Michelle Paris Debut Novelist
1) Let’s start with the basics. What is your Author name?
Michelle Paris
2) What inspired you to become a writer?
I have always loved to write. In college, I chose to major in English because writing papers was easier than taking tests. My debut novel, New Normal, is loosely based on my experience of being widowed suddenly at the age of 40. When my husband died, I searched for books with middle-aged heroines that were widowed to make me feel better and give me hope. Finding few, I decided to write my own story.
3) What is the best time of day for you to write?
I write mostly during the day on weekends. But I’m always writing or editing scenes in my head. I have found that I can’t designate a time to write. That doesn’t work for me. I have to let the creative process flow when it comes. Since I still have a full-time job, and a very supportive and understanding husband, once a year, we go to the beach. I use that time to get the bulk of a story draft done. Then it’s just a matter of enhancing and making it better.
4) Which character of yours is your favorite and why?
Oh, good question. Since my debut novel is loosely based on my own story, I have to say, Emilie. However, New Normal has a few side characters that add levity to the story. I like to laugh. And a character that makes me laugh is always a favorite, too.
5) What is your favorite way to connect with readers?
I’m on Facebook (Michelle.Paris.7399), Instagram (Michelle.Paris.7399) and Twitter @maparis916.
6) What is the hardest challenge in being a writer?
Two come to mind. The first is finding time to write. It’s easy to just veg out in front of the TV. The second is the path to publishing. If you choose to go the traditional publishing route, it can be sobering. I was met with lots of rejection and discouragement. But I always believed in myself. I knew I had a story to tell. I also knew that no one could want my success more than me. If I got rejected sixty times (and I did), I was sure the sixty-first would be good news (and it was!)
7) Did you receive encouragement from a mentor, family member, teacher, coach…?
I am a member of a writing critique group that has been invaluable to me in my process. We met at a novel writing class at the local community college more than 15 years ago. There are four of us, and we meet monthly. I don’t think I would have finished my manuscript if it wasn’t for these women. My husband is also my number one fan. He is so supportive. He’s never told me I was crazy to dream about publishing a book.
8) Who did you dedicate your first book to and why?
My book is dedicated to anyone who has suffered loss and searching for a new normal. I hope my story will help others move on.
9) Pick five books that are must-reads in your mind.
Jennifer Weiner’s Good in Bed, Kristan Higgins’ On Second Thought, Cari Scribner’s A Girl Like You, Dian Seidel’s Kindergarten at 60, and Olivia Dade, Spoiler Alert are all books I didn’t want to end. I am most entertained by light-hearted stories. Jennifer Weiner and Kristan Higgins made me want to become a writer. I pre-order all of their books!
12) What book protagonist would you love to talk to if he/she/they were real?
Emilie, my main character in New Normal reads the classics – The Brontes and Jane Austen.
13) If you had to write in any other genre, what would that be and why?
Maybe mystery? I’m a good who done it.
14) What is your best book memory?
A few years ago, I was reading Mrs. Everything, by Jennifer Weiner while taking the subway to work. I got so engrossed in the story; I missed my stop!
15) What is the name of your book/series? Tell me a little bit about them.
New Normal is the story about Emilie Russell, a young woman who was widowed suddenly and how she learns to navigate her new life. It takes the serious subject of grief and is told with a mixture of heartfelt and humorous moments. It’s loosely based on my own experience of being widowed suddenly at the age of 40.
Links:
16) Do you have a website? If so, what is it?
17) Where can we find and follow you? (Name your social media platforms.)
Author links:
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/maparis916
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle.paris.7399/
18) If there anything important that you would want my readers to know about you?
My second book, Eat Dessert First, was just picked up by my publisher and will be launched in spring of 2024. It’s about baker’s concern that her lack of love life is because of her plus-size. What she learns is that in order to find love, she must first love herself.
Giveaway
There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of New Normal. One winner wins a $20 Amazon gift card, a signed paperback and a canvas bag. 5 winners will win an ecopy of new Normal. Open international.
For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:
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