Ask the Author: Michael Embry
Answered Questions (13)
Michael Embry
It probably took six months, from the first draft to the finished book. And probably another three or four months until it was published.
Michael Embry
I'm not sure I want to answer because it would no longer be a mystery.
Michael Embry
Innermost inspiration? It would be wanting to show different sides in the coming-of-old-age, revealing the thoughts and feelings, physical problems, and the joys and pains.
Michael Embry
The nightstand lamp flickered for a few seconds, before darkness enveloped the room. Moments later, the door opened and the floor creaked, as I pulled the cover under my chin and my jaws tightened in the coldness about me.
Michael Embry
I would like to go back in time, to Paris in the 1920s. I would spend time with Gertrude Stein, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ezra Pound and other writers. I'd go to Shakespeare & Co. bookstore and spend time perusing the books. When not writing, I'd spend the days visiting the wonderful places in the City of Lights, and my evenings would be at sidewalk cafes, drinking coffee or wine, and taking in the atmosphere.
Michael Embry
Probably Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan in Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby." They had a love affair that ended tragically—for both of them. I also like Jake Barnes and Brett Ashley in Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises." It wasn't a normal love affair because Barnes was impotent, but he was emotionally attached to her, and she connected with him on different levels.
Michael Embry
Hello K.B.....The message was generated by WAYN so please disregard. I must have clicked a button that caused it to be sent to everyone in my known virtual universe. I apologize. I hope you have a great weekend....Michael
Michael Embry
Generally, there is something going on that inspires me to write. Sometimes it's something I see on TV or read in the newspapers or magazines. And other times it's something that's going on in my life. I have an insatiable desire to write, whether it's answering questions here, writing blog posts, book and music reviews, letters...you get the idea. The inspiration to write a novel has to be something that knocks me off my feet because sitting down to writing more than 75,000 words is no easy endeavor.
Michael Embry
I was doing graduate study in special education and the some of the classes dealt with bullying -- the bullies and those who were bullied. I also witnessed it when I was in school years ago, even in the workplace, and then later while doing some substitute teaching. After some research, I discovered that there weren't many young adult novels that focused on bullying. So I did more research, discussed it casually with some friends who were teachers, then began writing "The Bully List."
Michael Embry
I'm currently working on a contemporary mainstream novel that focuses on older adults and the transition to retirement. I hope to see it published in 2015.
Michael Embry
My advice has been repeated by other authors so don't think this is anything original. You need to read a lot -- and different genres -- and write a lot. I read every day, usually a night after my day has settled down. I generally write every morning, before my day becomes hectic and while I have a refreshed mind from a good read before sleep.
Michael Embry
This is difficult to answer because there are different levels to address. But I believe the best part of being a writer is creative expression. Writing enables me to put my thoughts into words, to learn more about myself, and to share those thoughts with others.
Michael Embry
I believe the best way to deal with writer's block is to write through the block. Sometimes writing comes very easily, other times can be difficult. When it becomes difficult, I have to put more thought into what I am writing. And since what I write can be rewritten, or even deleted, the point is that I have been able to work through the block. I might add that sometimes a person is simply physically or mentally exhausted, and perhaps it might be wise to skip a day from writing to get recharged.
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