Kristy Mickelsen Interview
The Indie Book Butler Interview.
Indie Book Butler: Let’s start things off with an introduction. Tell us a little about yourself for those not already aware of you and your work.
Kristy Mickelsen: Hello, and thank you for the opportunity to interview with you. My name is Kristy Mickelsen. I am a 42-year-old wife and mother, whose passions include my two autistic children, reading and writing. I was born in Upland California and raised in Riverside by my two wonderful parents, Dale and Reata.
I believe that writing is a creative way to express many human emotions that are sometimes hard to speak.
Emotions such as love, lust, hate, anger, joy, and sorrow just to name a few. I love to write both nonfiction from my real-life experiences, as well as fictional romance, and even some erotica.
My books can be found on Amazon and Barnes & Noble including my rookie novella Nine Months to Autism, and my second novel Lady For Hire.
IBB: You’ve got twenty words to tempt us to read your book(s). What would you say?
KM: Kristy Mickelsen books are full of characters you can relate to with sweet romance and a splash of sex! Become a Kristy Girl Today!
IBB: Where do you like to write?
KM: I like to write in my home. During the winter I write behind my desk, but in the spring and summer I can be found on my patio in the front yard with a cold drink, and my laptop enjoying the fresh air and watching the deer graze in my yard as I write.
IBB: Is there anything you must have in order to write?
KM: In order for me to write I need to have some music playing in the background and a cold soda. I also tend to have my notebooks and pens close by so that I can document any plot or character changes that I make to my novels.
IBB: What books have influenced you most, both as a person and as an author?
KM: Most of Danielle Steel’s books inspire me. She is such a well-rounded Author with great storylines and characters. I can only hope to be as good as her one day!
IBB: What is the one thing that has helped you develop most as an author?
KM: Believe it or not it is the love and support of other Authors and Editors in the writing community. Writing is a competitive world, but there is still a camaraderie between most authors and editors that unites them as family.
IBB: What do you want to achieve most from your writing?
KM: With my writing, I really just hope to bring some reading enjoyment to those who choose to read my books. I hope that my readers have a smile on their face after reading one of my stories and say that was such a good book!
IBB: Have you received a favorite review of your work?
KM: Actually one review I have received on my novel Lady For Hire put a smile on my face and made me feel like I accomplished what I wished to achieve with it. The review said it was a nice relaxing read with sweet characters. A modern-day Cinderella story with a Twist! A must-read.
IBB: Were there any particular parts of the writing/publishing process that you struggled with?
KM: I personally struggled with book formatting. I have a bad habit of just flipping the laptop on and writing what’s in my head! I also found writing query letters, if they are not written properly, you will be shot down immediately with the publishing houses.
IBB: Is there something specific you do to improve your writing?
KM: To improve my writing I read a paragraph that I write at least 5 times to myself and end up moving words around until I make the paragraph sound better. I also read other books in my genre to get a feel of the flow others use to see how maybe I can improve.
IBB: What is the ideal relationship between editor and author?
KM: An editor and author should be able to communicate with each other freely with honesty. Otherwise, the book in progress will flop. Also as an author, you can not take your editor’s words like a bad thing. They are only trying to help you make your story a success.
IBB: If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring author, what would it be?
KM: My advice would be to take your time. Don’t rush. Too many mistakes get made when you rush and it can make the entire process much harder. Also, it is helpful to take a notebook and pen with you wherever you go. Sometimes inspiration comes to you in the strangest of times. One of my characters was actually inspired by a man standing in a line at the gas station!
IBB: What does your writing future hold for you?
KM: Well, right now I am working on a new novel called A Christmas to Remember. I also have 9 other titles in the works. My writing helps pay the bills at home so as long as I have an idea in my head, I am going to keep working!
IBB: How have you set about the task of creating enticing cover art?
KM: I think about the title of my novel, and I try to picture a scene from the book. I then search for a cover artist who can bring my idea to life, or I use computer programs to try and do the cover myself.
IBB: How often do you read? What genre?
I try to read at least one book a week in the romance genre. Sometimes I will also read erotica depending on what mood I am in.
IBB: Before we let you escape, it’s your chance to name-drop. Anyone who you feel is deserving of more recognition at present or someone whose writing you have recently enjoyed? Now is your chance to spread the word…
KM: I really enjoy the work of USA Today bestselling author Lily Luchesi, who has also taken me under her wing and showed me a few tips and tricks in the writing world. She’s an amazing writer and editor!
Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Best of luck in the future.
For more on Kristy and her writing, please do visit her at:
