In Conversation With Series - Author Interviews

In conversation with Michael Phoenix  Author and Poet


Michael, tell us a bit about yourself?
I love to read and write. I have recently re-discovered my love of art. I don't have too many hobbies, my emerging career takes up most of my time. To relax, I take a walk in the city or trail or go to a bar / club and get lost in the music and night.


When did you first start writing?
About 25 years ago, when I was 15.
It started in Coplay, PA. The town I grew up in. It started as my way of dealing with the death of a close friend.


How did you get interested in writing in the first place? Was it always there?
Yes, it was always there. For some reason, I can still remember getting an "A" on a haiku I wrote in second grade.



Did you find it difficult writing this book? How long did it take you to come to the final edition?

I did find it difficult in several ways. Hiding my emotions in plain sight was very hard, at times. Creating the book: what belonged in what chapter. Converting from Word to e-book was the most difficult. Each version, I completely retyped and reset. The cover, even though not professional, was 50 drafts.
From the, original, first version: 14 years.


How did you come up with the title for the book?
The title is a combination of two: The Dream of a Warrior and Ghost in the Night. The original version was planned as two books.


Can you tell us about your challenges in getting this book published? Was it difficult to write or was it a lot easier then you imagined it would be?
Going the traditional, print way: I found it very hard. Publishing houses were not interested. I did not have the money for self-publishing. When I decided to go e-book, self-publish the main challenge I faced was finding a place that would do it for free. The e-book, self publishing route was much easier and fun.


If you had to go back and do it all over, is there any aspect of your book or getting it published that you would change?
I would have gone the e-book, self publishing route sooner. I would not change one aspect of the book, not one word.


Have you any favourite writers, who you find inspiring?
Yes, I do. Recent ones, in fact. Ella Medler, Jess O'Connel. Any new author, the odds they face and conquer.


From your book, what words have you taken with you?
Two quotes, one I added onto. "Life is not about what we do. It's about who we are and never losing sight of our dreams." The second is from Ghost in the Soul's Shadows: "Never forget who you are or where you have been."


What would your advice be for aspiring authors?

Advice for aspiring authors, yes. Write about what you know best, your life. Write from the heart. If you need inspiration or ideas, walk out the front door for a while. True reality is the best form.


Any last words you wish to say to readers of this interview?
"Never give up on your dreams or yourself."


Thank you Michael for taking the time out of your busy schedule for this interview.

Michael is  the author of 'A Dream in the Night' https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/141496


If you would like to know more about Michael, please visit his Hubpage http://nightsdream.hubpages.com/