Michelle Muriel
Author Interview - Michelle Muriel
Author of Westland
From bestselling author Michelle Muriel comes the sequel to the #1 bestseller Essie's Roses, set during the Reconstruction Era post Civil War, Westland is a moving, gripping historical novel about family secrets, forgiveness, and the meaning of home.
“Westland, where its willows hold secrets, until the night air sweeps through their leaves, scattering them in the wind and into our ears.”
Author Interview - Michelle Muriel
Author I draw inspiration from: So many! John Steinbeck (wonderful characterizations), Ann Patchett, Alyson Richman, Maya Angelou, Anthony Doerr, and playwright Neil Simon (master at dialogue, timing, comedy).
Author Interview - Michelle Muriel | Author I Draw Inspiration From
Favorite place to read a book: A Victorian greenhouse in winter, a rose garden under a magnolia tree in spring, sofa all year round.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: Vianne from Chocolat by Joanne Harris. I need that recipe for her magical hot chocolate!
Author Interview - Michelle Muriel | Book Character I’d Like to be Stuck in an Elevator With
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: I worked as a professional actress for over twenty years doing theater and commercial work. My education and experience in the arts encompassed reading loads of plays and books, developing complex characters, conducting exhaustive historical research, and using my imagination to build worlds and relationships onstage to tell a story. When I moved on from acting, writing was the next best thing. I gravitated toward writing historical fiction because I love research and sharing thought-provoking and entertaining tidbits from history. After all, instead of playing one character, I could play them all. I’m thankful to my readers for the opportunity to share stories in a new way.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: Hardback. Love the feel and smell of books . . . and Jenga stacking them in my bookcases.
The last book I read: The Secret of Clouds by Alyson Richman. Sometimes, you read a novel that not only entertains your mind and touches your soul—it mends your heart. For me, reading turns magical when a story touches my heart and ignites treasured memories. The Secret of Clouds happily reminded me of those mentors I miss who instilled in me a simple edict: anything is possible if you apply yourself, work hard, and give yourself a chance. A comforting, emotional read, during unsettling times, that reminds us we are never alone.
Author Interview - Michelle Muriel | The Last Book I Read
Pen & paper or computer: Both. Pen and paper, writing outside in a garden or on location per the scene. Computer, sitting at my desk for hours, trying to decipher my scribbles from outdoor writing sessions! Oh, and iPhone notes a must.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: Delly from my own book, ESSIE'S ROSES. Delly also appears in my new novel, WESTLAND. She provides such grace, fortitude, wisdom, spiritual guidance, and peace to her unlikely family in the darkest times. She’s fierce and funny! I need Delly in my life. In a way, she’s been there for me for years.
Author Interview - Michelle Muriel | Book Character I’d be Best Friends With
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a: An actress. But, I’ve always dreamed of owning an art gallery and supporting artists. I love everything arts.
Favorite decade in fashion history: 1930s old Hollywood movies. Myrna Loy please. I think it was in one of the Thin Man movies, but Myrna Loy sported a tailored man’s suit and tie (first) and plopped on a sofa just like Julia Roberts (Anna Scott) did in Notting Hill. Stunning.
Place I’d most like to travel: Paris
My signature drink: Sweet dark cherries, lime and coconut smoothie.
Favorite artist: I became fascinated with the light exuding Claude Monet’s paintings juxtaposed with his dark life, early censorship of his art, and his struggle breaking through with his “New Art” during a time when the French government censored the Impressionists’ exploration of art outside the mandated classical motifs and techniques. Monet’s personal life was a wreck, but his fight for freedom of artistic expression and first muse and wife, Camille Doncieux, were so intriguing. I spent four years in research and wrote about it in my second novel, Water Lily Dance. Water Lily Dance centers on Camille’s scarcely known influence and importance to the Impressionist Art Movement. Monet is definitely a fascinating and complex character.
Number one on my bucket list: No bucket list for me, but I would like to nix the staycations and go on a real vacation soon. It’s been years.
Anything else you'd like to add: This was fun. THANK YOU for taking the time to learn a little more about me and my books!
Find more from the author:
Website: https://www.michellemuriel.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMichelleMuriel
Author Bio: MICHELLE MURIEL is the award-winning, bestselling author of the #1 historical fiction bestseller ESSIE’S ROSES, WESTLAND (Essie’s Roses 2), and WATER LILY DANCE. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts, magna cum laude, and worked as a professional actress, a member of Actors' Equity and The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists for twenty years, doing theater, voice-over, and commercial work. Michelle transferred her skills in complex character development and historical research into writing heartbreaking, heart-mending historical, literary fiction. Her novels poetically explore the secret sides of life, stories told from multiple points of view by strong female characters in history harboring secrets and breaking norms fighting for freedom. She is also a songwriter and musician. Michelle lives in Missouri with her husband, Michael. To learn more about Michelle and her books, visit the author's website: MichelleMuriel.com
