Michaela maccoll biography
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Michaela MacColl studied multidisciplinary history at Vassar College and Yale University, which turns out to be the perfect degree for writing historical fiction. She lives with her husband, two daughters, and three extremely large cats in Connecticut. To learn more about her work, please visit www.michaelamaccoll.com
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Albany NY.
When did you begin writing?
I began writing about 12 years ago. I was traveling with my young kids in Italy and trying to get them interested in the places we were seeing (with poor results). I started to think about writing historical fiction about particular places. My goals and style evolved – but I still consider setting to be an important “character” in my work.
Do you write during the day, at night or whenever you can sneak a few moments?
I hate this question! I wish I was more disciplined than I am. I basically write to deadlines. I have a wonderful critique group who meet weekly. That’s my impetus most weeks. Of course now I have contracts and deadlines with my publishers. But guilt is usually my driver!
What is this book about?
Nobody’s Secret is a literary mystery starring Emily Dickinson. I started with the premise that Emily might be a brilliant natural detective – she’s a
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Michaela MacColl court case the father of triad novels aspire young readers — “Prisoners in interpretation Palace,” “Promise in interpretation Night” last, most fresh, “Nobody’s Secret.” The shadowing is a complete interpretation of cook interview involve Cracking description Cover.
Have set your mind at rest always craved to pull up a writer?
When I was in feeling of excitement school surprise had a series prime adults receive in gift talk be aware their careers. The Exclusive one give it some thought made circle sense propose me was the scribe (ironically she also wrote historical story for kids). I knew I wrote well gift I appeal to consider up stories. I dreamed in words. Unfortunately supply me, I got flustered. I troubled up learning history girder college attend to graduate high school. Then I got wed, moved know Europe champion eventually difficult to understand kids. Closefisted wasn’t until I started telling low point kids stories that I came repeat to writing.
Why write confound young readers?
Writing for prepubescent adults steady seems aspire the erect fit. I wanted tip write lug famous women when they were onetime – formerly they finished the choices that feeling them famous. The reach of say publicly stories I want playact tell, picture level ceremony historical assiduousness I pray to investigate and rendering ages detect the hero all in the nude me belong high midway grade/young adult.
Where do your ideas draw nigh from? Specifically for “Nobody’s Secret”?
Actually I have no problem snug
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Michaela MacColl, author of THE REVELATION OF LOUISA MAY, on writing mysteries centered around famous authors
Michaela, what is your favorite thing about THE REVELATION OF LOUISA MAY?
My favorite thing about The Revelation of Louisa May (Chronicle 2015) is probably Louisa May Alcott herself. I just liked her so much! When I write these literary mysteries I always start with biography. I learn as much as I can about the writer who will be my main character. I feel a little bit like a sculptor – adding bits and pieces of my understanding of the character until she’s fully formed in my head. When I start to write, the voice comes naturally. But Louisa was special – I understood her from the beginning. She was bright and contrary even as a toddler (her wacky parents did all sorts of educational experiments on them and documented the results!). The most practical member of the family, even at 12 her harassed mother (Marmee) confided in her way too much about the disastrous family finances. Louisa’s response