Ask the Author: Michele Micheal Rakes
Answered Questions (9)
Michele Micheal Rakes
Favorite fictional couple, well, as a kid I loved The Scarlet Pimpernel. In the mm genre, I'd have to say my favorite (other than my own) have to be Ty and Zane. I have so many others. The books I tend to read are darker, but Ty and Zane were first ones I met and fell in love with deeply.
Michele Micheal Rakes
Sorry
Michele Micheal Rakes
Sorry Charo that it took so long for me to answer, but yes, there will be more. I've nearly finished writing the third book to this series. Jacks and Irus return. I also have some other biracial books in the works. Diversity intrigues me and I love working to make love come through my stories. Thank you for asking me. Again, sorry it took so long.
Michele Micheal Rakes
The idea for Saving Kane came when I listened to a song about schizophrenia. I thought about a tragic love story involving a gay couple where one of them is suffering from the mental illness. I still might write it, but as things progressed I realized the ending can only be so happy, right? So I changed Garrett's mental status from schizophrenia to PTSD. I think it worked better for this story.
Michele Micheal Rakes
Music inspires me, I guess. I get a lot of ideas for stories while I work because I'm listening to music. There's a story knocking around in my head now inspired by Seether. Love Seether.
Michele Micheal Rakes
I'm working on another gay romance called Fourth and Long. It has an appearance from my guys in Saving Kane. It's about pro football players. I'm also preparing to pitch a ms called Trainwreck which is a poly romance with BDSM themes, in addition to being a sort of police procedural.
Michele Micheal Rakes
Make reasonable goals. When I write a novel, I write a chapter a week, usually on a Friday. I spend as much time as I need. Once the work is finished, then I edit. Don't beat yourself up if you don't meet the goals you sent, instead stand back and make sure they're reasonable. I work full time, so I have to factor in time I want to write, but can't. I always have a little notebook and pen with me. If I get ideas I write them down which helps cement them into my mind. Just keep at it and join a critique group. Make sure you join the right one for you, though. Don't join a Christian mystery writers group if you write gay BDSM stroke fiction.
Michele Micheal Rakes
Creating characters people love. I love everyone of my characters, but I also get to create villains readers can hate too. Writing is like golfing, you're always two shots away from crazy.
Michele Micheal Rakes
Writer's block is a bane and a blessing. I think it occurs when your mind has spent too much time working on the story, novel, what have you. It's your brain telling you to take a break. Instead of fighting it, I'll go do something else: read a book, watch a movie, walk the cat, or just about anything other than writing. It's a good time to answer questions, blog, or social media. When you're ready, the ideas and words will come easily.
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