Walnut Springs Press March Madness Sweet 16 Questions--Michelle Jefferies

From the Western bracket comes the skilled C. Michelle Jefferies

If you could be a character from any book, who would you be and why?
I’d love to be the female lead of my next book. Her name is Lyris. She’s strong, a sword master, and a feisty red head. Definitely her.

If you could co-write a book with any author who would you co-write it with?
I think I’d love to author a book with Melissa Marr, she has such a subtle descriptive talent. I’d love to learn how she does it. I also love her character Niall. I’d love to talk to her for a long moment.

How many hours do you spend on writing a day?
I try to write or edit for about three hours a day. Some days I get six, some days I get none so it all eventually evens out. When I am drafting I usually try to write every day but Sunday.

What advice would you give an aspiring writer?
Learn your grammar and how to write fiction. It’s completely different than writing an essay for school. Also, develop a thick skin, you’re going to get critiques and edits. Let them teach you how to be a better writer rather than a reflection on you.

How have your personal experiences affected your writing?
Well I’m not an assassin or even as athletic as my heroes are. But I am passionate about the idea that a bad boy can become a good guy. And I believe that good can conquer all. My writing reflects that.
My hubby does have some interesting real life experiences that I take and use in my books. There’s a scene in the next book Latent that actually happened. Honestly, it almost sounds too good to be true.

How long did it take you to publish your first book after you started trying?
It took at least eight years. I have always written stories, but from the moment I decided to write to get published it took me eight years to learn how to really write and to get something polished enough to get it published. Then the actual search for a publisher took a few of those eight years too.

Is there a movie (gasp) that you prefer over the book version?
Maybe “The Princess Bride” ? Probably because some of the parts in the book that didn’t make it into the Movie went on a little long. I loved the book too.

Do you write in your PJ's?
Some days yes. Most days I feel I have a better day if I am dressed and presentable before my day starts.

Do you use a laptop or a desktop for writing?
My laptop. I do have an Alphasmart Neo for when I’m traveling. Amazing little thing.

What is your favorite quotation?
My son used to watch Jurascic Park all the time. He was obsessed with things with sharp teeth. In the scene where the T-Rex pushes the car over the embankment into the tree the little kid says “Well we’re back in the car again.” And Grant says, “Well, at least you’re out of the tree.” That is my theme saying. At least I’m out of the tree.

What is your favorite cereal?
Funny, I could tell you my main characters favorite cereal, which is Frosted Flakes. But not mine? Hmmmm. I’d have to say Honeycomb.

If you were a crayon what color would you be?
Bold, bright, and warm orange. Like a pumpkin.

Do you prefer summer or winter?
Winter. I love snow and staying in the house with hot apple cider and reading or writing. Summer is the season of heat and bugs and pollen. Uck!

What is one thing you hope to accomplish this year?
I want to finish a few edits on some really amazing books and write an urban fantasy that is looking really complicated.

The world would be a better place if . . .?
People remembered to be nice to each other and use manners.

What is something you've always wanted to try? It’s a toss up between ballroom dancing with my sweet hubby, and jewelry making, like making molds and pouring your own silver.