Martinis and Memories by A. L. Michael @ALMichael_ #BlogTour #AuthorInterview @canelo_co @ElliePilcher95

Hi and welcome to my stop on A. L. Michael’s Martinis and Memories blog tour…..

Interview with A. L. Michael…..

For those who don’t know already, could you tell us about yourself and your book(s) please?

I’ve been writing for about 6 years, and Martinis and Memories is my 11th book. I usually write about difficult women and the search for vulnerability. I hopefully put a little comedy in there too.

Where did/do you get your ideas from?

I think as a writer you’re always looking for ideas. Whether that’s watching movies and wondering ‘what if this was different’ or hearing stories from people you know. I tend to steal lines from my friends, and often, as a somewhat anxious person, I’m always wondering about what might happen, what might go wrong, so my stories tend to be created out of that.

Are any of your characters based (however loosely) on anyone you know?

Some of the things they say are out of my friends’ mouths, but the characters are completely fictional.

How do you pick your characters names?

Sometimes they’re things I would have liked to name future kids but they’re a little too out there (Savannah, Tigerlily, Arabella). I like things that can be shortened so other characters can give them nicknames. Sometimes it’s just going through Baby Name books until something stands out. I often forget which surnames I’ve given characters though, which can be problematic!

Can you share your writing process with us, in a nutshell?

I sketch ideas out, I usually know the beginning and roughly what happens when I start writing, but I’m not an intensive plotter, I like to be able to discover the story as I write it. There’s nothing quite like having those ‘ahah!’ moments when you find out something about your character that you didn’t know at the start. I sketch out bits on my phone or in notebooks, and then when I start writing I do a whole draft before going back. I think finishing the first draft is always the most important thing. It’s a structure. The detail (and genius) is usually in the editing.

Who are your top 5 favourite authors?

Mhairi Mcfarlane, C L Taylor, Liane Moriarty, Jenny Crusie, Laini Taylor

If you could meet any author, who would it be and what would you ask them?

Honestly, I’m a nervous person and I’d rather not meet my heroes – I like the author to stay as this mystical creature in the background. They’ve given me the present of a book, I don’t want to talk to anyone though!

Were you a big reader as a child?

Yep always loved reading, stayed up late under the covers with a torch. Consumed everything. Every genre, anything that had a story, I’d read it.

When did you start to write?

I’d always written, but I took part in a creative writing class when I was about 10 and I was set on being a writer from then on.

If you could re-write the ending to any book what would it be and what would you change?

I honestly have no idea, I’ve suddenly forgotten the ending to every book ever!

Is there a book you wish you had written?

Holly Bourne’s How Do You Like Me Now? It’s so relatable, so brilliantly done, the characters are excellent, and it’s really got an important message. It’s so incredibly of our time and I think every young woman should read it.

If you wrote an autobiography, what would your title be?

Yes, I’m still here.

If you could invite any fictional character for coffee who would it be and where would you take them?

I feel like I’d love to chat to Lazlo Strange from Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor. Partly because I’m dying to read the next book in the series, but also because he’s someone completely in love with knowledge and stories, just like me. I think I’d take him to some sort of crazy tea emporium with hundreds of types of tea and lots of interesting artefacts!

Tell us a random fact about yourself.

I trained in therapeutic writing, so I run workshops to help people use writing to feel good. I did my research project on helping women with eating disorders.

What are you working on right now?

I’ve just finished a book for my agent so I’m waiting to see what she says!

Tell us about your last release?

My last book was Prosecco and Promises, the second book in The Martini Series. It’s set on the Italian island of Ischia and it’s all heartbreak, beauty and nostalgia.

Do you have a new release due?

My latest book is the last in the series, it’s called Martinis and Memories. It’s about Bel, the owner of a burlesque club and what she does when her past catches up with her.

What do you generally do to celebrate on publication day?

Ideally there would be fizzy wine, and the day usually starts with an almond croissant. Generally I just take it as an excuse to do/eat/drink things I enjoy and feel lots of love online!

How can readers keep in touch with you?

I’m always bumbling around on Twitter @almichael_ or my website http://www.almichael.com

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

Just thanks for having me!

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions! 🙂

Title: Martinis and Memories

Author Name: A.L. Michael

Previous Books (if applicable): Cocktails and Dreams and Prosecco and Promises

Genre: Women’s Fiction, Romance

Release Date: 13th August 2018

Publisher: Canelo

Book Blurb: A fun, feisty novel of love and chasing your dreams

Bel Hailstone has spent the past decade building her dream – Soho’s best burlesque club – from the ground up. But now The Martini Club is under threat and it will take everything in Bel’s power to resist encroaching developers and save her pride and joy.

Amidst the chaos Bel’s past comes knocking with the unexpected arrivals of her still-not-quite-ex-husband, her estranged mother and Brodie Porter – the boy who got away all those years ago.

To keep her beloved club afloat – not to mention her sanity – Bel will have to accept help for the first time in a long time, put the past to rest and claim the happy ever after she once thought was lost for good.

Links to Book:

Author Bio:

A. L. Michael is the author of 13 novels. Almost all of them are snarky love stories where difficult women learn to embrace vulnerability. Andi works as a content writer, so no matter what she’s doing, she’s all about the words. She has a BA in English Literature, an MA in Creative Business and an MSc in Creative Writing. She is represented by Hayley Steed at Madeleine Milburn.

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