About You : The Writing Life : The Creative Process : Words of Wisdom
Tell us about your new book and when it is out? Where can people purchase it?
My newest book is a paranormal romance titled, “Milayna.” It releases December 2nd. It can already be pre-ordered on Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble, and Walmart.com.
Is there anything new, unusual, or interesting about your book? How is it different from other books on the same subject?
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My editor said she was excited to edit the book because it differed from others because the demi-angels and demi-demons were both students in high-school. They were the same age, look, and had the same characteristics as each other. This is different than most books dealing with demons. Although, there are other “levels” of demons in the book. Another thing that makes “Milayna” different than other books is the main character, Milayna, has visions of future events. These are generally events that are going to happen in the near future and close to her. She must step in and shield humans from any danger created by the event, whatever it may be. And when I say “must,” I mean it literally. She has no control over her actions. Her body takes over and she is compelled to step in and “right the wrong.” While the other demi-angels in the group have visions, too, Milayna’s are strongest—for reasons I won’t go into.
What was the hardest part of writing this book?
This question relates to the next question. The favorite part of the book to write was when Milayna found out she was a demi-angel. She had trouble dealing with the change in her life. While it was my favorite part of the book to write, it was also the hardest because while I wanted her to be upset by the news, I didn’t want her to seem like a brat. So there was a fine line between what readers would accept as normal irritation versus being a spoiled brat.
What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
My favorite part, without giving too much away, was when Milayna found out she is a demi-angel. She just didn’t say, “Oh, I’m a demi-angel? Okay. Cool.” And go about her business. Some books have characters that react to news like that. “I’m a vampire? Yay, let’s go have a drink!” Yeah, I don’t think so. That’s not how a person would react—at least not a normal person.
When Milayna finds out she’s a demi-angel she isn’t that accepting of the news. She doesn’t take it well and isn’t happy with the new turn her life has taken. I tried to write the part a little closer to how a person might act when thrown a curve ball like that. I hope I managed to get it right.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in this book?
There are always things I’d change. I look at PODs and think, “Geez, I really wish I would have done this, this, and this.” But, that ship has sailed. So I try not to dwell on what I can’t change and instead make my next book stronger with what I’ve learned. Because with each book an author writes, we learn. Not necessarily because we’re such great writers, but because we get feedback from beta readers, editors, and finally reviews from readers. All these combine and give us a wealth of information that we can use to make our next books stronger and, hopefully, what readers want to see.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
There really isn’t a message in “Milayna.” The book itself is written for escapism, and I hope that’s what I give my readers. But I do have a message: I write because I love to write. But I also write because I hope readers will enjoy the stories I have to tell. If so, please let me know by leaving a review on Amazon or B&N. And drop me a note and let me know what you like and what you’d like to see. My message is simple. I write for you. Tell me what makes you happy, what takes you out of this life and transports you to another world for a few hours, and that’s what I’ll try to give you.
Tell us about your book’s cover – where did the design come from and what was the design process like?
Robin Ludwig Designs, INC did my cover. I was online going through her portfolio and found a cover I fell in love with. I knew it was “Milayna.” I loved the colors swirling around her, almost like good and evil. Then Robin put angel wing overlays all over the design. They are hard to see where the color is darkest, but you can really see them on the model’s face and behind my name. I loved this idea because Milayna doesn’t have wings in the book, but I wanted to have something that represented angels, and I thought this was a great compromise.
The process was incredibly easy. I told Robin what piece in her portfolio I was using as inspiration and she did the rest. I hope to use Robin for the next two books in the trilogy so the books coordinate. I’d like to see each one done in the same format, but maybe using different colors for each cover and the model in a different pose and maybe with another character from the story.
I'm a wife, mother, author, reader, although
not always in that order. I write young
adult urban fantasies, science/fiction, paranormal, and young adult and new
adult contemporary romances. Reading was one of my earliest passions, writing
soon followed. I began writing seriously during college where I graduated Summa
Cum Laude with a degree in accounting. Why I chose a career that frowns on
creativity remains a mystery.
Red Bull or Monster Khaos are my coffee of
choice. I’m addicted to Reese’s peanut butter cups and peanut butter M&Ms
and eat way too many while I write (I’m currently trying to kick this habit). I
have an abnormal obsession with hoodies and can’t write without one. I hate to
cook, but love to watch cooking shows. I’m a hopeful romantic; I love a
swoon-worthy ending that will give me butterflies for days. And books that keep
me thinking of them long after I’ve finished the last page.
I was born and raised in Flint, Michigan, but
now live in a sleepy suburb of Houston, Texas with my extremely supportive, not
to mention gorgeous husband, three school-aged kids, a 125 pound “lap dog,” and
a very snooty cat.
BlogLovin’:
http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/5222595
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Michelle-K.-Pickett/e/B008QWUA5O/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2?qid=1392760710&sr=8-2
Milayna…
From the bestselling author of PODs comes an unforgettable
tale of action, intrigue, and following your heart in the midst of betrayal.
It's hard being good all the time. Everyone needs to be bad
once in a while. But for seventeen-year-old Milayna, being good isn't a choice.
It's a job requirement. And it's a job she can't quit. Born a demi-angel,
Milayna steps in when danger and demons threaten the people around her, but
being half angel isn't all halos and happiness. Azazel, Hell's demon, wants
Milayna's power, and he'll do anything to get it. But he only has until her
eighteenth birthday, after which she becomes untouchable.
With the help of other demi-angels, Milayna thwarts the
trouble Azazel sends her way. Fighting with her is Chay. He's a demi-angel
who's sinfully gorgeous, and Milayna falls hard. But is Chay her true love...or
her nemesis in disguise?
Because when she learns of a traitor in her group, there's
no one she can trust...not even the one she loves.
Goodreads:
Buy Links for Milayna:
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