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I’m not normally a big fan of emotional or dramatic fiction, because characters tend to sink into the woe-is-me or the-world-owes-me syndrome, which gets on my nerves. But, every now and then, an author like Michelle McAdam comes along and creates characters that deserve your sympathy just because of who they are and how they handle a bad situation, while she places them in a well-written and engaging tale.
Michelle McAdam was born in Syracuse, New York, where she spent her time tromping through the woods with her friend, Heidi. Together, they’d bundle up and go sledding, tree fort building, and exploring. Later, playtime became girl bonding time, and she now misses those chances to surround herself with nature and just “be.”
When asked what talent she possesses outside of writing, she drew a blank and asked her husband for insight. The result went something like this:
He thought about it for a while and said, “Well, you speak German fluently.”
“So do a million other people. Too boring. Besides, I don’t do that for FUN!”
Pause. “You’re good at gardening.”
“Bor-ing.”
Longer pause, accompanied by a sympathetic smile. “You’re a great cook.”
“Ugh! I’m pathetic.”
No argument from him. But, after a moment longer, he had an obvious flash of inspiration and said, “I know! You’re really good at reading.”
Reading? “Thanks anyhow, honey.”
So she came to the conclusion that her only talent worthy of mention is an ability to pick a fabulously supportive husband who loves her despite her generic talents. Does that count? Absolutely.
Thanks to her kids and dog, she laughs a lot. Plus, she believes that a sense of humor is one of the key ingredients for maintaining a good marriage.
While writing, she listens to Josh Groban, Andrea Bocelli, Billy Joel, John Denver, and Michael Bublé—all men, which makes her wonder if she needs to expand her horizons.
She’s passionate (without stepping into Looney Land) and feels blessed by her husband and kids. Some of her favorite things are: quiet nights in front of the TV, cuddled up to her hubby, tucking in her kids, and sitting by the water on a sunny day and being dazzled.
On Writing, In Ms. McAdam’s Own Words:
What or who inspires you to write?
Those voices in my head. They won’t go away until I put their words on paper. (Talk about Looney Land!) Okay, seriously, I love words. I love arranging words in ways that feel new or powerful. And I love weaving those words into sentences and scenes that evoke strong emotion. When I read other authors who do that for me, I feel compelled to do it, too.
Why did you begin writing?
Well, again, the voices in my head. They started when I was very young. So I’ve been writing for what seems like forever. I think writers, at any given moment, are only 50% present in the here and now. The other 50% of our consciousness is lost in a story that’s unfolding in our minds. At some point, that story needs to be put on paper. At least that’s how it happened for me.
Which author inspires you?
It’s too tough to pick only one. But I can tell you that in the romance genre, my favorite author is Judith McNaught. Both her historicals and contemporaries are filled with rich emotion. I have all of her books, and they are the only ones I regularly re-read. Usually in the bathtub with a glass of wine. But there are countless others I admire and enjoy!
What do you find most rewarding about writing?
When someone laughs at the parts I hoped were funny and cried at the parts I hoped were touching. Oh, I also love the fact that I can spend an entire day sitting at my laptop and feel like only moments have gone by.
Have you experienced writer’s block? And, if so, how did you cure it?
My life is so full. With kids and a full-time job as a college professor of psychology, writing is the thing for which I have to carve out time. As a result, I rarely have writer’s block. Still, when I do, I just decide it isn’t meant to be right then and find something else to do. Because writing is my reward for getting everything else done, it feels heavenly to have those hours (or moments) to reacquaint myself with my characters. If the ideas are somewhat sluggish in coming, I just re-read the preceding chapter. This usually unblocks me.
When is your next book due out, and what’s it about?
I have two books that I’m working on concurrently. They are a matched set because the heroes are brothers. At this point, one is completed, and the other is half-way there. No release date for either. In fact, neither has been contracted yet, but I’m having fun with them. The brothers are twins and Wyoming cowboys. On the same weekend, one of the brothers winds up married to two different women—or at least thinks he is. (Think twin antics gone wrong.) Meanwhile, the wives in question have their own reasons for agreeing to marry a down-on-his-luck rodeo legend. One of them is actually the girl next door who’s become an Italian countess; the other is a dyed-in-the-wool “good girl” looking to lose everyone’s respect. These brothers don’t stand a chance!
Where can readers find you online?
Glad you asked. Thanks. My website is MichelleMcAdam.com. I’m also on Facebook. You can link directly from my website to my Facebook page and request to friend me. I’m always looking for more friends.
Please read my review of Michelle McAdam’s Second Chance Summer, then hop over to her website and spend more time in this talented author’s world.
