Author Michal Scott Talks about Her Writing
~ Love Your Story ~
Michal Scott, Christian romance and mystery author, and my fellow Wild Rose, shares with us her story ideas, her inspirations, and her newest novel.
Tell us about yourself, Michal…
Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?
That would definitely be F. Scott Fitzgerald. I had an edition of the Last Tycoon that contained his planning notes. I remember being so impressed that I wrote on the back inside cover that I wanted to become a writer like him. Later I came across his Pat Hobby short stories and loved how honest and unsympathetic he is with the character and yet that very portrayal generates such empathy and sympathy in me for him. I want to do that with my characters.
Can you tell us about any other upcoming books, series, or writing plans?
I’m presently taking a class on writing comedic mysteries. Mysteries has always been my favorite type of book to read, but as I wrote more romance, romantic suspense really wasn’t my bag. I liked tortured gothic heroes more than romantic suspense good guy/bad boy types. This class is helping me find my way back to my first love.
What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
My favorite part is when Queen and Caesar are at dinner, each determined not to be outdone by the other. I loved writing how hard it was for Caesar to keep himself in check and how much fun Queen was having with him because she knew how hard he was struggling.
How did you come up with the title?
The title comes from the apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 7 verses 8-9: “I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.” Lousy sex education advice, but it captures perfectly the situation of my hero and heroine, both unmarried but reject celibacy as a good way to abide.
What project are you working on now or what book will be next?
I’m working on two: one an inspirational historical romance called A Pearl of Great Price where the heroine discovers her worth and decides not to settle for a man who doesn’t know it. The other is an erotic historical novella called The Bad Ones Aren’t As Bad where the heroine is a sexually liberated free-spirit who causes all kinds of problems when she uses the Bible to teach the young women in her town about sex.
Are there certain characters you would like to go back to, or is there a theme or idea you’d love to work with? This relates back to my answer in question 2 regarding comedic mysteries. I love second chance/redemption themes, so I’m incorporating humorous ghosts who haunt a relationship-challenged hard-boiled private investigator to help couples get a second chance at love, eventually helping the PI get a second chance at love as well.
Do you have any advice to give to aspiring writers?
Yes. Love the story you want to tell, develop your craft to help you tell it then tell it. You’re not the only one who will relate to your story.
Better to Marry than Burn by Michal Scott
Wife Wanted: Marital relations as necessary. Love not required nor sought…
A bridal lottery seems the height of foolishness to ex-slave Caesar King, but his refusal to participate in the town council’s scheme places him in a bind. He has to get married to avoid paying a high residence fine or leave the Texas territory. After losing his wife in childbirth, Caesar isn’t ready for romance. A woman looking for a fresh start without any emotional strings is what he needs.
Queen Esther Payne, a freeborn black from Philadelphia, has been threatened by her family for her forward-thinking, independent ways. Her family insists she marry. Her escape comes in the form of an ad. If she must marry, it will be on her terms. But her first meeting with the sinfully hot farmer proves an exciting tussle of wills that stirs her physically, intellectually, and emotionally.
In the battle of sexual one-upmanship that ensues, both Caesar and Queen discover surrender can be as fulfilling as triumph.
Buy links:
AMAZON | B&N
Learn more about Michal Scott
Website www.michalscott.webs.com
Twitter @mscottauthor1
Great interview, Michal! I love mysteries as well and also shy away from romantic suspense with a lot of bloodshed – I prefer it be toned down a bit. Better to Marry than Burn sounds like a great read!
Thanks for stopping by, Jessica. I’m having a lot of fun in this class and really see my way back to writing mysteries. : )
Your book sounds very good! I love to write historicals because I like doing research into different points in time.
Hi Ilona, that’s what I love about writing historicals,too. Diving into another time period creates so many wonderful ‘what if’ scenarios. Thanks for stopping by.
I’m with Jennifer. The humorous ghost sounds intriguing. Great post Anna.
Thanks, Ruth. I’m using Jerowrimo to write a first draft.
Oh I love the sound of the PI mystery with the humorous ghosts!
Hi Jennifer, me too. I’m hoping to make it work. Keep your fingers crossed.
Anna – so exciting about your new class and writing endeavor. Can’t wait to see what you come up with.
Hi Deb, thanks for the encouragement. I’m hoping they both work out. : )
Good morning Zara, thanks for hosting me today.
So happy to have you here.