(1) Describe the moment the idea for Redemption formed in your head.
Strangely enough, it was actually over twenty years ago. As a young teen, I wanted to be a writer. This idea – kids that wind up a spaceship for no reason and then get into all sorts of fights and such – popped into my head. I even wrote like half a page for it . . . and then, nothing. Fast forward more than twenty years, I’m depressed, and realize I need to write. I remember this idea, add a reason and mental health issues, and POOF! Redemption.
(2) When do you write, and where?
Generally speaking, nighttime, after my kids (currently 7 and 5) go to bed. I do have a lovely pair of noise cancelling headphones, however, so if the mood strikes, I can go for it. I write in my office which also doubles as a playroom. Hence the need to write at night. I write on my laptop, but will often pre-write with a notebook and pen.
(3) How do you keep track of your plot and characters?
I’m a big outliner. I write long outlines for my characters – who they are, their personality, their plot interaction and what they need to learn. I do a step-by-step outline for chapters from there. For my third book, I also found it necessary to write a full backstory for my universe.
(4) Your story deals with pertinent and vital mental health issues. What was the origin of that?
I’ve been diagnosed with a major depressive disorder/generalized anxiety disorder with intermediate panic attacks since I was 18. It’s something that I never kept secret, but never really openly discussed. That changed when Robin Williams died by suicide in 2014. An insensitive Facebook status (“So sad that Robin Williams killed himself . . . he just needed more faith in Jesus!” set me off, and I used that status to openly discuss my own mental illness. Since then, I’ve done whatever I can to fight the stigma that surrounds mental illness. This book is part of that effort.
(5) Cast the main three characters right now, from living actors . . .
Honest to God, I’m not hip with the cool kids anymore. I have no idea of who any teenage actors are!
(5.5) What’s in your pocket?
Nada! Gym shorts are super cozy.
You can find out more about Mike at his author page here at EP.
And here is more information about Redemption.