Ask the Author: Michael Meeske
Answered Questions (7)
Michael Meeske
Dany: I don't know that I'd call it a "goal" per se; I try to get involved in the lives of my characters. The War Girls has taken on a particularly special role in character development for me. These women had to be strong for the story to work, the only other option would be for them to wither and die--and that couldn't be. I like writing about strong women and I like telling their stories. I don't know that this response answers your question, but I don't see it as a goal; rather a story to be told.
Michael Meeske
There are three kinds of writer's block: psychological, creative, and "can't find the time." The first is the most difficult and can lead to a long-standing and debilitating block. Usually, professional help or a personal event that frees the writer ends the block. The second occurs when the novel is not working. The solution is to rework the book, or start anew. The third is a matter of sitting at your desk and getting the work done. It should be the easiest one to cure.
Michael Meeske
Writers will have different answers to this question, but for me it's seeing my novels in print, knowing that my characters and their worlds have gone out into the world. Hopefully, my books will make a difference in someone's life or they'll learn something they never knew before.
Michael Meeske
This is an easy question, at least in theory. Read widely in all genres, and learn your craft. Join a professional writing group and never, never, give up no matter how many rejections you receive. If you feel you've given the book a fair shot and nothing is happening, put it aside and go on to the next one.
Michael Meeske
Currently, I',m working on my fifth novel for Kensington--The Sculptress, which is slated for publication in the spring of 2021. It's a bit different for me and I hope my readers will enjoy it. Instead of WWII, the novel takes place during the First World War. It's a story of relationships torn apart by the war, and traces the story of Emma Lewis Swan who travels from Boston to France during the battle. This novel was inspired by Flaubert's Madame Bovary, but my heroine doesn't suffer Emma Bovary's fate. I love Flaubert's novel.
Michael Meeske
With me, it's more of a work ethic than inspiration. The idea inspires me and then it's up to me to get it done. I love the process of creation.
Michael Meeske
I was intrigued by non-fiction accounts of the White Rose and, after some research, realized that not much fiction had been written about the group. The story of their courage is one that shouldn't be forgotten.
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