Sharon Michaels, who joined us earlier this year as part of The Cozy 52 interview series, returns for an encore interview! This time she’s here to tell us about a holiday project that she’s a part of – the Holiday Corner series. I’ll be featuring all three of the authors over the next couple of weeks, plus a post about the series itself so keep an eye out for it!
In the meantime, let’s get to know Sharon a little bit more, including her new book, some great writing advice, and her writing plans for 2023.
The Q&A
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF
I write sweet, clean, and fun cozy mystery short reads about mature, smart women and men who know how to enjoy life. Small towns, close friends, a hint of romance, and a fur-baby or two makes solving mysteries fun and exciting.
I happily write in the cactus filled desert of the southwest United States. My extremely supportive husband of thirty-eight years and I love exploring the beauty of our country. As we travel, I write fun and interesting things in my notebook so I can share these memories with you in stories and books.
LIST THREE FUN FACTS ABOUT YOURSELF THAT WE WOULDN’T READ IN YOUR ‘OFFICIAL’ BIO.
- I have a doctorate degree.
- I met my husband in junior high school.
- I studied dance with the goal of becoming a Radio City Rockette in New York City. I didn’t grow tall enough.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST REALISE YOU WANTED TO BE A WRITER?
Not until I was out of college. I had a student mindset and my writing sounded too academic. I started writing short stories just for fun. As soon as I allowed my imagination to take me where it wanted to go, I realized I had a knack for storytelling.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WRITING STYLE?
Casual, character driven and fun.
DO YOU WRITE FREELY OR DO YOU WORK STRICTLY WITH AN OUTLINE (IE. PLOTTER OR PANTSER)?
I write by the seat of my pants. Outlining reminds me too much of schoolwork and structure. I enjoy the freedom of sitting down and seeing where the story takes me.
IF YOU WERE MAROONED ON A DESERTED ISLAND, WHAT ARE 3 BOOKS YOU WOULD WANT WITH YOU?
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
- The entire In Death series by J.D. Robb
- Our old family Bible
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THIS NEW SERIES AND YOUR BOOK IN IT.
The Holiday Corner Christmas Cozy Mystery series is about a quaint and quirky little town in Vermont called Holiday Corner. The town prides itself on having the holiday spirit 365 days a year. For some reason, this year’s Christmas celebration seems to be plagued by misfortune and mayhem.
My story, Missing Santas, is Book #1 in the series. The main character is the town’s event planner Joy Holiday.
Event planner Joy Holiday isn’t exactly feeling joyful this Christmas season.
*Her Santas keep going missing and worse, end up dead.
*Her hometown of Holiday Corner (named after her great-great-great-grandfather) blames Joy for this year’s lack of Christmas spirit.
*Her billionaire ex-husband is seeking revenge and ready to buy up the town.
*And to make matters worse, it hasn’t snowed yet this season, not even an inch!
Joy’s job has quickly turned into saving the town’s holiday season and putting an end to the chaos.
I’ve even included a couple of Christmas cookie recipes!
DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL HOLIDAY TRADITIONS?
My husband and I enjoy watching classic holiday movies. And I still leave cookies and hot chocolate for Santa on Christmas Eve.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS WRITING THEIR FIRST COZY MYSTERY?
- Write from your heart.
- Write for yourself and enjoy the writing process. If you don’t enjoy what you’re writing, your readers won’t either.
- Develop thick skin. Don’t take rejection or negativity personally.
DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER WRITING PROJECTS COMING UP THAT YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?
My writing goal for 2023 is to have one new book publishing every month. They will all be cozies and will feature mature characters, fur-babies and a later in life romance. I’m planning a few fun collaborations with other authors also.
The Quickie 5
- FAVOURITE FICTIONAL CHARACTER: Nancy Drew
- FAVOURITE COLOUR: Blue
- FAVOURITE ANIMAL: Mini Dachshund Dog
- FAVOURITE SEASON Fall
- BEST BOOK YOU’VE READ THIS YEAR? I’ve read too many to choose only one.
To keep up to date with Sharon Michaels online, you can connect with her on:
WEBSITE | NEWSLETTER | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE | FACEBOOK
