Please give a warm welcome to Michelle Muckley, author of Identity X.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you’re currently working on or promoting.
Hi thanks for having me here.
It’s always great to learn about new authors and it’s a pleasure having you.
My name is Michelle Muckley. I am 32, born and raised in England, but now living in Cyprus. I have been a reader all of my life, but started writing about 6 years ago. About ten years ago I came up with my first concept for a novel, and made around 3000 words of notes before the idea floated away from me. It wasn’t until I was about 26 that I finally realised that in order to be a writer I had to make one fundamental change. Start writing. It was really good advice! From there onwards I haven’t really stopped.
I am working on the release of my third novel, Identity X for this September (So that means it’s already out!), and I am about 18,000 words into a new WIP which is such a good feeling after being in the editors chair for so long!
Has a dream every inspired any of your stories?
My dreams are generally very vivid, and usually more nightmarish than anything nice! Therefore lots of ideas come to me from my dreams. The only trouble is I am terrible at remembering for long enough to get them down on paper. I would say more than anything from my dreams I bring details rather than whole stories.
Do you use test readers? If so, how many?
I have a few test readers. I am actually waiting on them at the moment in order to ensure that there are no copy-editing errors before I send out the ARC files of Identity X. I have a few, but two of them I really rely on. One is my brother, and the other is a great friend. I owe them big time!
What advice do you have for writer’s just starting out?
Write and read as much as you can fit into your time. Switch the TV off and make time. The more I read the more my writing develops, and the more I write, the more it develops. It’s like research. The other important thing to remember is that with the exception of a lucky few, the road to being a successful writer is long, and not without rejection. You might have talent, but you have to work at finding an audience.
Do you set writing goals and if so, what are they?
I think it’s always important to have a goal and a plan. In small scale that’s just about turning up at the desk each day, making sure I write. When I am working on a first draft like now, I like to make sure that I get at least 1000 words down. Ideally I like to write 2000 a day, as I find that flows with greater ease than limiting it to 1000. Sometimes it’s tough working at the weekend, and I let one day go if necessary. But I also have to manage the marketing and correspondence (which is a huge time commitment), and this is as important as the writing itself. More than anything, I still have to work my writing around being a scientist…….sometimes real life sneaks back in!
Do you outline your stories or just go with the flow?
A little of both. I am not great at planning, so I have to work hard at editing, but I am getting better at keeping detailed notes as I create the first draft so that the process is a little easier. But I am not sure how the current WIP will end.
What does your writing space look like?
Here is a picture to show you from right now. I just ate breakfast and I haven’t cleared away yet! It’s full of stuff unrelated to writing. But it’s my stuff so it makes me feel at home.
Is being an author your dream job? If so, how long have you been chasing the dream? If not, what would be your dream job?
It is my dream job, and I would love for it to sustain my life. Whilst I have been writing for about six years I would say that I have only been dedicated for 12 months. I am working hard and watching where it is taking me.
What book are you currently reading?
I just finished You’re Next by Greg Hurwitz, and I have an Alex Barclay lined up next. Blood Loss.
What has been your best moment as a writer?
They are innumerable. The first release, the first good review from a stranger, the first sale. At the moment there are still lots of first. I got my first Amazon cheque too! That was awesome!
I have found the writer’s community to be very supportive and welcoming. Please share three writers that you recommend for us to check out.
- Griffin Hayes – Horror
- Jason Garrett – Horror/Thriller
- Cassia Leo – Romance
You can find Michelle on her website, Facebook, and Twitter.
Click the cover to buy Michelle’s book.
