The Thirteenth Chime by Emma Michaels
'A Sense of Truth' novel
No one knew of its existence until it was removed from the attic upstairs.
In a beautiful house that overlooks the sea, an antique clock has the power to change the course of their lives.
The power the clock resonates will not only force Destiny and ex-boyfriend David on a journey into the depths of one man's mind long dead, but into the mind of a man filled with hatred and bent on revenge.
With the only clues to the nature of the clock having disappeared into the sea, Destiny and David must retrace the steps the man had taken into the darkness, before they fall prey to the trap he had set in motion over half a century ago.
Hatred never dies.
Genre: Young Adult (Paranormal/ Urban Fantasy)
Publisher: Bokheim Publishing
Available soon in all digital formats and print
for more imformation or to submit your blog for a change to review The Thirteenth Chime e-mail Emma@EmmaMichaels.com
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That's the information, here's the interview...
1. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
A) I considered myself a writer the day I first scribbled out a story idea. I think there is a difference between an author and a writer though... Yes, I'm now published, but I think I will always have the heart of a writer. Authors are people who work much different and can write on a schedule and make first drafts by their deadlines. While I do all of that and enjoy it even, I think I will always write, not because of being an author but just because it is something I love and such a large part of who I am. But I promise each of you this - if you love the stories I plan to bring you, I will keep writing for as long as you want!
2. Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
A) I began to be interested in writing after I read my first YA book. I was ill at the time and confined to bed, so the only thing I could do was read and write. After that first book, I was hooked! I scribbled ideas for years but other than for work, it was last year that I finally began letting my words pour forth into my first novel.
3. How did you name your characters?
A) David was named for a special reason within the book that I can't give away yet. Destiny's name wasn't chosen until the book was almost complete. I was talking to my fiance about the relationship between the two main characters and he commented about how the girl "just seemed to be David's destiny". It was in that moment that I just knew what her name was meant to be - she is David's Destiny.
4. Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
A) I think I mostly want readers to be able to enjoy the novel the way that other novels have brought me joy. You can read the same book multiple times and always find a different meaning and I think that the 'A Sense of Truth' series will be the same. I have so many things that I believe in that show through my writing but most of all I believe in people. I believe in us all and want all of us to be able to achieve amazing things. That can mean love, that can mean that sometimes you never realize what you are meant to do until you do it, that can mean putting your own life before the life of another person, it can mean anything and so many of these themes show through in my writing. I just really believe in all of us and the things that we are capable of.
5. What is your favorite part of your new book? Favorite character? Why?
A) My favorite character is probably Stephanie, Destiny's best friend/roommate. She adds a certain charm and element that is very important in the relationship between David and Destiny. As to favorite parts, I think it is when the three of them come together and make peace. It is very important within the story and helps the bond between David and Destiny to grow.
6. Who designed the cover?
A) I had a few ideas that I submitted to Bokheim. I didn't expect for them to really hear me out, but they loved the idea and I was blessed to find out that they already had the perfect artist in mind when they heard my ideas. After a few revisions, the cover was complete and I feel that it matches the story perfectly. I am very thankful to the artist and to Bokheim.
7. What was the hardest part of writing your book?
A) The hardest part of the book was coming to terms with the beginning and ending of the book. When I write a story, I am both a storyteller but also a scribe. By that I mean I'm basically along for the ride, and it is the characters themselves who tell the story that I then share with all of you. The beginning had to be perfect in my mind and so I agonized over the first paragraph right up to the day I finished the first draft. With the ending, I really wondered what potential fans would think. Some are going to be really surprised and others, at least I think, are going to love it and think it was the right choice.
8. What books have most influenced your life?
A) I've had a lot of books influence me over the years. It was reading my first YA book that encouraged and inspired me to write YA. But if there was a single book that has inspired me above all others, it is DaVinci's journal, a copy of it that I was fortunate enough to purchase when I was younger, that has truly inspired and influenced me. It was the first time I actually started to think about everything that was possible and all the steps forward people could take. I realized that he was seen as a dreamer or in some cases less than sane for thinking about flying machines or machines that could take us from floor to floor instead of using the stairs. Yet, now look at us. We have amazing airplanes that can fly higher than he had dreams, we can now go into space and well, elevators, as much as some of us might not like them they are very useful and such a wonderful thing to have for people who have a harder time with stairs. I really believe that we can achieve anything as long as we all work at it together, with some luck and a bit of blessings, it can happen.
9. What book are you reading now?
A) I am actually in between library visits so trying to find something that I can get my hands on in the mean time. Oh! I am also reading Barbara Walters' How to talk with practically anybody about practically anything. I think it might help me with speaking to people in person and also help me understand a bit better how an interviewer feels and how I can help make situations more comfortable for everyone. So far a fascinating read! I will admit, normally I just stick with YA novels but I am really happy that I am reading this. she is just such an honest writer that it is so refreshing.
10. Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
A) Tamora Pierce. She just has a way with words that brings her written world to life for the reader. I hope one day to match her skill with the written word.
11. Do you have another job, or is writing your full-time job?
A) Up until a short time ago, I worked as a freelance writer and ghostwriter for several novels. Last year, I took the plunge to begin writing for myself under the encouragement of my fiance. It is now my hope to transition to full-time author and continue to bring my books to potential fans.
12. How do you begin a story? Do you have an idea of a plot and then create characters to fit…or create characters and then find adventures for them, or…?
A) It's all a bit of both, but usually it starts out with an idea and I just write like crazy until I have the basic idea out. After that, I turn to my usual organizational routine as it helps me write. The characters are usually found within the original idea, but more often than not, new characters develop as the world of the story is explored during the actual writing process. I try to take a passenger seat when I write and I think the result speaks for itself.
13. How does it feel to be a published author?
A) Amazing! I am so grateful to Bokheim Publishing, my fiance and all of the bloggers and blog readers who have supported me during this time. You have been terrific, and I will always be grateful. I hope you will enjoy reading "The Thirteenth Chime" as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Thank you for the interview and to everyone reading. Your support really does mean so much to me!!!
Thanks, Emma. Now on August 13th everybody head to the bookstore or Amazon.com or wherever you get your books online and buy Emma's book.
