Interview Michelle Libby

by

Roberta Olsen Major

1) Your May release has an intriguing title. Why did you choose to call it Dog Days Of Summer? Will animal lovers find an engaging canine character or two in its pages?

The hot days of summer are referred to as the dog days. The book takes place in the summer and early fall so the title is in reference to the time of year. No dogs, sorry.

2) As a human being, do you identify more with Pamela's controlling mother, or Pamela herself, who is searching for independence?

I think I relate to both. Though my mom has never been as out of control as Pam's, I have been searching for independence mentally for many years. I'm not sure I would have ever had the nerve to take off and move somewhere where I didn't know anyone like Pam does. I love my mom and value her opinion now.

3)How would you characterize your book: toasty warm, spicy hot, or something else altogether?

It's a toasty warm story about two people thrown together by circumstances.

4) What led you to write Dog Days Of Summer?

I wanted to write a story and had always heard write what you know. The story takes place in Franklin, Maine, a place my family has been vacationing in since the 1960s. When I write stories, I know how I want certain scenes to happen when I begin, the rest just comes to me as I type. It was this way with Dog Days Of Summer

5) Why is Wings a good publisher for your particular story?

Wings is a great place for a new author and her story. I've learned so much about the revision process and the sisterhood of authors who write for a particular publisher.

6) What do you hope readers will come away with after having read Dog Days Of Summer?

I want readers to enjoy the book. I'd like to say I want readers to stay up all night to finish the book, but I'm a realist and it's more of a beach book. It will relax the reader more than keep them up.

7) Are you working on anything else at present? If so, will it be a departure from Dog Days Of Summer?

My second book is a February 2006 release from [another publisher]. It's a reunion story called Kidnapped. My current work in progress is a huge departure from Dog Days. It's a cop story with a lot of action.

8) What authors have influenced your own writing the most? Have you ever read a book you loved so much you wished you'd written it?

I didn't really notice who wrote the novels I read until after college. I began relating to and looking up to published authors who were like me, married with young children. I read a lot of books during college. After finishing most of them, I told myself I could write a romance novel. Now I have.