Indie Authors Uncovered - Meet the person behind the pages - Meet Michelle J. Mann - Her Craft is winging and hoping to get it right.
Where were you born?
I was born in Germany.
Where do you live?
I now live in Texas (United States).
Do you have fur babies?
I have
- a miniature dachshund named Barbara,
- a pug named Reba,
- a parrot named Toby.
Do you use a pen name?
Michelle J. Mann
What kind of writer are you?
- Modern Day Laptop/PC Writer
Name one book you loved as a kid - one you loved as a new adult - and one you love now.
- I loved all the Bevery Clearly books when I was a kid such as Ramona and Beezus.
- As a new adult, I used to read more suspense books such as Steven King, Pet Cemetery.
- Recently I enjoyed an indie book, Scars of August, by Ashley Pierce.
Is there an author you look up to? Or had an influence on your craft?
I used to look up to the more famous authors, well known authors like Danielle Steel; however, for the past few years I've really looked up to the indie authors, the ones who have figured it out by trial and error.
Those are the ones that I want to be more like as an indie author.
How would you describe your craft in one sentence
Honestly, I'm winging and hoping for the best until I get it right.
At The Dreamer's Bookshop, we embrace diversity and advocate for invisible illnesses. How do you feel about those topics? Do you include messages in your writing?
I have Lupus and I come from a long line of family members with invisible illnesses. I included a main character with lupus in my second book.
Autism is my main focus though, and both my books include this. I have a side character in my books who has autism and I try to include this in a lighthearted but respectful and realistic manner. My second book has more focus on autism advocacy.
Do you have red lines when it comes to writing/reading?
No, I do not.
Was there a review that touched you more than others?
"I could not put this book down! If you are looking for a sweet, no-spice, fun read that is full of surprises and relationships worth fighting for. This is a book for you.
Lilly and Kade are total opposites. She is a loving, carefree spirit who lives life to the fullest, and he lives on the side of caution. Their first impression of each other is not the greatest, but as their story progresses–they form a beautiful friendship that is put to the test with a serious of events.
I can’t forget about Kennedy; she is an amazing young lady with autism who won’t let that stop her from keeping the folks of the small-town of Willow Creek safe.
When I closed this book, I went and cuddled up with my hubby. It doesn’t matter how different you are as long as you love each other, and the author did a wonderful job of showing that."
If someone asked you why you write, what would you answer in one sentence?
I write for myself but also for others that might be able to relate and connect to the stories I write.
Which book are you most proud of and why?
I'm most proud of my first book because I had no idea what I was doing or how to write a book but figured it out and I wrote it. I have a book with my name on it that I wrote with a story I love. And for that, it will always be my favorite.
What would you tell an aspiring writer?
Write the book you want to write, not the book that you think everyone else will like. You cannot please everyone, but somebody is going to love your book.
What's a wish you have for yourself as an author?
I'd love to make a difference to my readers, help them through a bad day or a hard time. My books have deeper topics intertwined but are intended to make the reader feel good with their happy endings.
What's a wish you have for yourself as a person?
I'd like to overcome my imposter syndrome.
Do you have a message for your audience
I hope you enjoy my books and relate to my characters and their issues. My characters are not perfect; they are meant to be average individuals with problems that many other people face. However, my books are a bit quirky, lighthearted, and meant to be fast and fun reads.
