Interview: Michelle Zink

Michelle Zink is the Author of the up coming release Prophecy of The Sisters, which hits bookstores August 1st, 2009. Besides being a Deb, Michelle is a part of The Word Ninjas, Ink. A fantastic group of authors and bloggers working together to promote excellent books!

For more information, click: Here

Questions on Prophecy of The Sisters:

Tainted Poet: First off, could you give us a brief summery of Prophecy of the Sisters?
Michelle Zink: Prophecy of the Sisters is about a sixteen-year-old girl named Lia who discovers she's part of an ancient prophecy that puts her in direct opposition to her twin sisters, Alice, and that could have apocalyptic consequences for mankind.

TP: What was your biggest inspiration while writing Prophecy of the Sisters?
MZ: I love reading about ancient myths and legends, and I was incredibly intrigued by the biblical tale of the Watchers, the angels who were sent to watch over mankind but instead fell in love with mortal women and fell from grace. Their offspring were called the Nephilim, and Prophecy asks the question, "What if the descendants of the angel/woman union continued to pay the price for their ancestor's mistakes? And what if only one were pre-destined to end it for the generations to come?"

TP: What made you choose the time period in which you set this book?
MZ: I love the Victorian era and everything Gothic! It's such a dark, sensuous era, and I thought it would set the tone nicely for the very dark atmosphere of the story.

TP: Do you ever wish to live in the 1800s? If so, when exactly?
MZ: Sometimes! It was such a graceful era in terms of fashion and manners, and those seem to be things we're losing touch with by the day. In the other hand, I'm happy to have indoor plumbing!

TP: How long did it take you to plan and write this novel?
MZ: I probably thought about the book for a couple of months before I started writing. The first draft took me three months to write, but it took me another 10 months to revise! Sounds crazy, I know! But I don't write with an outline of any kind, and I've come to accept that this style of writing means a lot of back-end revising in order for everything to work. I'd love to be able to write with a detailed outline so that everything comes together nicely the first time, but I tried it once, and it just killed the creativity and atmosphere that I love about writing "my" way!

TP: Which character, would you say, is most like you?
MZ: Honestly, I'm probably a mix between Madame Berrier and Aunt Virginia - motherly but unconventional! I also have a bit of Luisa in me, I think. I hate for other people to think I'm vulnerable, so I've become pretty good at playing tough.

TP: Will there be a sequel? If so, how many books do you have planned?
MZ: Prophecy is a three-book series. The second book is tentatively titled Guardian of the Gate and will be released in August 2010 with the third book being released in August 2011.

TP: Do you have a favorite character?
MZ: I can't choose a favorite! It's like being asked to pick a favorite child - impossible! They're all fairly complex people, and I love them each for their own failings, attributes, and complexities.

TP: I absolutely loved James. Can I marry him? x)
MZ: Well, because of what happens at the end of Prophecy, you MIGHT say that he's available, but when you read Book Two, you'll realize it's not quite so simple... ;)

Other Questions:

TP: Do you have any particular favorite foods or drinks that you like to eat and drink while writing?
MZ: Dark chocolate and tea!

TP: Do you listen to music while you write? And if so, what do you listen to?
MZ: I listen to film scores while I write. Music with words makes it hard to find my own, and I've found that by choosing a film score or two from a movie that matches the tone of the book I'm writing, I can more easily find the atmospheric tone that I try to put into my work. Plus, it helps me drown out the sounds of four kids/teens plus friends plus music being played and amps blasting in my basement!

TP: Have you always wanted to be a writer?
MZ: Yes! But I forgot who I was for awhile back when I was trying to earn a living and provide medical benefits for my children. It took me awhile to remember that there are more important things than money - and being spiritually fulfilled is at the top of that list. And you know what? I think it's good for kids to know that, too, even if it means they have to sacrifice a little. Mine did, uncomplainingly, because they knew how much my writing meant to me and they, too, believed that I should follow me passion. Great kids, huh?!

TP: How does it feel to be having your book come out?
MZ: It feels... surreal. The publication of any book takes a long time, but mine took longer than most - two whole years! Now, I see it on the shelf and my face hurts from smiling! But it's also scary, because I don't want to disappoint anyone and this is where I have to stand back and say, "I did my best. It is what it is. I hope you like it." It's harder than it sounds!

TP: Do you think being a part of Word Ninjas has made your launch more enjoyable?
MZ: Totally! The friendships I've formed with the other authors have been key to my sanity. Lisa Mantchev, author of the amazing book, Eyes Like Stars, has pretty much been the key to my sanity more than once! And then there are the bloggers like you! You've made it such a fun journey, and I love talking and laughing with you guys on Twitter, Facebook, and Myspace. You're such an amazingly talented group of people. Getting to know you all and work with you on various launches has been a highlight of my year. <3>

TP: Describe Word Ninjas, Ink in 3 words:
MZ: Promoting great books!

TP: What is one question you wish people would ask you?
MZ: What do we need more of in YA literature today?

TP: Any last statements?
MZ: Thanks for hosting me on your blog, Eli! I love watching your progress and have so enjoyed getting to know you. I hope your readers enjoy Prophecy of the Sisters - and I hope it makes them ask themselves, even a little, "What if?"

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Isn't Michelle Fabulous? Make sure to check your bookstores for Prophecy of the Sisters in stores (officially) August 1st, 2009!