Scarberryfields:
Can you tell us a little about your nationality?
Mike: American,
but born of Irish parents who tried to instill in me an appreciation of other
cultures. They failed… at least for my childhood years. Now I’m almost worldly.
Scarberryfields:
When you finish writing a story, do you miss the characters?
Mike: No
since most of my main characters leave something of themselves in me. For
instance Jamie McCord of Future Perfect is sensitive to cold due to his lower
than normal body temperature. Ever since writing him I like winter a lot less.
And summer a little more.
I wrote Sherlock Holmes into a short story and
had become much more observant. Unfortunately, that didn’t last. I still can’t
pick out the mayonnaise that’s right in front of me in the refrigerator.
Scarberryfields:
While writing, if you need help with punctuation, grammar, etc., where do you
turn?
Mike:
I’m very fortunate in that regard since I make my living by placing talent in
the publishing industry. I’m shamefully rich in editorial connections.
Scarberryfields:
With the number of hours spent writing, do family members support you or
complain about the time spent away from them?
Mike:
They neither support nor complain. They’re totally indifferent with one
exception. They complain when I ask them to read a passage or two.
Scarberryfields:
Do you travel to places you mention in your stories for research sake?
Mike: For
the most part, I’m inspired to write scenes from places I’ve already visited.
It’s rare that I stray from personal experience although I admit that I’ve
never visited Saturn’s moon Titan. That appears in The Kennedy Effect and I did
use a combination of research and imagination to bring that scene to life. A
beautiful place but bring a heavy jacket.
Scarberryfields:
When you’re writing, do you shut-off all social networks?
Mike:
I didn’t think about that till you posed the question but yes, I guess I do. I
try to limit distractions and allow my mind to wander.
Scarberryfields:
Did you use any family members as Beta readers for your stories?
Mike:
Yes, I can get them to read certain passages and give me feedback after an
appropriate bribe. Seriously, though I don’t like to tip the plot even to those
very close to me until it’s complete and polished.
Scarberryfields:
Do you feel social networking as a marketing tool, is beneficial?
Mike:
I do. Until recently, I could’ve been described as a social networking recluse
but I’ve come to enjoy Twitter in particular. I see the value and fun in
connecting with people interested in similar things. The exchanges can be
provocative and thought provoking. Sometimes they seed my imagination for new
stories or themes. I’d like to think my tweets offer something of value too.
Scarberryfields:
What is the last book called that you completed and published?
Mike: The
last book is called The Kennedy Effect. It’s about JFK but not our JFK. This
one comes from a parallel reality and visits ours to make sure our time line
continues without interference. And that includes ensuring that JFK’s assassination
happens as our history dictates.
My imminent book release is titled Ghosts of
Forgotten Empires, Volume 1. It’s a sequel to my first book Future Perfect.
Scarberryfields: Where can readers go
to find your books?
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