Anne Michaud, Author of GIRLS AND MONSTERS

I’m so stoked to have author Anne Michaud here today. We’ve done a little interview we’d like to share with you! Below you’ll find information for her upcoming YA novel, GIRLS AND MONSTERS, and a GIVEAWAY!!!! 😉

Welcome, Anne!

What inspired you to pick up the pen (or keyboard) and start writing?

This vicious need to tell stories, it gnawed at my insides until words poured out, shaping into characters, plots and twists, incidents and feelings. And then I got addicted. The rest is history, recorded in a bunch of magazines, anthologies and my new book coming out.

Hahaha, it is a vicious need, isn’t it? What is your favorite kind of story?

Just take me away, make me forget the bills to pay and the noisy street outside my door. I want to escape, to live through somebody else’s mind and heart, to see things differently. I do lean towards the dark and gritty, much like I do.

An escape–I can totally relate. And dark is FAB! What draws you to Young Adult fiction?

It’s Suzanne Collins’ fault, her and The Hunger Games. I used to think YA was for kids, with heavy lessons on what’s wrong and right or just plain romance. I was wrong, I repent, and I’m making up for lost time.

That’s a great series. And an excellent point. YA fiction hits a lot of BIG issues, doesn’t it? Who do you think enjoys YA fiction more—teens or adults?

As a kid, I read adult books and as an adult, I read kids books – go figure. I’m thinking both enjoy it, but on a different level: teens want these stories to happen to them and adults want to reshape their pasts. Or maybe it’s just me.

LOL! I did the same–read grown-up books as a kid and YA as an adult. I like your theory, too. Shifting gears, what’s your favorite kind of monster?

A strong flaw, a human quality hidden deep under the fur and scales, something anyone can relate to: I love a monster with some kind of humanity. It doesn’t matter where It comes from, as long as there’s a connection with me, it’s love. Kinda.

Oooh, nice! How did Girls and Monsters come about?

I had a bunch of great stories that were never picked up by magazines or anthologies, so I decided to group them into a collection with two things in common: girls kicking some monster butt. I knew I did it right when my beta readers reacted to it.

That is SO awesome. How did you decide to do a collection of novellas?

I just love the story length: there’s hardly any down time in the plot, the characters have to be sharply defined, and the second act moves forward at top speed. As a reader, I enjoy the commitment of a lesser time frame, as well.

I really love novellas for those same reasons. To wrap up, what’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given (either in regards to writing, or even life in general)?

Do what you love or you’ll be miserable – it applies everything in life, too.

AGREED! Where can readers find you on the web?

My blog: http://annecmichaud.wordpress.com

Twitter: @annecmichaud

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/annecmichaud

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3011844.Anne_Michaud

Thanks for coming, Anne. I loved hearing (err, reading) your thoughts. 🙂

Ok, folks, now for the giveaway info!

 

Giveaway!! Softcover copy + The Monster Collection Skellies, 5 pieces handcrafted by the author: GIRLS & MONSTERS Giveaway

***Winner announced during the LIVE CHAT on APRIL 30^th 9PM east http://www.darkfuse.com/events.html