About a month ago, one of my writing friends suggested starting an online critique group. I half-heartedly agreed and now I'm glad I did. Michelle McLean is one of the ladies in the group and I’ve really enjoyed reading her novel in progress. I get so caught up in her story that I almost forget to edit or make comments.
You can find Michelle at her various websites:
Writer's Ramblings
How To Write Papers, Prose and Poetry
Author Michelle McLean
MG: When did you know you wanted to write?
MM: I've always written stories or poetry, off and on, since I was a little girl. I didn't start seriously pursuing it though until about 4.5 years ago. There wasn't anything big that made me do it, it was more of a "Heh, why not?" moment :)
MG: How often do you write? Do you have a routine?
MM: I usually do a little something every day, whether it be blog posts, edits, a poem, or new material or research on a novel. I do take breaks though - usually just a week or so here and there, when things get a bit overwhelming.
MG: What kind of stories do you tell?
MM: At the moment, YA paranormal. I've also written historical romance, several children's picture books, and have a non-fiction book (a handbook on how to write essays, papers, and poetry). And I have a couple NF narrative essays published in a few Chicken Soup for the Soul books. I submit something to them every now and then.
MG: Do you have any other pursuits besides writing?
MM: I love music. I used to play the piano, though I don't get around to it too often. I've also just started learning the violin.
MG: Do you have a favorite author and or genre that you read?
MM: I've been mostly sticking to YA paranormals. Love the Sookie Stackhouse series. Laurell K. Hamilton is a fun read, Diana Gabaldon, always. Still love historicals, romantic or otherwise. I like a good mystery, though usually nothing too scary :D
MG: If you could keep only two writing books, what would they be and why?
MM: I actually don't have any writing books - I should probably get a few. :D Soooo I'd have to say the thesaurus and the dictionary :D
MG: If you could visit only two writing blogs, what would they be?
MM: Ooo tough question. I read so many. But...Nathan Bransford's is one I go to every day.
MG: Why are you pursuing publishing?
MM: Not sure really. A little extra money would be nice. But mostly, I just really love to hear that people are enjoying my stories. There is nothing like getting an "OMG I totally loved your book!" email :) It would be amazing to see my name on a real book in a real bookstore and know people anywhere can read it :)
MG: What has been the most difficult aspect of trying to get published?
MM: The waiting. LOL Waiting for query repsonses, submissions responses, publisher responses. It can get a little nerve wracking. :)
MG: What one piece of advice would you give other writers, either about writing or about seeking publication?
MM: Find some good writer friends and stick with it. Fellow writers know what you are going through and can help you get where you need to go. You'll succeed if you just stick with it, no matter how many "failures," setbacks or waiting periods you have to slog through. It'll come :)
Read more interviews here.
You can find Michelle at her various websites:
Writer's Ramblings
How To Write Papers, Prose and Poetry
Author Michelle McLean
MG: When did you know you wanted to write?
MM: I've always written stories or poetry, off and on, since I was a little girl. I didn't start seriously pursuing it though until about 4.5 years ago. There wasn't anything big that made me do it, it was more of a "Heh, why not?" moment :)
MG: How often do you write? Do you have a routine?
MM: I usually do a little something every day, whether it be blog posts, edits, a poem, or new material or research on a novel. I do take breaks though - usually just a week or so here and there, when things get a bit overwhelming.
MG: What kind of stories do you tell?
MM: At the moment, YA paranormal. I've also written historical romance, several children's picture books, and have a non-fiction book (a handbook on how to write essays, papers, and poetry). And I have a couple NF narrative essays published in a few Chicken Soup for the Soul books. I submit something to them every now and then.
MG: Do you have any other pursuits besides writing?
MM: I love music. I used to play the piano, though I don't get around to it too often. I've also just started learning the violin.
MG: Do you have a favorite author and or genre that you read?
MM: I've been mostly sticking to YA paranormals. Love the Sookie Stackhouse series. Laurell K. Hamilton is a fun read, Diana Gabaldon, always. Still love historicals, romantic or otherwise. I like a good mystery, though usually nothing too scary :D
MG: If you could keep only two writing books, what would they be and why?
MM: I actually don't have any writing books - I should probably get a few. :D Soooo I'd have to say the thesaurus and the dictionary :D
MG: If you could visit only two writing blogs, what would they be?
MM: Ooo tough question. I read so many. But...Nathan Bransford's is one I go to every day.
MG: Why are you pursuing publishing?
MM: Not sure really. A little extra money would be nice. But mostly, I just really love to hear that people are enjoying my stories. There is nothing like getting an "OMG I totally loved your book!" email :) It would be amazing to see my name on a real book in a real bookstore and know people anywhere can read it :)
MG: What has been the most difficult aspect of trying to get published?
MM: The waiting. LOL Waiting for query repsonses, submissions responses, publisher responses. It can get a little nerve wracking. :)
MG: What one piece of advice would you give other writers, either about writing or about seeking publication?
MM: Find some good writer friends and stick with it. Fellow writers know what you are going through and can help you get where you need to go. You'll succeed if you just stick with it, no matter how many "failures," setbacks or waiting periods you have to slog through. It'll come :)
Read more interviews here.
