Rogue's Angels Present: Convergence by Michelle Grey

Please welcome Michelle Grey author of Convergence.


Michelle Grey will be awarding a $50 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

Convergence

by Michelle Grey

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GENRE: Romantic Suspense

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INTERVIEW:

Interview Questions for Rogue's Angels 

Please answer 10 to 15 of the questions. Oh, and don't forget to use examples from your book to elaborate on the questions. Please write your response immediately below each question you choose to answer.

1. What or who inspired you to start writing?

I’ve loved romance novels since high school, and always believed that someday I would author them myself, but over the years, I prioritized other things. In 2007, my mom passed away and I often wondered if she had dreams that she’d never pursued, which made me think about my own unrealized dream. So I began to work on my craft. Then, in 2009, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. That was a real wake-up call for me that “somedays” aren’t guaranteed. Since then, I’ve published three books in the Long Shot Series, and one non-fiction novella about my experience with ovarian cancer.

2. What elements are necessary components for this genre?

For my romantic suspense novels, the primary story arc is the relationship between my hero and heroine. However, the suspense arc, and everything they have to overcome to arrive alive and in love on the other side, is critical to making the story compelling and unique.

3. How did you come up with your idea for your novel?

I tend to start with a character then build a story around him or her. In Convergence, my heroine is a tornado chaser. I’ve lived in the Midwestern US almost my entire life, and I’m a storm-chasing enthusiast. I’m a trained weather spotter for the National Weather Service and a huge fan of tornado chase shows on TV. In fact, the genesis for Tori came from watching a chaser named Reed Timmer. 

4. What would you want your readers to know about you that might not be in your bio?

I love to travel. I don’t even really care where. I love short weekend trips, and longer (generally beach) vacations. But my ultimate bucket list destination is Paris. In fact, my home office is all Paris themed in black, white, and red. I’m hoping to cross that item off the list in the next few years.

5. As far as your writing goes, what are your future plans?

I have plans for at least two additional books in the Long Shot Series, one for 2017 and one for 2018. I’m also working on a submission to Harlequin’s Intrigue line.

6. Can you give us a sneak peek into this book?

Sure! This is one of my favorite scenes because it gives the reader insight into Tori’s personality and passion.

This meeting isn’t about Glenn and his new show.”

Tori checked Cam and Dwayne to see if they were as confused as she was, but neither one was looking at her. She sat back and cocked her head. “Then what?”

Alan tugged at his shirt collar. “The emails. Cam gave them to me. And I gave them to the FBI.”

Her head swiveled to Cam, her voice low and menacing. “You rat bastard. I want my key back. You had no right.”

Cam’s steady eyes assessed her. “Would you have turned in the emails?”

Tori rolled her eyes. “Of course not. I –”

“Exactly. I had no choice but to be the responsible one.”

“Responsible my –”

Alan raised his voice, interrupting their spat. “Either way, the FBI thinks the emails are credible enough that they’re sending their lead agent on the case down here to become your best friend for a little while.”

Fingers dug into the chair’s padded fake leather arms as she shot a pointed look at Cam. “I don’t need another ‘friend.’ I’ve got enough of them already. What’s he going to do, live with me?”

“Probably. And chase with you, too.”

Tori’s chair exploded against the conference room wall as she flew out of it and planted her palms on the table. “Oh, hell no.”

7. Do you belong to a critique group? If so how does this help or hinder your writing?

Yes, I’ve critiqued with the same two women since 2011. When we met, we were all close to having finished manuscripts and serious about publishing our work. Both women offer great perspective, and each have story-building strengths. At this point, we’ve worked together for so long that we’ve built incredible rapport and trust. I’m very fortunate that my books benefit from their knowledge and skill.

8. When did you first decide to submit your work? Please tell us what or who encouraged you to take this big step?

I joined a writer’s group in 2010 and thought I had pretty much finished my novel. Within a few weeks, I began to realize how much I didn’t know, and how much better my book could be. So, I gutted it, got involved with my critique partners, and spent the next couple of years growing and learning from the amazing mentors in the group until I felt confident that the first book was the best I could make it.

9. What is the best and worst advice you ever received? (regarding writing or publishing)

I think the best advice I ever got was on Julie Garwood’s website and that was to write what you love to read. I have many friends who write across multiple genres, but so far, I can’t see myself leaving romantic suspense. I tried to think of any bad advice I’ve received, but everyone’s experiences are different so I view their advice through that prism, take what I can benefit from, and leave the rest.

10. Do you outline your books or just start writing?

I’m a plotter for sure. I have to have a pretty good idea of where the story is going before I start writing. Sometimes my characters surprise me, and I love it when that happens. But for the most part, I get to be in charge.

11. Who is your favorite character in the book. Can you tell us why?

Tori is a very damaged girl, with a tough backstory, but I loved writing her because her personality is so different than mine. There are so many things she says out loud that people like me might think, but would never say. Sometimes her sass makes life a little harder for her, but I love her dry wit and irreverent attitude.

12. Are your plotting bunnies angels or demons?

It depends. Most of the time, they’re angels and we get along nicely. But when the demons come out, and I get stuck, I’m lucky to have a network of friends and fellow writers who can break plot blocks with me. We often get together, either via Skype or in person, to discuss plot questions in each other’s stories. I think it’s true that iron sharpens iron.

13. Anything else you might want to add?

Just a thank you for the opportunity to connect with your followers and fans. It’s always a joy for me to share my stories with new friends.

Thanks the Angels

BLURB:

Nothing comes between Tori Whitlock and her tornado chase season -- not a serial killer, not even the hot FBI agent who’s vowed to save her life. But Detective Jack Mathis plays tough. Ending this case isn’t just his job, it’s his mission. And he finally has the advantage.

He faces Tori’s hostility and objections head-on, interjecting himself into every aspect of her life, and leaving him no time to dwell on his own.

Through the twists and turns of the madman’s game, Tori is forced to adapt to her unwelcome circumstances. Still, she fights Jack's presence, and her attraction to him, as he tries to open doors better left closed.

For Tori and Jack, life and death decisions are part of their jobs. But, can they overcome their pasts and realize that there’s a difference between life and living?

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EXCERPT:

This meeting isn’t about Glenn and his new show.”

Tori checked Cam and Dwayne to see if they were as confused as she was, but neither one was looking at her. She sat back and cocked her head. “Then what?”

Alan tugged at his shirt collar. “The emails. Cam gave them to me. And I gave them to the FBI.”

Her head swiveled to Cam, her voice low and menacing. “You rat bastard. I want my key back. You had no right.”

Cam’s steady eyes assessed her. “Would you have turned in the emails?”

Tori rolled her eyes. “Of course not. I –”       

“Exactly. I had no choice but to be the responsible one.”

“Responsible my –”

Alan raised his voice, interrupting their spat. “Either way, the FBI thinks the emails are credible enough that they’re sending their lead agent on the case down here to become your best friend for a little while.”

Fingers dug into the chair’s padded fake leather arms as she shot a pointed look at Cam. “I don’t need another ‘friend.’ I’ve got enough of them already. What’s he going to do, live with me?”

“Probably. And chase with you, too.”

Tori’s chair exploded against the conference room wall as she flew out of it and planted her palms on the table. “Oh, hell no.”

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Michelle Grey is an avid lover of books, and had always thought that someday she would take up her pen and write romantic suspense. In 2009, Michelle was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer, and she realized that “somedays” aren’t guaranteed. This life changing event motivated Michelle to pursue her dream of becoming an author. 

In January of 2013, Michelle released her debut novel, Dangerous Ally. 

In September of 2013, the next book in her Long Shot Series, Unspoken Bonds, was published.

Now a cancer survivor, Michelle decided to use her platform to promote awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms.  In January 2014 she published, Are You Listening: A Personal Journal of an Ovarian Cancer Survivor.

Because it is so important to spread the word, one hundred percent of the proceeds from this $.99 ebook go directly to the Vicki Welsh Ovarian Cancer Fund to support their mission of fighting ovarian cancer through awareness, education, research and support.

Michelle lives in the Midwestern US with her husband of twenty-eight years and has four amazing and unique children, a wonderful son-in-law, and two beautiful granddaughters.  Michelle believes that any day that involves family, writing, or reading is a great day, indeed.

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellegreyauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MichelleGrey13

Website:  www.authormichellegrey.com

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

Michelle Grey will be awarding a $50 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f1626