Name
Lydia Michaels
Age
Perpetually 29 (LOL!)
Where are you from?
Pennsylvania
A little about your self `ie your education Family life ect
I am the mother of the most angelic, rational thinking, imaginative little girl in the world. She keeps me grounded and makes sure I never stop believing in fairies. I’m married to my childhood sweetheart who is my real life hero. I went to school to teach special education, but obviously changed my course along the journey of life. As far as family life… we’re the type who savour rainy Sundays filled with snuggles, throw tea parties on the front lawn with the good china, and never pass up an opportunity to dance, even when no one’s looking and the music is only in our heads. Life is fleeting and it’s the little moments of magic that count most.
Fiona: Tell us your latest news?
My latest news would have to be the release of The Surrender Trilogy, a dark erotic romance staring the deliciously alpha billionaire Lucian Patras. If you’re looking for a new hero that will make your toes curl and keep you up past your bedtime, he’s a man you’ll want to meet.
The Surrender Trilogy Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_-l2wsBPag
Fiona: When and why did you begin writing?
I began writing in 2007 because I had a story that I needed to get out. After that, writing became a compulsion I couldn’t ignore. I write, because I love turning tales and bringing fictional characters to life.
Fiona: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I first considered myself a writer when my “hobby” began taking up more time than my paying job.
Fiona: What inspired you to write your first book?
The first book I wrote has yet to be published, but I hope one day it is. I was inspired to write that specific story, because it was true and too long to tell. It began as a journal that shaped into a manuscript, and from that manuscript came a love for writing I never knew I possessed.
Fiona: Do you have a specific writing style?
I suppose I write detailed, deep point of view characters that are not the traditional heroes and heroines. I have a love for eloquent words and descriptions that bring the senses to life. When I read, I want to feel the characters’ evolution of emotion, experience every twist of angst, pull of lust, and rush of adrenaline. I strive to write in a way that propels readers so deeply into the story they’re haunted by the book long after the last page.
Fiona: How do you come up with your titles?
Usually I think of my titles before I write the first word. If I’m struggling for a title, I’ll sometimes survey readers, giving them a little background on the plot and players of the book, and they come up with excellent suggestions!
Fiona: Is there a message in your novels that you want readers to grasp?
There is a message in almost everything I write. In the New Castle series, readers will see that, regardless of the incredible heroes, a heroine, when pushed, will have unstoppable strength. In the McCullough Mountain series, readers inadvertently examine their own self through the characters’ turmoil and struggles. In Breaking Perfect, we see that imperfection is perfectly okay. In The Surrender Trilogy, I think readers take a journey in shoes they’ve never contemplated wearing and their appreciation for the little things in life are amplified.
The book I feel has the strongest message would have to be SKIN {McCullough Mountain 2}. SKIN is dedicated to you, the reader, and is about recognizing the beauty within, no matter what’s on the outside. It is an emotional and soul-searching romance I hope you read.
SKIN Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkQykfjYUqM
Fiona: How much of your books are realistic?
I have a bit of a reputation for writing REAL heroines. I love escaping in the fantasy of romance, but true romance, to me, is relating to the characters and feeling you’ve lived what they’re experiencing. I hope to give readers a taste of reality that shows life’s silver linings in the best light.
Fiona: Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Real people usually inspire my characters, but they are ultimately fictional. I draw inspiration from people’s strengths. Be it the woman I saw struggling with her groceries and children at the store, the man in the park with eyes so full of secrets I couldn’t help but wonder what burden he carried, or the child that smiled up at his father with such adoration it made my heart swell, they are all experiencing something that sparks my interests. Everyone is fighting their own battle and I want to tell the victories.
Fiona: What books have most influenced your life most?
I must give credit where credit’s due. Twilight. Before Twilight, I read, but never for pleasure. Those books took me to a place I never visited. They opened a world of imagination inside of me and lead me to so many other great romances. Once I read Twilight, I was addicted to romance and later began writing. I’m so grateful to the friend who forced me to read those books!
Fiona: If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
That’s a difficult question to answer. I would definitely consider Bella Andre a mentor of mine. When I contemplated giving up, her biography inspired me to keep trying. She emailed me with some great motivation. Lori Foster is another author I admire greatly. She does it and does it so well. I love her work and I love the relationship she keeps with readers.
Fiona: What book are you reading now?
Lol. Currently I’m reading my own work, because I’m under several deadlines. However, my TBR pile includes: Gayle Donnelly and Robyn Mackenzie’s Blood Feud series, Allyson Young’s collection (There are lots I can’t wait to devour!), and Alex Carreras’s latest work.
Fiona: Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Katy Evans and Samantha Young are two newly discovered authors I’m watching carefully. I look forward to both their future releases.
Fiona: What are your current projects?
Currently I’m finishing up the McCullough Mountain series. I expect to have all books completed before 2014 and I’m not sure what the New Year will bring. I’m very excited to create some new characters!
Fiona: Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
Team Surrender, my street team is an incredible group of readers that have stolen my heart. Their love for romance matches mine and their enthusiasm for my characters and plots motivates me every day. I also find incredible support from the staff, authors and readers at Secret Cravings Publishing. Never before have I met such a close-knit community of writers and I am very grateful to be a part of their network.
Fiona: Do you see writing as a career?
Yes. It’s a fantastic job, but definitely work. I’m very lucky to be one of the authors able to make a living doing something I love. However, I owe my thanks to the readers. Without them, I couldn’t do what I do.
Fiona: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
Nope!
Fiona: Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Currently I’m writing the McCullough Mountain series. The McCulloughs are a predominantly male family in Center County, Pennsylvania. They are Irish, sarcastic, and sexy as hell. I love this family and have thoroughly enjoyed bringing them to life. In the McCullough clan you will find a soon to be priest tempted by love, a woman unable to see herself as beautiful, a man who defines sex appeal yet struggles with love, a woman that is in love with the man who has been secretly sleeping with her brother, and a mother struggling to raise an autistic child on her own. This series is such a sweet, romantic journey filled with family and friendship. It has been one of my greatest pleasures to write.
Fiona: Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
I’m dyslexic and that has presented many obstacles along the way. However, I have learned great strategies to compensate for the things I struggle with and the creativity I gain from dyslexia far outweighs the difficulties. I wouldn’t trade my way of thinking for the world.
Fiona: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
I adore Lisa Kleypas and her way with words.
Fiona: Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)?
I attend conferences every spring. RAGT is my favorite because it allows authors time to truly meet the readers and get to know them. I’ve made many great friends through that event.
Fiona: Who designed the covers?
My covers are designed by the publishers (Penguin Group, Secret Cravings Publishing, and Siren). Dawne Dominique has designed most of my covers and she does superior work in my opinion.
Fiona: What was the hardest part of writing your books?
Writing is as natural as breathing for me. I’d say the challenge comes with the editing.
Fiona: Did you learn anything from writing your books and what was it?
I’ve learned that anything is possible. My story is an interesting one indeed. I’m dyslexic. I struggled in school, flunked creative writing assignments, and couldn’t spell beyond a third grade level until I was in my late twenties. When I realized I wanted to be an author and no other career would ever come close to such a dream, I worked extremely hard, learning the ropes and taught myself everything I didn’t learn in school. The greatest lesson I learned was never give up on what you love. I now visit schools throughout the year and try to convey this important message to the young dreamers of tomorrow.
Fiona: Do you have any advice for other writers?
Keep writing! Don’t give up if you love writing as much as I do. Dreams come true, you just have to work for them and believe in yourself.
Fiona: Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Thank you! You make my life exceptional and it is a pleasure to write for you.
Fiona: Other than writing do you have any hobbies?
Sure! I paint, draw, bake, and love to entertain. Life should be celebrated and I try to celebrate as often as possible.
Fiona: What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
I don’t really watch television, because I’d rather read. I do have my favorites, though. I love the show Friends and my favorite movies include Braveheart, Love Actually, and Pitch Perfect.
Fiona: Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
Food: Fettuccini Alfredo
Color: Purple
Music: U2, Coldplay, Tori Amos, Mumford and Sons…
Fiona: If you were not a writer what else would you like to have done?
I was a teacher, a wedding planner, a homemaker, and an office exec. I suppose I would have stuck with one of those career choices, but spent a lot of time wondering what I was meant to be. Becoming an author was like channelling my inner Goldilocks at the moment she found her just right. I’m certain this is my calling in life.
Fiona: Do you have a blog/website? if so what is it?
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