Michelle Blackbird - Author Life

Michelle Blackbird recently released her new novel, Wish You Were Here, in April 2018. We wanted to catch up with the author and find out how her life had changed since becoming a published author.

Did you always dream of becoming an author?

I’ve always dreamt of becoming a successful writer. In my early years, I spent time writing lyrics. Moving along my timeline, soon after my daughter had started school fifteen years ago, I became captivated by the picture books she enjoyed, and I attempted to write some of my own stories. However, writing children’s picture books is not easy, so I have put my attempts on hold. In recent years, and since loosing my parents, I’ve been filled with ideas for children’s novels. My first novel 'Wish You Were Here' is everything I’d hoped for.

What was your first job?

Apart from working in a shop for a few months, my first job was nursing. I spent fifteen years working on wards and in operating theatres in hospitals in both Australia and England. Working as a nurse was a truly rewarding experience.

How did you come about writing your book? Was that your intention or did you start writing for fun?

Soon after my mother died in 2012, for some mysterious reason I had frequent memories of a flamingo I saw on the bleak, yet captivating, stretches of Romney Marsh when I was in England in 1981. Something about the flamingo’s apparent loneliness drove me to write my children’s novel, with the bird at its centre. 'Wish You Were Here' was also built on my soft spot for Anne Frank who had incredible insight for a thirteen-year-old and whose own story has touched the hearts of millions.

What was your life like before you became an author?

Life before I became an author was centred on family, working, writing and travelling. Life after I became an author is the same except for one difference. With the release of my first published book I’ve filled an empty space not only on the bookshelf but also within my heart.

Did you face any struggles before becoming an author? If so, how did you overcome them?

While I gained job satisfaction teaching (and still do), I’d always struggled with the need for something more. I needed to be successful. With the publication of 'Wish You Were Here' I’ve certainly reached my goal (and plan to reach more).

Now that you are a published author, how has your life changed, if at all?

These are early days, but I expect the noticeable change will be the busy nature of promoting my book. I look forward to sharing and discussing my book with children.

Can you please describe a typical day in your life now?

I teach international students academic English two mornings a week. This involves working through lessons, assessments and marking. When I’m not at work, I enjoy a walk at the seaside in the morning, after which I spend time writing on my laptop at home. In the afternoon, I often flick through numerous tabs on many search engines researching background information for my stories. I love watching the birds in our garden. I enjoy reading a good book during the evening and at weekends. And most days I treat myself to sweet dark chocolate.

What is your most memorable moment of your life as an author?

1st of May 2018, the day I received my first published paperback 'Wish You Were Here' is deeply memorable. Holding a copy in my hand shaped a perfect moment, which was both breath taking and heart warming.

In a few words, how would you review your experience with Pegasus Publishers?

Pegasus Publishers have been absolutely wonderful. I am truly touched by the warm welcome from Suzanne Mulvey when she offered me my contract, by the detailed editing process with Claire-Rose Charlton and the Editing Team, by the ease of the accounts process with Gwyneth Allen and the Accounts Team and by the comprehensive publicity process with Jenna Evans and the Publicity and Graphics Team. I will treasure Pegasus Publishers always.