July 2021 "Featured Author Spotlight" Michelle Heron

Jul 1, 20215 min read

I am very honored and please to announce the "Featured Author Spotlight" for the month of July 2021 is my very talented PA "Michelle Heron". It has been a true genuine privilege to have this talented authoress as my PA.

THE AUTHOR INTERVIEW

SE: When did you start writing & How long have you been writing?

MH: I've always loved reading and writing but it wasn't until high school that I actually considered it as a career.

SE: What is your very first published book?

MH: A Sister’s Obsession was my first book published through a publishing company that unfortunately went out of business not long after I published in 2007 - which meant my story fell off the grid. Losing hope for publishing again I took a huge step back from writing to focus on reading... however my writer's brain just wouldn't shut off.

In 2015 my grandfather’s illness worsened - he had been battling on-going health problems for decades. When we arrived at the hospital to say our goodbyes I told my grandfather that I'd honor him by pursuing my dreams of becoming a published author once again.

Then my journey began.

I took six months to research everything I could about writing a book. I did the character guides, world building and more. Come November, National Novel Writing Month 2015, I wrote a novel titled Someone and Something Unexpected. This novel flew through me and it currently sits around the 70k mark, but life kind of happened and my interests were sparked by another project and then another, and before I knew it Someone and Something Unexpected had been left behind.

That being the case, in 2016 I released my Debut Indie Novel titled The Moment Everything Changed - which is now called When Everything Changed. WEC, is a story about one year of my life, one of the hardest to be exact. WEC follows the characters Ariana Parker and Emmett Harrison through their first year of High School. Their story features abuse of various kinds so please be advised when purchasing it.

My 2nd Indie book called Hidden Under the Surface, was released in August of 2018. This story was an idea I came up with one afternoon and I basically just ran with it. (Look for more details under the Books tab).

My latest release is a Tattoo Biker Romance. The idea presented itself when I wrote a business plan for my brother who was trying to open his own tattoo shop. I did a bunch of research into the industry and when my brother finally did open his shop I spent a lot of time emerging in the atmosphere and naturally it sparked a story.

SE: What do you love the most about writing?

MH: I love it all. The character creations, the world building, creating the graphics and the storyboards that get me started.

SE: Where do you draw your inspiration from when you write?

MH: I draw my inspiration from real life situations and experiences I’ve encountered. Hidden Under the Surface was based on an incident that happened to me one day while I was coming home from the gym. There was a storm coming in and someone on a bike flew past me in my wheelchair so I dodged him and drove off the path into some mud.

Let’s just say the wheels sunk into the mud and I was stuck. My husband was with me and he was trying to push my chair out but it was too heavy. Then some guy came along and the two of them worked together to dig me out.

My writer's brain took over and I thought that would make a good story and so Hidden Under the Surface was created.

SE: What is your biggest pet peeve as an author?

MH: Marketing!

SE: What is your biggest challenge as an author?

MH: Reaching an audience. So much of our time is spent writing the book or books that it’s hard to keep up with social media. You basically need to be writing, while promoting your previous work and planning ahead for what’s to come. It’s a never ending cycle.

SE: What is your biggest reward as an author?

MH: I love when I find readers who connect with my characters and the story I’m telling. With Hidden Under the Surface, I had a reader come to me and say by the time she got to the end of the book, the title clicked. Anne Marie is my leading lady, who has a disability. Even though she is in a wheelchair, her disability doesn’t define her or the story - it’s more hidden under the surface of the story.

SE: How do you handle writer’s block?

MH: I take a break. I sleep. I re-read what I’ve written. Listen to music or just keep writing. That’s what editing is for. You can always go back and take out or change what you don’t need.

SE: If you could have any job in the world, what would it be and why?

MH: Over the years I’ve wanted to do so many different things. I wanted to be a physical therapist and help strengthen children with disabilities. I wanted to be an event planner, an interior designer, photographer or someone who worked in a publishing house. But writing overpowered everything in the long run.

SE: If you were granted one wish, what would it be and why?

MH: That’s a tricky loaded question *laughs out loud* I could answer this a hundred different ways but personally, I think I would choose to have all things inclusive for everyone!!! For all people living with disabilities of every kind.

SE: Do you write in any other genre(s)? If so, which one(s)?

MH: I write in a few different genres. Contemporary romance, Tattoo Biker Romances and YA to start. I’m sure I’ll dabble in a few more when the time comes.

SE: Do you have any new book releases?

MH: I just released a short story called ‘Landing in Paris’ in the VOTH: Paris anthology with a handful of other authors.

SE: Do you have any upcoming release(s)? If so, when is the release(s) and what title(s)?

MH: I do. I’m involved in an anthology that will be released in October. It’s a destination anthology that is under contract so unfortunately I can’t give away any details as of right now but it does connect with my Bad Vibes novella.

MICHELLE HERON'S LATEST BOOK RELEASE(S)

With Love from Paris (Volume 6)

Passion, adventure, secrets… the cities of the world are each filled with their own unique charm and allure. This season’s authors have taken up their pens to bring you another series of sensational stories destined to capture your heart and bring forth your emotions, one page at a time. So, pack your bags and join us once more on this Voyage of the Heart…

Our destination: Bienvenue à Paris!

Fashion… Food… Fantastique! Escape to the City of Lights, the City of Love as these talented authors lead you on a romantic journey. Stroll the boulevards and arrondissements… Soak up the magic and mystery of this ancient and historic city.

Broken dreams… Changed lives… Your hearts deepest desires await!

Grab your passport, your flight is at the gate! Voyages of the Heart: Paris is about to begin!

Contributing authors:

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FEATURED AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

ALL DAY AUTHOR TAKEOVER EVENT

Join us on Saturday - July 10th, 2021 from 12PM EST to 12AM EST for an all day Author Takeover Event with our Featured Author Spotlight authoress Michelle Heron. Spend the day getting to know Michelle Heron on a more personal level as well as getting to know her authoress side.