Interview & Giveaway ~ Meet author Isabel Micheals

Hi Isabel.  Welcome to Read Your Writes Book Reviews.  How are you?

I’m doing great, Kim. Thanks for inviting me to Read Your Writes Book Reviews.

You’re welcome.  In case readers don’t know about you, what can you tell us about yourself?

I’m an avid reader and a tech geek. I love all genres and currently I’m fascinated with books about the Amish. Paranormal is one of my favorite genres and I’m a huge fan of Charmed, which is part of the reason I was honored to be asked to write in Robyn Peterman’s Magic & Mayhem Kindle World. I love chatting with readers, but at times I can be a recluse. When the voices of my characters start talking, I have to sit down and write. I have two adorable cocker spaniels who made their debut in Witchin’ You’re A Dragon and a 16 year old who would love to be a dragon himself in a book, so I’m working on it.

To date, you have four books to your name.  They are all Kindle Worlds books.  The Wedding Chaos is in the world of Lucy Kevin’s Four Weddings and a Fiasco series.  Then, you have three books (A Witch Possessed, Witch ‘N Fire and Witchin’ You’re a Dragon) in the world of Robyn Peterman’s Magic & Mayhem series.  What has it been like for you to write in these already established worlds?

It has been amazing. Lucy Kevin and Robyn Peterman are amazing women. I love their books and was honored that they allowed me to put my own spin on some of the characters in the world, as I was developing my own characters. Since I enjoy sweet and paranormal romance, it was a win-win for me and hopefully for them as well.

You went out on your own with Laura & Mike, which released on March 14th. This is the first book in your Shoe String Weddings, Inc. series.  What can you tell me about the book and the series itself?

Yes, I am. The series takes place in Austin, Texas and it involves a crazy wedding planner, a couple who are over budget and at their wits end, and a band of misfits who’ll come in and help save the day. The owner of Shoe String Weddings, Inc. is Jacqueline Whitmore who loves to help couples find their Happily Ever After even though she’s never found her own. There will be some surprises, suspense, comedy, drama, sensual romance, and chaos. Eventually, Jacqueline and her team will get their Happily Ever Afters, but until then, they continue to help everyone else walk down the aisle and say “I do”.

You have this ability, in my opinion, to just make readers fall in love with your characters.  From the beginning, I LOVED Lilly and Trevor from The Wedding Chaos (The Blakes series).  I can’t wait for the next book in the series.  Then with your Magick & Chaos series, your characters seem to be larger than life and really uncontrollable with sarcasm to spare.  Why have you chosen to write sweet closed door romances and paranormal romances?

Thank you so much Kim for such an amazing compliment. Coming from a reader, it means a lot to me and helps keep me humble. Although Laura & Mike has one open-door bedroom scene, it’s very mild by any standard. For me as a writer, it’s about the story if that makes any sense. I want readers to truly know my characters, whether it’s their hopes, dreams, fears, or insecurities because we all have them and it’s a part of who we are. Don’t get me wrong, I love sex as much as the next person, but I also like to use my imagination when it comes to the bedroom.

I think if you can convince readers to invest in your characters without the bedroom door being open, but still allow them to feel the sexual chemistry between them, you develop a deeper bond with the reader, and hopefully, they’ll come back for more.

I know that sweet closed door romances and paranormal romances are at opposite ends of the spectrum, but I have a passion for both. Both of these genres allow me to tap into the drama I like to create in my romances, as well as my sometimes dry, sarcastic sense of humor. The thing about Robyn’s world is that I can be totally over-the-top and it works, whereas in my contemporaries, I’m allowed to focus on the drama and relationship between the characters and the secrets they're hiding. Sometimes, I don’t even know what those secrets are until the characters decide to reveal them to me.

What do you find to be the hardest thing about writing?

Since I still work a full-time job, sometimes it’s just finding time to write. Also when you’re a newbie, it’s difficult getting your name out there and trying to develop a reader base. I’m fortunate in that I have some amazing mentors like Robyn Peterman, Donna McDonald and Lissa Matthews who are willing to help me navigate through the book publishing world. I’m also fortunate in that my beta reader, Deb S. is always there at a moment’s notice to read my stories and tell me if I’m making sense or that I’m completely insane. She’s always honest and upfront with me, which helps in this business because not only does it require a tough skin to survive, but it’s also important to realize that not everyone is going to like your books and that’s okay. Therefore, it’s imperative as an author to just keep putting out the best product you can and focus on moving forward, which is sometimes easier said than done.

When and where do you write?

I write everywhere. I write in my office at home. In my bed. I dictate notes in my car. In fact, some of the best ah-ha moments have happened in my car. I always have either my phone or a notebook with me no matter where I am, so when inspiration strikes, I can quickly jot down what’s going on in my head, which I have to admit at times can be frightening. LOL

As I’ve mention, you just released Laura & Mike.  When can readers expect to get the next book in The Blakes series (based in the Four Weddings and a Fiasco series)?

Yes, Laura & Mike just released. It’s currently available for 99 cents right now for a limited time. The price will change, but I thought it would be a great way for readers to give my books a try for a nominal price. If your readers are interested in grabbing a copy, they can access all of the buy links on my website at http://isabelmicheals.com/.

If all goes well, I plan to release the next book in The Blakes series, titled The Wedding Chase, in May. This will be Mac and Jared’s story and they’re already talking to me, which is a good sign. In addition, I’m also hoping to release The Wedding Bet this year. It might or might not be Brodie’s story and that’s all I’m going to say.

Isabel!  It’s NOT nice to play around with my emotions like that.  Seriously, you have me pouting.  

Lol. I’m also trying my hand at a new chick-lit series called Planners Anonymous and the first book is titled Confessions of a Planner Addict. You’ll get to meet Alexa Biltmore in April and learn about my slight— I mean her slight – addiction to planners and planning supplies. It’ll also be the first book I’ve written in first person, which has been an interesting process.

You have so many different series going on. Doesn't it get a little confusing?

Sometimes. I haven't mixed up the characters yet. I have two huge boards that tell me the books I'm supposed to be writing and releasing for each month. Sometimes, it takes a day or so when I finish one book and have to immediately start working on the next. Switching gears is always an interesting process for me.

Isabel, thank you so much for your time.

Thank you so much for inviting me, Kim. I’ve enjoyed our chat.

Me too.  It’s always fun talking with you.

The Wedding Chaos (The Blakes, #1)

Series: Four Weddings and a Fiasco (Kindle World)

Amazon | Goodreads

When a momzilla crosses a frustrated bride-to-be, chaos ensues…

Nancy Blake has dreamed of her daughter having a fairy tale wedding fit for a Princess since Lilly was born. However, Lilly and Trevor want to be married soon and with as little fanfare as possible. How will Nancy be able to carry out her plans for the wedding to end all weddings, you ask? She enlists the services of Rose Knight, owner of The Rose Chalet, San Francisco's premier wedding venue.

But as the big day approaches, tension between mother and daughter escalates, nearing the point of no return. Will they be able work out their differences before Lilly and Trevor walk down the aisle? Or, will the bride and groom make a run for Vegas to be married by an Elvis impersonator?

Warning: This fairy tale contains an overwhelmed bride one-step away from wearing prison orange; a prince charming who sticks his foot in his mouth; and a momzilla who continually forgets…she’s not the bride.

The Wedding Chaos is based on the wonderful characters found in Lucy Kevin’s Four Weddings and a Fiasco series.

A Witch Possessed (Magick & Chaos, #1)

Series: Magic and Mayhem (Kindle World)

Amazon | Goodreads

Hildy and Chuck are desperate to begin their next ‘great adventure’, but the Goddess and Fates have other plans… to help the witch in danger embrace her destiny.

Until the Angels of Death, a talking cat, and a leotard wearing Healer invades her home, Zoe has no clue she’s been living a lie. Two claim to be ghosts, one claims to be her mate, and the other insists on her calling him dad.

Desperate to help her unconscious Aunt Viola, Zoe doesn’t know who to believe. But one thing is for sure, there’s a warlock named Alaric, who wants her dead… and dead she will be. When the energy balls start flying, things begin to heat up.

Will this band of misfits find common ground, or will magic as they know it cease to exist?

Strap yourself in and hold onto your funny bone because the little town of Bass Ackwards, TN will never be the same.

A Witch Possessed is based on the wonderful characters found in Robyn Peterman’s Magic & Mayhem series.

Witch ‘N Fire (Magick & Chaos, #2)

Series: Magic and Mayhem (Kindle World)

Amazon | Goodreads

What happens in Vegas ends up in Bass Ackwards, Tennessee when a feisty, temperamental witch with wonky powers and a fire breathing dragon accidentally expose Magic in Sin City.

Zara has one objective: to win the World Series of Poker tournament in Vegas. The stakes are high and the buy-in is ten thousand dollars that she doesn’t have. Desperate, Zara does the only thing she can… borrow more money.

Stefano has been searching for the one his entire life. So imagine his surprise when she turns out to be the sexy witch who just crashed his brother’s wedding. Jealousy, magic, and chaos all interfere with this couple’s chance at happiness.

The Sire wants her powers, the loan sharks want their money, and Stefano wants her heart. The location is Sin City, the name of the game is poker, and the hearts are wild.

Only the Fates know who will win and who will fold.

Witchin’ You’re a Dragon (Magick & Chaos, #3)

Series: Magic and Mayhem (Kindle World)

Amazon | Goodreads

Sarah Abrams is on the run from a Dark Warlock who wants her secret power. A secret power she’s never divulged to anyone. But, the more she suppresses her true nature, the weaker her secret power becomes. When she’s cornered by the Dark Warlock in Sin City, it’ll take the power and ingenuity of a red dragon and his friends to help her escape.

Cole wasn’t sure what drew him toward the damsel in distress, but everything in his being told him to protect her. When he’s confronted by the Dark Warlock’s hellhounds, he’s left with only two choices. Let his dragon fly free and create more havoc on Sin City, or call in backup.

Either way, all hell is about to break loose again, when a feisty damsel in distress hiding her powers and an out-of-control, fire-breathing dragon hiding from a leotard wearing warlock find themselves surrounded by Dark Magic. Who knew sequins were flammable?

Laura & Mike (Shoe String Weddings, #1)

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo | Goodreads

Laura and Mike want a simple, yet elegant outdoor wedding that expresses their love for one another. Six months in and they’re over budget with an out of control wedding planner who’s looking to make a name for herself among the social elite in Austin.

Groom Mike Landry has had enough and intends to put the overbearing woman in her place. But when things go awry and they’re unable to find common ground, he finds himself without a wedding planner.

Desperate for a solution and at the suggestion of a friend, he hires the services of Shoe String Weddings, Inc. Problem solved. Or so he thinks. When once again their wedding plans implode, it’ll take everything Jacqueline Whitmore and her merry band of misfits have up their sleeves to help Laura and Mike make it down the aisle.

Tempers will rise. Old lovers will emerge. One wedding planner with throw down the gauntlet. And the city of Austin, Texas will never be the same. So, hold on to your seat because this is going to be one bumpy ride to Happily Ever After.

After years of reading romance novels and getting lost in characters’ worlds, Isabel Micheals finally decided to try her hand at writing. Inspired by Lucy Kevin’s Four Weddings and a Fiasco, she summoned her courage, got to writing, and submitted her first novel, The Wedding Chaos, to Ms. Kevin’s Kindle World. Now she’s been bitten by the writing bug and hopes to make a career of it. Isabel encourages you to join her on this amazing and exciting journey as the characters in her head come to life.

In addition to her creative side, she’s a geek who loves being whisked away into alternate realities, whether it be contemporary, new adult, young adult, historical, paranormal, or real life. Everyone has a story, so be sure to drop by often and see which stories are keeping Isabel up at night, as she pounds away on the keys writing her next book.

Places to find Isabel Micheals:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Instagram | Amazon Author Page

Isabel is giving Read Your Writes Book Reviews readers the opportunity to check out her Magick & Chaos series.  I’m loving this series.  There’s also a chance to check out The Blakes.  Oh my gosh.  I can’t wait for the next book!  Sorry. I got a little excited.  Follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter below. There will be two winners.  Good luck.

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