MICHELLE LEVIGNE

Michelle Levigne

My parents signed me up for book clubs from the begining -- Weekly Reader and the Happy Hollisters ( 5 brothers and sisters who solved mysteries), and I've been a reading addict every since.

Now, I've graduated to "pusher." I've been writing since 10th grade. I have quite a lot of fan fiction out there: Star Trek, Beauty & the Beast, Stingray, Highlander, The Phoenix, Starman, V.

My first professional sale was part of a win in the Writers of the Future Contest. The novella, "Relay," is included in Writers of the Future Volume VII.

My first book published -- electronically -- was "Heir of Faxinor," a fantasy adventure novel about a maiden warrior and a mystical sword that chose her. And a touch of romance thrown in. It is now out of print and I have queries in with several publishers to pick up the series.

A Time To Shine @ Sime~Gen would like to welcome Michelle Levigne and thank her for interviewing with us.


THE INTERVIEW

 

What genres do you write?

Science fiction/fantasy/romance/action-adventure


Where do you get your ideas?

Dreams. Daydreams. Reading books and either saying, "Cool idea" and spinning my own take on it (kind of like writing fan fiction) or saying "I could do a LOT better than that," and setting out to prove it.


How do you come up with your characters?

They are formed by the needs of the story, most of the time. Sometimes I come up with a character, full-blown, all the problems and part of the history clear in my head, and then wrap the story around him/her. Characters and backgrounds change constantly as I revise. Sometimes I "discover" their backgrounds and the reasons for the things they do and feel only as I write the story. It's a lot of fun.


Are they based on real people or pure imagination?

About 10% real people, the rest imagination. Or I go the Frankenstein method -- I piece together characteristics (physical, emotional, background) from many people. I often take someone who's really hacked me off and used him as the "skeleton" for my villain -- and then disguised him greatly so I don't get sued in the future! <G>


What books do you have planned for the near future?

I'm working on an Arthurian-style series which I proposed to a publisher who shall remain nameless at this point. The editor said he'd love to see it when it's written, but made no promises otherwise.

Plus more Commonwealth books. Besides the Chorillan Cycle, I have some plans for stories in the pre-history of the Commonwealth, and one that spans the Downfall era up to the "present" of the Commonwealth -- with one character. It's called "The Undying," and I have tons of notes and very few scenes scratched out. And not much time for writing anything.


When is your next book due out?

September. "Azuli Eyes," Book 1 of the Chorillan Cycle, with Awe-Struck E-Books.


Can we have a sneak summary?

Scout Captain Ian Fieran comes to Chorillan searching for Gen'gineers -- a criminal group breeding a superhuman and destroying "inferior" genetic stock. He learns about the Wildlings -- children who undergo a drastic sensory overload, an allergic reaction to manmade things, who die or flee into the wilderness, and are often adopted by Azuli -- big, blue-eyed, gray/black-striped canines who could be sentient. He meets a young teacher, Miranda, who is determined to rescue and adopt one of her students. And that's all I'm going to tell you!


Do you have any book signings/appearances in the future?

February 14, Cincinnati Barnes & Noble. Other than that, no.


What do you feel makes your books unique or stand out from others in your genre?

They're MINE! <G>

The Commonwealth books, at least, are all pieces from a larger fabric. I've been literally planning these books for years. I come up with an idea, then realize how it fits into the Commonwealth history (which is roughly mapped out) and that affects events in the story. You meet people who are descendants of others in previous stories. There are even a few ships that keep returning. Bits of history mentioned in one book will become a book of their own someday. I like that kind of story, where there's continuity, as if the "world" continues after the story ends, and I think other people do, too.


Do you have a special subgenre and if so what is it?

None that I can think of! I concentrate on all my genres equally, I think.


Do you have a favorite place that you like to write?

Most of my work is done at my computer, but I carry a notebook everywhere. I even scribble scenes waiting for church to start, or on the train going to work. I like to think that I can write anywhere, if I need to.


In what order do you write? (Beginning to End; combining parts; in random order; development cycle)

Most of the time, I write Beginning to End. But that's because I've been making piles of notes for weeks, sometimes months, and once those notes are organized I have a map I can follow. I try to slam out the first draft in one long flow, and then go back and tweak four or five times until I like it and it feels solid and polished.


Do you feel that the ebook industry affords authors a bit more freedom of expression in their books?

Definitely! A lot of publishers are more willing to take risks with oddball books that can't quite fit one specific category. They don't have to invest in paper and printing and storage, so they can take risks and don't have to worry about "remaindering" a book. And yet, the lack of physical book is a point against e-books, because many of my writing friends simply won't read off the computer -- period. They may love my writing, but their response is always, "When is it in paper?"


What do you like about what is/isn't being done to promote authors?

That depends on each publisher. Most of my publishers are very good about sending copies to lots of reviewers before the book is released. Most of them offer to arrange group advertisements in readers/reviewers magazines, to help cut down on costs. The online loops for the authors offer advice on promotions, share stories of successes and failures, complaints, encouragement. But for most authors, success DOES depend on you moving your butt and getting your book cover and review in people's faces so they get interested and take a chance and buy your book. And if you're good, you'll get a loyal reader who will look for more of your books. It's a lot of work and one aspect of publishing I'm not good at -- but I'm learning!


Do you think that marketing departments have their "fingers on the pulse of readers?"
Sometimes I really doubt it. You hear the discussions among readers, what they want -- then you hear the publisher reports, what the editors are looking for, and they just don't mesh. Then again, the marketing departments have killed a lot of deals that editors were excited about -- they didn't want to take the risk. It's a constantly changing world -- what's hot today will be avoided like the plague this time next year -- and that's about the time you have your manuscript finished .....


How do you feel about the review rating system and its affects on public opinion?

I really don't know. I think a lot of readers don't pay attention to the rating system -- they just read reviews to figure out what the book is about and if they want to invest $7. If it's a favorite author, they don't care how the reviewer trashed the book.

Then again, if a reviewer is consistently honest and objective, he or she might get a following, and a good review from him/her will be like gold because readers know that particular reviewer's opinion is worth listening to.


In what kind of venues can we find your books?

Only online. Fictionwise, my publishers, Mobi, different venues. I'm not up-to-date on where my publishers release my books. The best bet, and the best deal, is to always go straight to the publisher. I have links to all my publishers on my web site.


What do you feel is the best aspect of the Publishing Industry?

If you look hard enough, eventually you'll find the book you always wanted to read. There is always someone out there willing to take a chance on an oddball book if it's well-written. And, for an author, you can eventually publish the book of your heart -- if you're persistent and keep knocking on doors and taking chances. That's what's so great about E-Publishing.


What do you feel could stand to be "tweaked" so to speak?

The cost of POD. That's what stops a lot of people from buying the print version of electronic books. That's what stops a lot of newer publishers from putting all their E-books into POD. And makes the big booksellers reluctant to take print versions of electronic books, because usually POD can't be returned. Vicious cycle.


With the rise of the E-book publishers and small press, do you think they will be the wave of the future?

Hope so!


How do you think the E-book industry has affected the Publishing industry?

I think paper publishers are scared -- look at how they constantly bad-mouth electronic books. You wouldn't be so vicious about the newcomers if they didn't pose a threat of some kind, right? If E-books were as bad, as indiscriminately printed as the "Big" publishers say, then the phenomenon wouldn't have lasted as long as it has, right?


Is there anything else you would like to add that we haven't covered?

Nope!

Recent Or Upcoming Author titles:

 
Windwalker

Currently in Print:

True Caderi (Eppie Finalist)
WindWalker

A Young Adult series set in the Commonwealth at Writers Exhange E-Publishing:

Sunsinger
Spacer's Creed
Dead World
The Lady and the Order
Fever"

Coming Soon: Chorillan Cycle, a 5-book series will be released starting in September 2004 by Awe-Struck E-Books

Azuli Eyes
Scout's Pride
By Fire and Stars
Chorillan
Silver Azuli

These are about a boy growing up on a small starship:

University
Leapers
Aramar
Gemar
Scouts

Out of Print:

Heir of Faxinor



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Last updated: May 4, 2004


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