(AUTHOR INTERVIEW) Michelle C. Reilly

Today I will be interviewing the author Michelle C. Reilly for a blog tour!

What inspired you to become an author?
I’ve always been an avid reader. The way stories are put together and how they came up with the entire sequence always interested me.

What author influenced you the most?
I have a few—I can never just pick one! That would be crazy! Lol
For romances, Johanna Lindsey was always a great influence.
Robert Ludlum’s Jason Bourne series had a huge impact on me. I love the way he describes his settings and, especially, his fight scenes.
J.K. Rowling left a huge impression on me. Her world opened up my eyes to what could be accomplished in the writing industry.
Diana Gabaldon was the one who got me to write… Waaaayyy back in 1990 I started my first real book. I completed three chapters and shared it with my friends. I never finished the book (though I’m working on it now) and for years my friends begged me for the rest.

Do you have a favourite author? (Or name a few)
If I had to choose just one… J.K. Rowling.

What is the best writing advice you have ever received?
Just write…

What helps you write when you're stuck or have writer's block?
I’ve been lucky enough to never experience writer’s block. I often think (though I could never be certain) the reason for writer’s block is a person tries to force their character to do something the character doesn’t want to do. In ROYALS, Leah went on a little jaunt. I almost stopped her. Almost. Then I decided to let her have the reigns for a while (knowing I’d pull her in eventually). It worked out for the most part. She is very stubborn, though.

Do you like to listen to music while you write? If so, who are your favourite artists?
I actually listen to brown noise. It makes me completely focus. However, listening to music helps to flush a story or character out. In fact, it was the song “The Wizard” by Black Sabbath that suddenly brought Auden, the Anathergian king, to life.

After a long day of writing what is your favourite tv show you like to watch?
Ohhhh, I have so many! Let’s see… It could be “Supernatural,” “Outlander,” “The Flash,” “Arrow,” or even “Game of Thrones.” Right now I’m on a “Daredevil” kick… I’m on my fourth time watching the first season. I love it!

What are you working on currently?
I’ve started research on the book I mentioned earlier. It’s a time travel romance. I’ve also started on the next books in the Anathergians Saga, which is the YA stories for Ceadan. I can’t wait to have them done. They’re going to be great!

When you're not writing, what do you like to do?
I have a very hard time doing nothing. It drives me mad! I love going to the movies or out to eat (which is very bad for me!). Traveling is always fun and I’ll go see some live bands.

What are some of your most favourite books of all time?
There are so many! All of the Harry Potter books, of course. “Outlander,” will always be a favorite of mine. One book I always think about is “Last of the Breed,” by Louis L’amour. What a great story!

Is there anything specific you'd like to try writing about in the future?
Since I’m former military, I plan on writing some military-related romances. In fact, I leave at the end of this week to research some places where these people live. Ha! As if they’re real! In my mind, they are!

Which of your characters do you love the most and why?
That’s a tough question. The characters, to me, are real people. But the one that really pulls at my heartstrings is Ceadan, Leah’s young brother. For the character I’m most attracted to, it would be Gunner, the Anathergian warrior and IT guru. In my mind, I see totally him as Taylor Kitsch!

Which one of your books are you most proud of?
My first book, VARIANTS, the Anathergians Trilogy, Book 1. It was a huge leap of faith for me to put that out there. It had been in my mind for so long. But I’m also very proud of ROYALS, the third book in the trilogy. It was a huge feat. I did it! I completed the trilogy. It was an incredible challenge.

What is an interesting or hidden talent you have?
I’ve been a web developer for many years. I’ve also done graphics for a long time.

Is there anything else you'd like my readers to know?
I am so very thankful to each and every person who reads my books. I know that, when you get one, you’re investing some of your time into my story. It’s a big deal. A huge deal! So, I’d just like to say thank you, thank you, thank you! To every single one of you!