My October Author of the Month needs no introduction! His fans will tell you that his unique style of writing is well played in the genre of Erotica. His books will take you on a ride and leave you wrecked by the end. His latest release, Mechanic With Benefits, will set you on fire from the start! I got the chance to ask him some questions and I guarantee, once you read this interview, you will be awestruck by Author Mickey!
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Author Bio
Mickey is one of seven men who are members of the Romance Writers of America. He loves playing sports, performing improv, and pineapples. After trying his hand at screenwriting, he found his passion being one of a handful of guys who writes over-the-top contemporary romance novels. He lives in Chicago, IL and yes, his Grandmother knows what he does for a living. But she keeps it on the DL.
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The Interview
When did you know you wanted to be an author? What inspired you to choose Erotic Romance?
Good question. I started writing about seven or so years ago when I was in the Peace Corps. I had a lot of time on my hands and it was just easy to do to pass the time. I wrote random little stories and after that I actually had the idea to be a screenwriter so I moved to Chicago and started taking classes at the Second City. And my main idea for a screenplay was kind of like a Sex in the City for guys type of a screenplay. So, I worked on that for a long time and it just didn’t really pan out. It’s really hard to do a screenplay and produce it, which, was what I was trying to do. And at that time, I just decided I wanted to hear from some people I don’t know, where exactly that romance is a bigger genre. Obviously, it’s the genre that a lot of people actually read which is nice. So, I thought that it would be cool to have people actually read my stories unlike my screenplay stories which just kind of sit and get dusty.
You have so many admirers and fans. How does that make you feel?
Yeah, it’s pretty interesting and it’s humbling to have a lot of fans and I do try to learn something about all my fans. Whether that’s as simple as where they’re from or you know, who their favorite authors are. And it’s really cool to be able to relate to people and kind of get to know them through writing and reading. Like I always talk to fans and then lot of times I’ll ask them stuff you know like my first book this year solo write was the Casanova Experience and it’s a basketball romance. I was talking with one of my fans and we were saying how there are no basketball romances and that’s how that story came up. And then another time I did a survey in my group and I asked them what kind of romance they wanted the most and I had some options and Professor was the top vote of you know 100 votes or something like that so I wrote a professor book.
What do you like to do in your downtime?
Down time down time… I’m laughing right now because I really don’t have it these days. I do work a full-time job as well as write so, there isn’t a lot of down time. Today is Sunday, which is a day of rest normally, but, for example, I am doing writing and trying to get a lot of stuff done today so man, there ain’t no rest for the weary. But, I do like to travel and working out is one of my hobbies. I play music sometimes too.
I love when you go “live”, has the feedback been positive when you interact up and close with your fans?
Well, thank you! Going live is super fun I am all about getting on top of the newest technologies and especially when they allow you to really get to know your fans in like a such a unique way. And yeah, I do the Dirty Thursday live read every week and I try to do a new live reading every week and just try to do something to keep it fun. I think that an important part of being an author, is getting your face out there so your readers can know where your books are coming from.
Who are some of your favorite Authors?
My favorite romance authors are Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward, and Lauren Blakely.
What do you find is most effective when “pimping” a new release?
You know, I think the most important thing to remember is just to keep at it. My first book, which I wrote in November, last year didn’t sell very many copies. But, I kept writing and just kept going. I think the most important thing to remember is just to keep writing and if you keep putting out fun entertaining books, I think people will respond to that. I mean obviously it’s important to get a cover and have a good blurb and all this stuff, but, I really think that audiences can sense when you’re real and they appreciate that.
How important are reviews and do you find that your audience grows based on reviews?
It’s definitely important to have a base of reviews and get your book out there to ARC readers, so they can get the word out and so when your book drops on Amazon, you have like 50 reviews or something. Again, I think for the audience thing is you just have to keep writing. Like I have a decent sized audience now, but, I still remember when I started about a year ago with my author group, The Misfits, and there were like 5 people in the group. I guess my motto is write it and they will come. And no that’s not a dirty joke that’s a baseball joke. Lol!
Are any of your books based on actual experiences or are they original inspirations?
You know, for the original experiences some of them are a little bit… I mean I played baseball in college and my first book was a baseball romance. The Casanova Experience takes place in Barcelona and I lived there for a time. So yes and no… it’s definitely not autobiographical by any means. I try to put my characters in a fun situation and then kind of like become a back character and just ask myself, “okay well what would I do in this situation”. I just hooked up with a mechanic and do you know, what the hell, I’m going to invite him to my sister’s wedding. That’s Mechanic with Benefits by the way. And I try to make things that are fun, but, that could be plausible and then of course have some fun with the dirty bits lol.
Have you ever had writer’s block? If yes, how did you get passed it?
All the time. I find that just doing something that has nothing to do with writing is helpful. Like if I have writer’s block I will go out with my cousin and get drunk or I’ll go for a walk. Or just have dinner with my girlfriend. And, doing something that’s has nothing to do with writing generally helps me. Although, sometimes I still can’t figure out what’s going to happen next in a book and then I will have a breakthrough like when I’m sleeping or something weird like that.
What words of wisdom do you have for new writers trying to get in the game?
Hmm, words of wisdom. I would say that it’s a process and you have to be patient. Someone said that it takes like 8 to 10 books to see a return or something like that. And I found that is pretty true. I would say don’t be afraid to get out there if you have an idea, the hardest part is getting your idea in front of people and realizing that you’re never going to be able to please everyone. No matter what you do some people just won’t like your books for whatever reason. But, you’re not writing for those people, you’re writing for your fans and the people that enjoy you’re writing. And your ultimate goal should just be to make people happy and have a great experience reading your book. I think if you keep that goal in mind, eventually you will be successful if you’re patient. And just keep writing…. don’t stop writing.
Which one of your works would you like to see on the big screen?
I would definitely want to see either Mechanic with Benefits or the Casanova Experience.
Finally, what do you want readers to take away from your books and what message do you have for your fans?
For the most part, my books tend to be pretty light-hearted and slightly comedic. They can get a little bit deeper at times. But, I would hope that people read them and have a sort of vicarious adventure through the characters. And as far as my fans go, just thank you for the support! This romance writing community is one of the best reading and writing communities around in terms of creative support in this day in age and I feel really blessed to be able to be a part of it.
Thanks!
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You can find Mickey on these Social Media Platforms!
Like his Facebook to stay in the loop:
Author Mickey Miller
Join his reader group to catch his live feeds:
Mickey’s Misfits
Follow on Instagram:
mickeymillerauthor
Follow on
BookBub
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