Ask the Author: Fern Michaels

“Ask me a question.” Fern Michaels

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Dear Lady Fern, I am one of your fan. I was able to read your book entitled "Crown Jewels" way back when I was still in college. I was able to relate with the book at that time, for my family was going through some problems. The book made me realize how important family is. And I wanna grab this chance to thank you for that. Your book was with me, I made it through. Forgive me for not asking a question. :)?

Fern Michaels Ira, there is absolutely nothing to forgive. I am grateful for you taking the time to write to tell me how my story had an impact on your life. As a storyteller, my goal is to entertain. But, when it also has a positive influence on someone, that is a golden heartfelt moment to truly appreciate. Best wishes for a happy future creating wonderful family memories. FM

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Have you ever used a name from one of your readers? My name is so different, I really think it would be cool in print. You probably have seen it before. It's spelled like the Medical journal JAMA. But it isn't. It's pronounce Jay Ma. Oh well just wanted to know.

Fern Michaels I have a good memory and "store away" names of people I have met or have seen their names in print or heard on TV. Sometimes I may combine names.

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I have read most all your books. How did you come up with the Godmother series?

Fern Michaels I know a boat load of savvy grandmothers who aren't your white aproned apple pie makers.

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Who would you say is your most favorite character to write about in any of your series?

Fern Michaels My favorite characters are Myra and Annie. You can't have one without the other. I also enjoy Jack and Harry and their relationship.

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I have enjoyed your novels since the "Texas" trilogy. However, the "Sisterhood" books bother me. Why did you decide to go the way of writing about people taking revenge and, by doing so, ignoring the law?

Fern Michaels Life is not perfect nor is it always happy ever after. I personally do not advocate breaking the law. I write fiction. The Sisterhood is fiction. Three million people seem to think there is a need for this type of book so I write them to satisfy the reader. And, while writing this series, I have continued with the Godmother series, an annual Christmas story, and other standalone books to satisfy that reader.

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I've been reading your books for years and I'm always astounded by how accessible your characters are. How do you keep from repeating or making them to simplistic? They all have depth and remind us of people that we know.

Fern Michaels They have that depth because they come from real people. I observe people who I know or meet or see on TV or read about. Then I take bits and pieces of them and put the all together.

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How do you pick the covers for your books? Because to be honest, if a friend had not suggested your books to me, I would have judged the book by the cover and not read the book. The covers do not do it any justice or let us know what the book is about.

Fern Michaels I do not have any say on the covers. That is up to the art department at the publishing house.

Fern , I was just wondering are there going to be more of the sisterhood books and of the men of the sisterhood books ? I really enjoyed reading your books .

Fern Michaels Yes, neither series has reached their end.

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I love your writing style. How did you get started and how do you keep your writing so entertaining and refreshing?

Fern Michaels When my youngest child started school, I started writing. It seemed to me at that time it was a logical thing to do. I was always a story teller. I have been blessed with an imagination and the instinct to know what will make a good storyline.

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How do you come up with so many intricate plots but still maintain the series integrity?

Fern Michaels I have the news on constantly and read a lot. I think I am instinctive when it comes to hearing something and suddenly I have an idea on how to weave a story. I have always had an imagination and found a great way to use it.

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how do you know which of the stories you see in the news or TV would be captivating enough to be story worthy or not? And another question if you have two idea do you write two books at a time or one then the other? If you do one then the other where do you get the concentration to finish the one with the excitement building of the next?

Fern Michaels I guess I am instinctive and just know what has the basis to create a story around it. I always have ideas swirling around in my mind. I have always been gifted as a story teller. Eventually one surfaces with most of the elements I need to start writing. Because I love writing and creating stories, it is natural for me to finish a story and start the next one.

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How are you able to write various stories without the characters becoming a part ot multiple books?

Fern Michaels I think of my characters as individuals in their own right. Because of their individuality, they just wouldn't fit into other stories. There are so many stories and people that it is easy for me to create new characters with the personality needed for the storyline.

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Are you willing to talk with a book club via skype or phone?

Fern Michaels My constant schedule doesn't allow me time anymore to do these types of meetings.

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how do you come up with so many ideas? and which of your series is your favorite? and do you become involved with the characters?

Fern Michaels I read a lot and always have the news on. And, I listen and observe people. Ideas then just sort of percolate in my mind. I have always liked all my series for different reasons; but, I am really enjoying the Sisterhood series because there are so many possibilities. In many ways, I can identify with Myra and Annie and I really adore Jack and Harry and love their relationship.

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I just finished reading "The Scoop". How many books are in this series and can you tell me what the one following this one is?

Fern Michaels There are 6 books in print and a 3 part e-serialization is just being released. The 3 part e-books will then be combined into the 7th (and final) printed book of the series next year. "Exclusive" is the second book in the series. My website www.fernmichaels.com has the complete list.

I always wanted to be a writer. However, I am a teacher. If writing didn't work out for you what would be your second choice of a profession? Love your books and writing style, as well as your strong female characters.

Fern Michaels I'm thinking I would have wanted to be an FBI agent.

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How do you know when a story is finished and ready to publish? How do you know to stop revising and release it? Do you have a strategy for it? Superstition? Feeling? Timeline?

Fern Michaels The story is finished when I have tied all the running threads together. I work with a beginning, a middle, and an ending. Each section has to have what it needs to get me to the next section. I do not have a strategy, a feeling, or a timeline. It's instinctive. If you need something more definitive, think in terms of 80,000 words if the story has a successful conclusion.

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Do your ghosts still roam around your home and do they ever give you inspiration?

Fern Michaels Mary Margaret still resides here. She likes to make her presence known sometimes, but she doesn't offer up any inspiration.

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How do you come up with your characters?

Fern Michaels I find my characters from the people I meet, see on TV, read about. I take bits and pieces of them and put them all together.

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What really inspires you?

Fern Michaels Everything in the world and under the sun.

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