Author Interview: Emma Michaels

I'm so excited to be able to share my interview with Emma Michaels with all of you. She is a super sweet person, and I for one can't wait til The Thirteenth Chime is released!


Have you always known that you wanted to be a writer?

I think I first realized that I wanted to be a writer the day I finished my first YA book and didn't want it to end. I began playing with ideas in my head and before I knew it, I was coming up with story ideas for novels. After that, I began scribbling things down on paper and then there was no stopping me.

Is there a specific reason you chose to write in the Young Adult genre.

Yes, there was a specific reason. I was very sick when I was younger. As I was confined to bed for long periods, I was given YA books to read. In no time at all I was hooked. It really helped me deal with the time that I was sick and my greatest wish is that I can help others through my writing just as others have helped me.

In recent years, “Young Adult” really has opened up and isn’t just for teens anymore and that gives these books a wider audience, especially with the popularity of the Harry Potter and Twilight series. How do you feel the genre has changed over the years?

I feel that it went from being a 'limited genre', to a market that is for everyone. In recent years, literature has changed, not only in how it is presented but also what is in the books. Although some believe that different types of adult content, sells a book, there is only so much of those things that a person can take. I believe that more people have been turning to YA books because it doesn't usually have such things and most importantly - it inspires hope. We all need a bit of hope right now.

Do you have a particular favorite young adult writer?

I would have to say that my favorite is Tamora Pierce - especially her novel "In the Hand of the Goddess" which was the YA novel that got be hooked

Now let’s talk about your book.

What would you like to tell people about The Thirteenth Chime?

In particular, The Thirteenth Chime deals with the lives of two people who have been estranged. Destiny and David were once involved, yet they grew apart. Now Destiny has a fiance, but fate is not done with David and Destiny as she is forced to call upon him for help when a dear friend of hers is hurt. There is a strong bond between them that is not only rekindled within the book, but it is this bond that will help them to survive and face the nightmare that is "The Thirteenth Chime". You will just have to read it to see if the bond is rekindles romantically or if some part of each of them might force them to only be friends. It is my debut novel and I would like to promise all potential fans that if you enjoy the book, you will definitely be receiving more from me!

It’s coming out on Friday, August the thirteenth. How did you feel when you first realized that was the date of it what with all the superstition that surrounds that particular date?

Actually, I requested that as a release date from Bokheim Publishing. Surprisingly, not only were they all for it, they have really pulled out all of the stops into helping me make the release date a possibility. I think the feel of superstition will be perfect for the book's release, particularly when people begin to read it.

The Thirteenth Chime is the first book in a trilogy. When you started writing did you have that in mind or was it something that just happened as you were working on the first book?

I did not have that particular idea in mind when I wrote it. I knew I wanted a sequel if potential fans want more, and I do have ideas planned, but it is going to depend entirely on what my readers want. Who knows, I may even make it four books if everyone likes it enough!

Tell us why we should read The Thirteenth Chime!

Because I feel that there is no other book like this currently on the market and I also believe that no matter what age you are, you are going to really enjoy the book. I feel both blessed and very happy to present to all of you my debut novel, "The Thirteenth Chime" and I would like to share with each of you my thanks in all of your support and encouragement. Thank you so much!




You can learn more about The Thirteenth Chime @ Emma's Blog