Meet Romance Author Madison Michael
~ Ideas Come From Everywhere ~
Today romance author Madison Michael shares her writing life, where she gets her ideas, and gives us some hints about her upcoming release.
Welcome Madison…
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am a complete romance devotee, books, movies, TV shows. I love them all. It was inevitable that I would finally come to write romance myself. I was sidetracked by 30 years in the corporate world before coming to my senses and pursuing what I love. I hole up in a condo for days with my characters and my happy endings before returning to the real world and exploring all that Chicago has to offer. I am a sucker for any and all cats, most dogs and horses, Chicago hot dogs with all the trimmings, and Hallmark movies.
Where do you get your ideas?
People always ask me where I get my book ideas. I love to write a romance especially with a wealthy protagonist, because I love the escape factor and the happy ending so I begin with that premise and then explore my feelings, my surroundings and my imagination. In Desire & Dessert, the idea came to me – literally. I was working part time at a local Bed & Breakfast behind the desk when someone asked me to help them with their luggage. I don’t usually carry luggage so I was surprised when they offered me a tip. That got me thinking about the B&B for a setting, the idea of an owner being mistaken for a staff member and the story morphed from there. My next novel, Moonlight & Moet, came from a chance encounter with a huge factory in the middle of rural North Carolina. The incongruities were the start of a story. Ideas comes from everywhere, if you keep your mind open the possibilities.
How much research do you do for each book you write?
Usually I do some research on my settings, because I like to use real locations and it’s important to me to get those right. If I include a gala, or an occupation, I will research a cause or a skill set. But I try to put most of my focus on my characters, which usually allows me to do short burst of research rather than detailed background work. The novel I am writing now will be my most heavily researched book to date. We’ll see how it goes.
Do you ever experience writer’s block?
Unfortunately, more than I would like. About once a year, usually when I return from a vacation, I experience writers block for a month, or more. That is a long time without writing. I force myself to write, for the habit, even when I am not in the write head-space, but almost all of what I write in that mood ends up in the garbage. I describe my writing like muscle memory. I have to do it every day to keep doing it. A week away, no matter how much I learn or have fun, causes the muscle to go flaccid. And then I have to put on the shoes and get back in the writing gym.
What other genres of novel would you love to write?
I would love to write historic fiction so that I can learn more about periods of the past, but I am not a fantastic researcher. I heard the immensely talented Ann Patchett speak once about writing her fabulous novel “Bel Canto.” She knew nothing about opera before began researching for the book. Ann said she wanted to understand opera, so she wrote about it. I feel the same way about Al Capone’s Chicago. I want to write about it as an excuse to learn about it. Or Victorian England and so many other times in our past.
Can you tell us about any other upcoming books, series, or writing plans?
I am only weeks away from releasing the second book in the B&B Billionaire Romance series, Moonlight & Moet. This series will be standalone novels, each set in a different B&B and this book will be my first foray out of Chicago and it’s environs. I am working now on the third book in the series, set in California. Who knows where I will venture next.
Also swirling around in my brain is a non-fiction advice book, based on romance novels that may grow into a multi-author collaboration. It is still in its infant stages, but I hope to deliver something in 2019.
Will you have a new book coming out soon? Do you know the release date?
As I mentioned, my next book will be the second in the B&B Billionaire Romance series. Moonlight & Moet, set for release November 8th.
Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with?
I loved working with the characters in my Beguiling Bachelor series, watching the four bachelors and friends unveil their true selves, show a little vulnerability, and fall in love. I am reluctant to lose these characters completely, so they will resurface as secondary characters in big and small ways in upcoming novels. My fans often asks for more of one character or another, so I have the added pleasure of giving them what they want while indulging my own desire to keep the men of Lake Forest around.
What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment?
The worst criticism was a 1-star review I received for my first novel, Bedazzled. The criticism was spot on – too much talking, not enough action. It was just what I needed to hear when I needed to hear it. It has made all of my subsequent books better.
My best compliment was an email from a fan saying she fell asleep reading Beholden because she couldn’t put it down. It was my first fan mail from a complete stranger and totally sincere. I wanted to frame it – but I resisted.
Besotted
Beguiling Bachelors Series Book 4
By Madison Michael
Time is Running Out…For Both of Them
Regan Howe, won her coveted CEO position through hard work and a willingness to buck family tradition. Now, Brandon Hockney, a handsome US Senator with his eye on the White House, wants her to give it up, along with her home, friends and family for a move to DC and marriage to him.
Regan wants marriage and family but this choice will require she leave everything she loves, including the alluring Tyler Winthrop. Regan has waited twenty years for Tyler to commit. He once promised her forever, then destroyed her trust and her hopes for a future together. Still, she cannot break the ties between them. Regan is besotted.
Tyler’s moment to win Regan is slipping through his fingers. He has remained on the outskirts of Regan’s life, reluctant to reveal his true past and expose her to danger. Despite their obvious attraction, Tyler has remained her friend and protector, keeping Regan at arm’s length for her own safety, When Regan determines to test the waters with Brandon, Tyler is tapped as acting CEO, throwing the pair together for one last chance at love.
Can Tyler shake off the thugs threatening to expose his past mistakes? Can he earn Regan’s trust and woo her away from Washington? Battling overwhelming odds and a racing clock, will Tyler be forced to release his one true love to find happiness with another man? How can he when he’s besotted?
Join Tyler and Regan as they seek their happily ever after in the conclusion of the steamy, contemporary Beguiling Bachelor romance series.
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Learn more about Madison Michael
Madison Michael traded 28 years in Fortune 500 tech and management positions for a chance to spend her days with sassy heroines, sexy, rich heroes and nothing but happy endings. Growing up the daughter of a librarian, she learned to love books, especially classics and romances, and spent winters cuddled under blankets losing herself in books.
Madison is the author of three novels in the Beguiling Bachelor series, as well as several short stories. She is a member of Romance Writers of America.
After living in the northeast, southeast and the west, Maddy returned to her Midwest roots. She lives in Evanston, IL with two feline editorial assistants and great views of Chicago’s famous skyline.
Social Links:
Website: madisonmichael.net
Madison’s Blog: madisonmichael.net/category/maddys-blog
Maddy’s Romance Madness: madisonmichael.net/category/mrm/
Maddy’s Tours and Treats: madisonmichael.net/category/tours-and-treats/
Facebook: facebook.com/madisonmichaelromance
Twitter: twitter.com/madisonmichael_
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/Madison-Michael/e/B01EVUGG6G/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
