An Interview with Author Michelle Diaz

Michelle Diaz lives in the Pacific Northwest and has been writing stories since she first picked up a pencil to try her hand at it. Thankfully, that particular manuscript will not be manifesting anytime in the near future. Her stories have grown since, covering a wide scope from sci-fi to fantasy and occasionally historical fiction. To advance her skills, she has taken courses from David Farland and Wulf Moon. She is a proud member of the Wulf Pack Writers and the Writers of the Future Forum. To see more of her work, visit: authormjdiaz.wixsite.com/author-michelle-diaz.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

My little brothers. I would sit in their room and tell them stories, pulling ideas from our daily life and my imagination, spinning tales that had many plot holes and cardboard characters, but it was fun. And out of those experiences, David the Painter Boy was formed.

Tell us the story of your book’s current title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

I’ve jumped around between several different titles in the past, but it didn’t take very long to land on the one I have now. As my story is not yet finished, the title may change, though it is unlikely.

Describe your dream book cover.

Riveting.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

I listen to many songs while I write, but I haven’t actually gathered together a list that would be used as a soundtrack for my novel.

What books are you reading (for research or comfort) as you continue the writing process?

There are a lot of good ones out there, sadly, most of them are still on my TBR (To Be Read) list.

How to Write a Howling Good Story by Wulf Moon

How I Got Published and What I Learned Along the Way edited by Lyn Worthen and Renee Scandalis

The 10% Solution by Ken Rand

Million Dollar Outlines by David Farland

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

Sister, farmer, construction worker, and babysitter.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

My family probably had the most influence on my decision to become a writer. From my little siblings begging for another story, to my older siblings who thought it was a waste of time.

I wanted not only my siblings, but the world, to know that just because someone doesn’t believe in you, doesn’t mean you can’t believe in yourself and make your dreams come true.

Every day will bring new challenges, but as long as you keep your head up and fight against those hurdles with all your heart, there isn’t any reason why you can’t get where you want to go.

Where is your favorite place to write?

Curled up on a couch in the sunlight, or wherever inspiration happens to come to me.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

I don’t really believe there is a perfect reader. I think that every reader will be different, and every reader will take away something unique. If I had to pick one thing I hope my book will do, is that readers will walk away with a new outlook on life. I hope more than anything, that my book will change people’s lives for the better.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.