So now let's meet Mickey.
When did you decide to become an author?
When I was in graduate school, I worked on a project
and my advisor suggested I turn it into a textbook. I had no idea what I was in
for! The book took more than a year to complete, then another to publish. But I
was really proud of that book and immediately wrote another, this time for mass
market readers. The second book was picked up by Doubleday. Then there was no
going back. I was hooked.
I switched from nonfiction to poetry, wrote some
short fiction of the literary variety, then more recently began writing fiction
for romance publishers, a genre new to me. I'm enjoying it. E-books are fast,
the editors I've worked with are terrific, and the cover designers are amazing.
And I love romance readers, they are so responsive.
When did you first, without hesitation, call
yourself a writer?
I was a nutritionist and wrote about nutrition for
years. After my first book came out, I still called myself a nutritionist. Once
I had a job with the title of writer (at Harvard School of Public Health), I
finally began to refer to myself as a writer.
What tips would you give a new writer?
1.
Start small. Write short memoir pieces, poems, flash fiction, very short
stories. Do not start with a novel. You need to find your voice and sharpen
your craft before you take on such an immense project. So many writers begin
with a 1000-page novel, then end up dropping out. It's better for your writing
ego to complete shorter work and see it published than to bury yourself in a
project that overwhelms you.
2.
Join a writers group. It helps to get feedback, support and guidance.
3.
Be serious. Take time and make time. Writing has to be a priority if you are to
take it seriously.
4.
When you are ready, don't be afraid to submit. Be tough. Take those rejections
as badges of honor. You're a real writer now! A no is simply an encouragement to keep submitting. Eventually, you
will find your audience.
What are your current projects?
The Wild Rose Press is publishing my series The Hard
Stuff. Each novella in the series focuses on a tough woman in a tough situation
who falls for a man—and not the best man in her current circumstances. These stories
all take place in Dusky Beach, a seedy little Florida town. These are kickass
women. They have spunk and sass. Their romances are unusual. These are not nice
girls pursued by men with champagne love. Not at all. I would have to say The
Hard Stuff is gritty romance. But funny, and very real.
The Wild Rose Press just released a Free Read for
the series called Mai Tai Guy. You
can grab it on the website.
Also, the delightful Australian publisher Bottom
Drawer Publications is going to release my zany novella with the most insane
title. F*ck Normal is the story of a
marriage on the rocks, and it explores the ways a disillusioned couple delves
into their private fantasies after they drift apart. It is crazy. Totally
crazy.
Do you write under a pen name?
My real name is Virginia Aronson. Mickey J. Corrigan
is the pen name I adopted a few years ago for my first romance novella. I think
it suits me better than my real name. I'm Irish-American and more of a Mickey
than a Virginia!!
Now let's find out some fun stuff.
Do you have a favorite quote?
I love quotes and I have them all over the walls of
my office. This is a good one: Everybody
has a plan until they get punched in the face.—Mike Tyson (He ought to
know.)
What is your favorite drink?
Mickey's books are full of wild women drinking like
madwomen. I have a low tolerance myself and stick to a glass of good red wine
(I love Malbec and Syrah) or a bottle of dark beer. I'm much more wimpy than my
protagonists.
If you came with a warning label, what would it say?
Beware, contents may explode without warning (Irish
temper)!
Who's more fun, bad boys or perfect gentlemen?
Gentlemen make wonderful husbands. Bad boys make you
feel alive.
What is the one question you wish an interviewer
would ask you?
Q:
Since you have been writing books for decades and have not achieved illustrious
fame and massive fortune, why do you insist on writing more books?
A:
Because I love it.
You can find Mickey--
On her website -- www.mickeyjcorrigan.com
Don't forget to grab Mai Tai Guy FREE!!
