to buy an ipad, but I haven’t yet.

8: Who are some of your favorite authors and what are you reading now?
My favorite children’s author is Dr. Seus. His work is funny and amazing. I aspire to become a writer like him. My favorite adult author is Joel Osteen. He is spiritual and motivational. Every day, I read a mediation book titled, “Jesus Calling.” Every reading for me touches my heart in one way or another. At night I have been reading Celestial 911. My friend gave me that book to help me think more positive and to help me achieve my dreams.


9: What do you think of book trailers and do you have any plans to have any?
I have a book trailer for Princess and Missy’s Magical Adventures. You can check it out on my website. I think book trailers are awesome.


10: How did you come up with the title of your latest book?
My dogs name is Princess. Her spontaneity and character inspired me to have her as my main character. Missy, the magical butterfly is one of my cousins’ names. I was playing around with the title for a while and I just thought that Princess and Missy’s Magical Adventures had a good ring to it.


11: What are you working on now that you can talk about?
Lately, I have been writing poetry. In 2010, I attended the 26th Annual Writing Conference in San Luis Obispo They had winners for fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. I am working on creating original poetry that I can submit in 2011 Annual Writing Conference.  I also have a lot of children’s books that I have filed away for a while that I work on. 

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