Recently, I had the pleasure of talking to a very talented author who took time out of her very busy schedule to chat with me.  So, without further delay, let’s hear from the very talented...

Mechele Armstrong

It seems you have been a writer since the time you actually began writing, did you always know you were going to be a writer?
I have written forever. I did write poems and stories in crayon. But nope, I didn't always know I was going to be a writer. It was a secret ambition. It was about five years ago that I really let the ambition out of the closet and started to work seriously on the goal. Before I'd toyed with it.

How long did it take to get your first book published and what did you do to celebrate?
LOL well, it took a long time. I started Blood Kiss many years ago but it was a completely different book. More a thriller than a romance. And I didn't know what I was doing in the first version of it. About four years ago, I started almost a complete rewrite. I sold Blood Kiss to Loose Id in May of 2005. For a celebration, I believe we went out to dinner. I was so excited. Still am over each and every book.

While waiting for your writing career to take off, did you have any jobs to tide you over? If so, what type of work did you do?
I worked as an administrative assistant at a small construction company before my first child was born. Left there to be a stay at home mom and am still.

Tell us what makes Mechele, Mechele.
Sugar and spice.  Oh wait, wrong answer *G*. I do have sugar and I do have spice I guess. I have an overactive imagination that gets me into trouble (i.e. late nights in the dark house LOL).

You write in a couple of genres, do you have a favorite genre, and if so, why? Are there any different genres that you want to try?
Paranormal romance is probably my favorite. It's a combination of what I loved to read as a child, Stephen King and Kathleen Woodiwiss. I really really want to try my hand at a fantasy. Not sure if it will be romance per se but there will be romance in it. One day.

If you could bring one of your characters to life who would it be, and why?
It would probably be Sarah from Blood Kiss. I think she and I would become good friends. She's also near and dear to my heart. Something about her draws me.

How does the writing process work for you, do your stories come all at once, or do you write page by page?
I generally know some of the big actions in a story when I sit down to start it. But I usually don't know all the paths that the story will travel down to get there. So it's a fun mix of knowing where I'm going but not always how exactly I'll get there. My characters throw me curves.

What are some of your favorites, foods, authors, books, movies, music, seasons, holidays, and anything else?
Foods: Chocolate and peanut butter *yum* and Italian food

Authors: Sherrilyn Kenyon, Robin Schone, Stephen King, Sahara Kelly & SL Carpenter, Karen Marie Moning, Jeff Lindsey, JK Rowling and many many more LOL. I just discovered Megan Hart.

My favorite all time book is the Lady's Tutor by Robin Schone. Sexy, vibrant characters that I love to live with. What's not to love! I also love Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Partners in Passion: No Limits, and The Dark Highlander.

Movies: While you were sleeping, Steel Magnolias, Pitch Black

Music: While I'm into country right now (Miranda Lambert, Kellie Pickler, Big & Rich), I'm also a big fan of alternative and hard rock. Pour Some Sugar on Me by Def Leppard is the best song ever *G*.

Seasons: I love fall. I'm looking so forward to it. Leaves changing, air growing crisper, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas coming!

Holidays: My favorite holiday is Christmas. I love to deck the halls and anything that doesn't stand still.

What does your family think of your writing, do they read your work?
My family has been very supportive. My hubby is my biggest supporter. He's always said I should write. Unfortunately, he doesn't read much of what I write because he doesn't read all that much. But he has read things to give me opinions. My family has bought my books.

Have you found your Mr. Right? How did you meet and was it love at first sight?
I have found my Mr. Right. My computer geek. We'll have been married for 15 years in December. It turned into love, but I didn't fall in love at first sight. Second sight maybe.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Don't give up. Learn your craft. Don't be afraid to write badly. You can always go back and fix it.

How would spend the perfect day?
Writing and reading by a warm fire on a cold day with no one but me in the house. *sigh*

Do you enjoy hearing from your readers and what is the best way to contact you?
I LOVE to hear from readers. Yes, write me *G*.

mechele@mechelearmstrong.com

How do you promote your work?
Any way I can. If I can promote, I will do it.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
A recent study said that 1 out of four people hadn't read a book in a year. That's sad L I'm married to one of those people despite my best efforts. I just can't imagine not reading. And yes, I'm trying to instill upon my children to READ. Read anything. Read everything. Read read read. Encourage everyone you know to read.

Mechele's Website

Mechele's Blog