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You have a very impressive resume. When do you find the time to write?People often ask me how I juggle all of the different projects I have going, and I like to tease that I’m just managing my ADHD very well. Writing comes to me at all times, and I’m lucky that my toddler is a fabulous napper, that’s usually when I sneak in my laptop-time. I’ve been known to sneak off to jot notes on my iPhone, or on a scrap piece of paper in my purse, I’ve even voice-memo’d thoughts and poems to myself. My family has come to recognize when I’m in a “mode,” and I’m so fortunate for that.
“Moe” was a cool grandmother. Was her character based on someone you know in real life?
When I first started writing Me & Moe, it was titled differently and Moe was a mother to the lead character, it transitioned after a visit to my grandparents house. When I realized that grandparent’s are so incredibly fun. So while Moe was a fictional creation, I have to be honest and say that she’s very much a cross between my mom, and my mom’s mom. And, a lot of the inspiration for the banter between Moe and Grandpa was from my own grandparents.
Why do you think dating reality shows are so popular?
I don’t think it’s unlike those of us who love to read memoir and biography; it’s an escape from our own “reality.” But I think dating shows in particular have had long standing interest, because intrinsically people want to believe in happily ever after. Alex’s career path took an unexpected detour. Do you think this type of thing happens to aspiring journalist a lot? Do you think Alex’s gender played a role in her struggle to be taken seriously as a journalist?
Absolutely! Truth be told, my Bachelors degree is in Journalism Communications – I wanted to be the next Barbara Walters. Until I got into the nitty gritty of it, and realized how political mass media focused journalism is. I have worked for the San Jose Mercury News, as well as Infinity/CBS Radio, so I’ve seen the in’s of the business. As a young woman in business myself, I found it challenging to be taken seriously. Ironically, just about the time I had landed full credibility, I opted to switch careers, become a therapist, and have children…all the things I’d baulked at when I was on a fast track in my professional career. Which isn’t unlike what Alex is up against…just when the doors open, she considers that perhaps she isn’t on the track she wants to be in, in life. What are you working on now?
I usually have a number of “stories” developing at any one time. At this point, I’m working with an illustrator for an upcoming children’s book series, called “Dennis the Dog” which is focused more on the therapy work I do with kids, and addresses common things I see as a marriage and family therapist, as well as a self-help book for women focusing on getting in touch with our inner womanhood. And, of course, the sequel to Me & Moe, tentatively titled “Charley & I.” I’m very excited about this story, which is now storyboarded out and brings both Scout and Jack back into Alex’s life. While the story continues in comic tone, there will be a few tears, no spoilers. Do you see writing as a career?
I guess by definition, it can be called a career if I’m making an income, so between books, and writing for a newspaper, technically so. But, writing has always been a therapeutic outlet for me, from journaling, to poetry, to my blog, to fully composed stories. I’d like to keep it as something I do for the passion and love it. I most certainly would not mind a best seller though, nor would my husband I’m sure (laughing)!
Physical books or ebooks?
I got my first Kindle last November for my birthday, and it has seen more toddler cartoons than books. I still absolutely love flipping pages. Though, my husband and I spend a lot of time deep sea fishing, and the Kindle is so positively convenient!
Where can readers contact you and where can we find your books?
Readers can contact me through my site michaelarenee.com on twitter @michaelalaughs or on facebook at /michaelarenee my books are widely available through most online retailers and in Barnes & Noble.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading a yet to be released book, Gemini by Carol Cassella, a travel book on New Zealand, and the new Sophia Kinsella.
Do you have a favorite quote you would like to share?
You found my weakness. I’m a ‘quote a day’ kind of girl and draw immense inspiration from incredible quotes. I would say if I had to pick one, it’d probably be Carl Jung, "The privilege of lifetime is to become who you truly are..."
Thank you so much Michaela for stopping by today. I enjoyed chatting with you!
