Author Migraine Central: Spotlight on Author Michelle Lowe

Tell us a, little about yourself/self, family, interests?

Michelle: I’m a high school graduate who went through a couple of years of college for graphic design before leaving when I discovered my true passion was becoming a writer. My works include The Warning, Best Books of 2014 Atlantic Pyramid, Cherished Thief: Based on the true story of Britain’s most notorious highwaymen, Claude Du Vall, children's books, Poe’s Haunted House Tour, and the children’s book series, The Hex Hunt. I’m married, living in California with my husband and two beautiful daughters. Other than writing, I enjoy arts and crafts, watching movies, and oil painting.

2. Who or what inspired you to write?

Michelle: It’s hard to explain, but there’s this basic desire I have to tell stories. I’ve always written little stories throughout my life, yet it wasn’t until 1998 that I decided to pursue it as a career. Since discovering my calling, I cannot ignore the need to put words onto paper. I suppose what inspires me is simple, it’s the love for storytelling.

3. What was the first book you ever read?

Michelle: Old Yeller was my very first chapter book I read.

4. Who is your favorite author of all time?

Michelle: It’s tough to say which author is my all time favorite because I read many books written by different authors, but if I had to choose, I’d say Neil Gaiman. I’ve loved his work since I was fifteen and reading his Sandman graphic novels. He’s a brilliant writer and storyteller. His stories have deep meaning that I have tried to incorporate into my own work.

5. What is the name of your first published book?

Michelle: The Warning.

6. Why did you choose to write this book and what, genre is it?

Michelle: The Warning is a science/fiction/murder mystery. When I ready to write something for publication, I learned that murder mysteries sold well, so I figured I’d write my own kind of murder mystery. I already had several stories in my head for awhile, like an artificial human who escaped its creator, a group of justice seekers searching for truths, and a young man accused of murdering his ex girlfriend. I decided to string these little stories together into one book.

7. How many books do you have written as of now?

Michelle: What I have published now is seven novels all together. Total books I’ve actually written is ten due to the series I’m working on at the moment.

8. Works in progress?

Michelle: I’m working on a four volume series titled Legacy. It’s a fantasy adventure full of action, romance, loss, mystery, outlaws, fantasy creatures, and Apache privateers. It’s also set in the world of steampunk. The first volume is coming soon.

9. Where do you like to write? (Desk, Office, Room)

Michelle: I have my own office area in my house where I’m accompanied by my little knickknacks, paintings, and an old nonworking Underwood typewriter. Is it wrong to say that it’s one of my favorite places in the world to be?

10. Can you share an excerpt from one or all of your books?

Michelle: From The Warning:

“It’s not right for us to take a life because we feel a person should no longer live.”

Linden watched from the floor, too amazed to move. He’d created a soldier, yet that creation now spoke with understanding and wisdom. Seven—Ebenezer now—was expressing real compassion that he himself lacked.

From Atlantic Pyramid:

Here we were. I’d made a dumb promise to let her be. What right did I have to force her to be around me forever? If the plan worked and we could return to the outside world, would the rules of the dead still apply? Or would souls move on to some other place? This could be the only time I’d have to tell her goodbye face to face. Who wouldn’t jump at the chance to speak to a departed loved one, one last time?

From Cherished Thief:

“I think coming back was a terrible idea. Only trouble lurks in the shadows for the likes of us.”

“I am well prepared for any trouble,” Claude said, pulling out his dagger.

“What if that bloody knight identifies you?” Jude’s words trembled with worry. “I don’t want to see you swing like Christian. What are you trying to prove, Du Vall?”

Jude’s reminder about his friend’s demise sent an icy shiver up his spine.

“Prove? Nothing. You, on the other hand, have plans for your future. You wish to save, start a business, and add a family to boot. It is all well for you to do so, but you see, I have no such plans. I’ve chosen not to look past next week, let alone the rest of my life. I relish living in the moment. That is why I prefer to take measures to the extreme by taking chances that most men with thoughts beyond the horizon consider madness.”

And from The Hex Hunt series:

“You were the first person I had ever spoken to since the beginning of my existence. When I flew over your cottage and spotted you, I instantly wanted you to join me on my quest. Not solely for help, but as a companion.”

“A companion?” said Rain, standing. “You mean, as your friend?”

“Yes. And as my friend, I was willing to lay down my life to protect you.”

“You were? Weren’t you afraid?”

“No, because protecting a friend is a cause worth dying for.”

11. How do you publish, your books? Indie, or do you have a publisher? (Name of publisher.)

Michelle: I have books published via indie and my novel Atlantic Pyramid is published through Beau Coup Publishing LLC.

12. Is there any, advice you have for new authors? What is it?

Michelle: It’s very tempting nowadays with the access of free self publishing, but you must be patient. Don’t hurry along with your story just to get it out there.

Take your time to write it out as best as you can, revise it numerous times, seek editorial help, and wait a little while afterwards to take that last read through before either submitting it to publishers or publishing it yourself. Showcasing professional work will reflect on you more favorable. Take constructive criticism with a positive attitude and learn from it. Be humble and write what you love!