Michele Arris Interview Published on: 23, Jan 2019
Describe your childhood in 5 words. Was becoming an author a childhood dream?
Fanciful
Carefree
Awkward
Bright
Naïve
I’ve always enjoyed writing and kept a journal from about age ten. I wouldn’t call it a childhood dream, but I’ve had the drive to write from the time I started volunteering in my local library around age twelve. I’d sneak off and read the books that I was supposed to put back on the shelfJ
Where would you say your love for writing and storytelling comes from? Do your parents like to write?My love for writing/storytelling comes from my love of reading. Going to the library was my favorite pastime.
What were some challenges that you faced while writing your first book? How did you handle it?I didn’t have many issues writing my first book and just ran with it. By the second book, I understood better the process on how to structure POV.
Is there any inspiration behind your book "Devil's Gamble"? Or did it all come from your imagination?Devil’s Gamble was actually the first book in my head, but I wanted to develop the hero and heroine a bit more, so I made it book two in the series.
You enjoy writing stories where two people are guaranteed their happy ending. Do you have any plans to write in some other genre than Romance?Right now, my focus is romance, but I’d like to write a women’s fiction. I have a story on my mental shelf that I’d love to write someday.
What is one word to perfectly describe your character Lucas Marx from your book "Devil's Deal "? Do you wish to meet someone like him in real life? Why, or why not?Driven.
I think all author would love to encounter their characters, both hero and heroine in real life, likely because they’re surreal.
What is the most genuine review/warm gesture you have received from a fan? What does it feel like getting amazing reviews for your books?The most genuine review/warm gesture I received from a fan was a private message on FB telling me how much she enjoyed my book and how she could relate to my heroine. She wanted to know when the next book was coming out as well as asked if she could get a first look to write a review.
One thing that has changed after being an author? Do you miss anything now?I don’t get as much time to read as I did before being an author. I actually schedule time on my calendar to read. It’s still a great passion.
You often write about strong-willed, professional heroines in your books. What do you feel about the status of women in the society? What changes do you want in the same?The status of women in society is the very reason I write about strong-willed, professional and determined heroines. They are sometimes overlooked, especially women of color. I write about these particular women to try to bring them to the forefront in order to show their intellect, strength and perseverance.
What was the first thought you had while receiving the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart award? How did your friends and family react to it?My first thought was shock. To win the Golden Heart award for my very first book was amazing and inspiring. My family and friends were so excited and continues to give me much support and encouragement to keep writing.
What was the most fun thing about signing copies of Devil's Deal at RWA Orlando? How important it is to engage with your readers?It was such a surreal experience and so much fun to sign my first book and talk with readers, a couple of whom had read the book and knew the characters. To get to speak one on one with readers is so important. You get to hear firsthand their thoughts about your book but also makes the author-reader relationship more personal.
What does Michele Arris's weekend looks like? What do you like doing in your free time?I don’t have much free time, but when I do, I’m usually traveling. It’s when I can get some reading time in. But I tend to write even then.
Are you working on a new project right now? If yes, what is it about?I am working on a new project featuring a strong heroine lead, of course J It’s still very fresh and being crafted.
Is there anything you wish you could change in the world of authors? If yes, what is it about?The author world is forever changing. It would be nice if the pace slowed just a bit so authors as well as readers could savor a genre.
