Updated: Interview and Contest!

Today, I welcome my fellow Muse It Up author, Michelle Pickett to the blog. Michelle's debut novel, Concillium, released July 27, 2012 from Muse It Up Publishing.

Leslee hit a strange animal with her car. Now she’s marked for death. 

It was a simple car accident – the animal didn’t even die – but it drew the attention of the Cruor Imbibo. Driven by their insatiable need to feed, the secret society of Imbibo has devoured the dregs of civilization for centuries. Afraid Leslee will expose them, and put an end to their meal ticket, the Imbibo want her dead.

The Concilium is Leslee's only protection. Guardian of the ancient secret and the protector of humans, the Concilium fights to control the Imbibo and end their feeding frenzy. Miller works for the Concilium. Keeping Leslee alive is his next assignment.

Now Leslee is on the run, and the only thing between her flesh and the snapping jaws of the Imbibo is Miller. He and Leslee quickly form a bond, but will falling in love make Miller’s job more difficult? Because if he fails, Leslee will be next on the Imbibo menu.

The Cruor Imbibo are coming, and they're coming for Leslee.

[Doesn't that sound awesome? And how about that cover!!!]

Now, for an interview with Michelle!

How long have you been writing?

I started keeping a journal in college, but I've only been writing seriously for two years.

Where do you write?

I have a small desk in a corner of my living room. I also have a small section of my bedroom that I use for writing when the kids are too noisy and I need to get away.

Why did you choose to go with a small press?

I love the attention authors get at a small press that they wouldn't get at one of the big six. I also love the relationships I've made with the other authors. I don't know if I would've had that opportunity at a larger publishing house.

What three things must you have to write?

My laptop, my wrist brace, my husband's hoodie.

Where do you like to write?

I can write just about anywhere if an idea hits me, but I like to write at home.

What do you listen to when you write?

It really depends on the story and the scene. Sometimes I listen to Classical music and others I listen to the Stones and Eagles. One day my daughter walked in and I was listening to Linkin Park. I think she thought she was in the wrong house.

I have a long playlist for Concilium. You can find it at www.michelle-pickett.com under the "my writing" tab.

What is your beverage of choice when writing?
Caffeine.

Do you have any other works coming out in the future?

The sequel to Concilium is scheduled to release in November 2012

I also have a young adult science-fiction/romance titled PODs through Spencer Hill Press that will release in paperback June 4, 2013 – my son's 12^th birthday. [How cool is that!]

How did you come up with your title?

I knew I wanted the book to be called "The Council" but I didn't want it to be in English. So I played around with a translation website until I came up with Concilium, which is Latin for Council.

How long does it take you to write a book?

It usually doesn't take me long to write the book. Concilium was the longest. It took three months. The revisions and editing are where I spend most of my time. Nearly a year with Concilium.

What is your work schedule like when you're writing?

During the school year it's pretty standard. After I get the kids off to school, I write for most of the morning and early afternoon. Then I do household chores, grocery shop, laundry, cook dinner, help kids with homework, put the kids to bed and, if I'm not dead tired, I might edit what I wrote that morning.

Now that school is out for the summer my schedule is all over the place. Actually, there is no schedule when it comes to my writing. I just fit it in when I get a spare minute! Mostly I stay up after everyone else is in bed.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I always wear my husband's hoodie while I write and I have to have my hair in either a clip or a ponytail. I have no idea why.

Where is the one place in the world you have always wanted to go, but have never been?

Ireland.

Do you work on one project at a time, or do you jump back and forth between projects?

Right now I'm jumping between projects. I'm editing PODs, my YA novel. I'm editing a novel and getting it ready for submission and I'm working on a new WIP. I'll also be beginning edits on Concilium: The Departure, the sequel to Concilium.

Is there anything you'd like to tell your readers?

Yes, I'd love to hear from you! I love comments on my blog and emails in my inbox. Whether you have good things to say, or constructive (that means nice) criticism, or even if you just want to say "Hi," I want to hear from you. Here's where you can find me on the web:

Website: www.michelle-pickett.com

Blog: www.michelle-pickett.com/blog

Email: michelle @ michelle-pickett . com

Twitter: @Michelle_kp

Facebook: www.facebook.com/michellepickettauthor

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/michelle-pickett

Book Webpage: www.conciliumbooks.com

PODs Webpage: http://www.site.spencerhillpress.com/PODs.html

Thanks for stopping by Michelle, and congratulations on the release of Concilium!

Concilium is now available at the following:

MuseItUp Publishing
Amazon
Kindlegraph

To enter Michelle's Giveaway, follow the directions here! a Rafflecopter giveaway