Can you tell me a little about yourself and how you got into writing?
Hey there! My name is Leigh Michael. I’ve been writing since I was a little girl. In fact, when I wasn’t reading, I was trying my own hand at short stories and poems. Although, if I had to pick one point when I knew I wanted to be a writer, I’d say it was in the fifth grade when my school participated in a print ad contest. I ended up walking away with more than just first place; I walked away with career aspirations for the future. After school, I dove right into the advertising world as a copywriter. In this role, I see crafting messages as a big puzzle that's just waiting to be solved. I've found that writing a novel is quite similar and it’s been a great next step in my writing career. I love what I do.
Can you tell us about your new YA novel Sprite (Annabelle's Story Part One)?
Sprite is a fast-paced, paranormal adventure with lots of twists and turns and touch of romance. Much of the background for the story is based on Greek mythology and folklore, but it’s set in present day. Annabelle is our protagonist who quickly realizes that she’s more than just human. She also happens to be the only one who can fulfill a prophecy started long ago. You can get all the details about Annabelle’s Story at www.LeighMichaelBooks.com. Also, Sprite will be FREE on Amazon from June 11 through June 13 (PST). Go get it!
Where did you get the idea for Sprite (Annabelle's Story Part One)?
Sprite happens to be my debut novel. Deciding to write within the YA genre was the easy part, but finding a subject matter to focus on took some thought. Although I highly enjoy reading about vampires, werewolves, and witchcraft (and one day plan to put my own spin on the vampire world), I wanted to make my debut in a topic that wasn’t quite as saturated. In the end, I decided on water spirits and the underwater realm. From there, I couldn’t get my ideas down on paper fast enough.
I really like the cover of the novel. It's simple but very striking I love that it is in black and white. Who designed it and how much say did you have in the design?
I searched for hours and hours to find the perfect image, so I’m very pleased to hear that people like it. I happen to love it as well. I think readers will see why once they get to the final page of Sprite. Without fail, the last few sentences bring the cover to life. Of course, this powerful cover wouldn’t be possible without the ever-so-talented Carissa Katz. She’s an extremely gifted designer (and also a close friend) who brought my vision to life.
In your novel Annabelle is a half-human, half-sprite. If you could be anything half human half something else what would it be and why?
Okay, don’t laugh. I’d want to be half-bird. I just love the idea of being able to pick up and fly whenever I wanted. Although, I’m not crazy about the idea of looking like a bird, so, perhaps, I’d like to be able to morph from human to bird at my convenience.
Sprite is part one of the story when can we see the release of the second part?
Part two of Annabelle’s Story is called Kin. It picks up at a huge turning point in Annabelle’s adventure. I’m currently engrossed in writing the manuscript and hope to release it at the end of summer/beginning of fall 2012. If you sign up for updates on my website, you’ll be the first to know when it’s available.
Why should we read Sprite in one sentence?
I think you should read Sprite because… I’m dying to know if you’re Team Blake or Team Adrian. You’ll have to email me at LeighMichaelBooks@gmail.com and let me know!
Buy Sprite:
Official Leigh Michael website: www.leighmichaelbooks.com
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