Today I have a special treat for you all!! Recently, I posted an interview about Flight of the earls by Michal K. Reynolds! Now I am proud to bring you an interview with Mr. Reynolds himself! Its See Lizzie Read's 5 Minute High 5 with Author Michael K. Reynolds! Enjoy!
Michael K Reynolds, Author/Speaker
1. I read that you have a B.A. in
Creative Writing, but it had been many years since you had written
any fiction. What made you decide to return to it?
I
had written three books by the time I was 21, with two of them being fiction.
My fourth novel I began in college, but got no further than a title and some
initial research. That title was Flight
of the Earls. Once graduating I got a job as a journalist and then got
swept into the marketing industry where I became a copywriter and started my
own agency. Twenty years had gone by without me writing a sentence of fiction
when, on a whim, I pitched the idea for Flight
of the Earls at a writers conference. Two publishers requested to see the
manuscript just on the concept alone…and that’s what returned me to my first
love of fiction.
2. You’ve been involved with both
non-fiction and fiction projects. With non-fiction the facts are decided for
you, whereas with fiction you get to decide the facts. Is it more
satisfying to receive a good response to your non-fiction or fiction
projects?
The
response you crave most is that people were inspired by your writing, and that
can be accomplished with both disciplines. I’ve authored non-fiction for
decades and I enjoy it because it’s writing with the skin of the grape peeled
back—very direct and effective. However; it’s a unique and revelatory joy to
hear your readers converse in a positive way about the characters and plots of
your novels because all of this comes from the raw clay of your imagination.
3. Flight of the Earls is set around a
time period that I have not often seen (The Irish Potato Famine) especially
from the point of view of the Irish. What led you to use this time period and
this point of view?
The
Great Potato Famine is the single most important (and tragic) event in Irish
history, so that’s what drew me to that era. However; as I began to research
and draw storylines for my next two novels in the series it was like an
archeologist pulling amazing discoveries from the ground. This time span from
1845-1865 is truly a transformational period in American history and is overflowing
with human drama and scintillating plots.
4. You’ve said in another interview
that without having had experience living with four women in your house (your
wife and three daughters) you would not have been able to work on the strong
female lead, Clare Hanley, like you've been able to today. Do we as the readers
see any parts of those women in Clare Hanley’s character?
That’s
an interesting question! When I first shared the initial chapters of Flight of the Earls with a critique
group early on in the process, the feedback I received was overwhelmingly
positive. However; many of the women complained that I made Clare “too perfect.”
I had to go back and “scuff her up” in the subsequent drafts. What I realized
was I had originally written Clare as what I saw in my daughters, and most Dads
think their girls are perfect. Once I shifted out of that mentality, I was able
to create a Clare that was much more well-rounded and believable. But
definitely, I think very highly of my wife and daughters and I’m sure Clare
represents some of the best of each of them.
- It
is obvious that your first fiction novel, Flight of the Earls, is getting great response and that people
are excitingly anticipating the other two books (In Golden Splendor, July 15th, 2013 and Songs of the Shenandoah, January 1st,
2014) in the series. After the Heirs
of Ireland trilogy finishes, are we going to get to see more fiction
projects from you in the future?
Yes. I’ve been blessed with some great interest in my writing pursuits following the Heirs of Ireland Series, and my agent and I are sorting through those. Although it’s too early to discuss specifics, God willing, it is safe to say there will be more of my novels coming to a bookshelf near you.
There you have it! I hope you enjoyed this look into Mr. Reynolds and his work! If you'd like to buy your own copy of Flight of the Earls, Click here:
http://www.amazon.com/Flight-Earls-Heirs-Ireland-Novel/dp/1433678195/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366146381&sr=8-1&keywords=flight+of+the+earls
In Golden Splendor, the second book in the Heirs of Ireland Triloghy is available for pre-order now! If you'd like to pre-order your copy now, Click here!:
http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Splendor-Heirs-Ireland-Novel/dp/1433678209/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1366146490&sr=1-1&keywords=in+golden+splendor
And remember to keep an eye out for Songs of the Shenandoah, out January 1st, 2014!
You can become one of Michael K. Reynolds author insiders! You'll recieve e-mail updates about books, opportunities for prizes and more! Want to become one of Michael K Reynolds Author Insiders? Click Here!: http://www.michaelkreynolds.com/?page_id=2363
Follow Michael K. Reynolds on Twitter:
@M_K_Reynolds
and on Facebook:
Author Michael K Reynolds
More posts coming soon! ;)
Until Next Time!,
Lizzie <3
