Interview with Margaret Millmore

Let’s welcome Margaret Millmore to Julie's Book Review. Margaret is giving away a paper backs of books 1& 2 of The Four Series(The Begining and The Change), so don't forget to check out the rafflecopter to the right of the pg. Welcome to Julies Book Review.


Can you tell me a little about yourself? I’m a native Californian and I currently live in San Francisco with my husband. I’m also the grandniece of Irish author Benedict Kiely and the second cousin of Irish author Sharon Owens. 


What kind of books do you write? Newest release? I write fiction with a paranormal/thriller/suspense aspect. My newest book is The Change – Book II – The Four Series (published October 2012) 


What should we expect in your book? action, adventure, drama etc.: The Four Series is a story about 5 friends, 4 of which discover they are the ancestors of vampires and werewolves and due to this ancestry and genetic link; they too will become vampires and werewolves. More importantly their ancestors were great warriors who fought and won a battle against the Dark Ones. Now the Dark Ones have re-emerged and are preparing to wage war on both the human and supernatural populations. These 4 warriors must lead the fight and destroy the enemy if they are to save mankind and themselves. It’s a suspense filled thriller. Book III in The Four Series is due out in the next few months (visit my website for updates on its release).


How do you get ideas for your books? They come in all sorts of different ways. In the case of The Four, I was spending time with some friends in the Sierra Foothills and the camaraderie and jovial atmosphere sparked the story. In other cases it might be something I see as I’m out and about, or something someone says. Honestly, I don’t know why the little things spark stories, but they do and I run with them. 


Anything in your stories based on real experiences? Yes and no. I do use people I know or have known to help build the characters and of course real life experiences help define certain aspects of the stories. But I only use ‘real life’ as basis; I don’t use actual events or experiences. 


Toughest criticism? Best compliment? My first book Doppelganger Experiment was unfortunately riddled with editing errors. I wasn’t aware of that as I thought (naively) that my editor had thoroughly vetted the book. Some of the reviews were brutal, but in the end these mistakes were my fault and I owned them. We pulled the book and re-edited it, it’s so much better now. Even though those initial reviews still hurt, I learned a great deal, and that is invaluable. I received a review on The Four Series (books 1 and 2) where the reviewer said “5 stars because I can’t give it 10” – I won’t lie, that made my day! 


Any advice for aspiring authors? Its hard work and requires a great deal of dedication. Criticism can be brutal, but take it with a grain of salt and learn from it. Most importantly don’t stop writing! 


How about some fun stuff? Favorite past time? My husband and I love to travel, whether it is just the 2 of us or with friends. We try to make several trips a year in the US and abroad. 


Dogs or cats or some other pet? 2 rambunctious, adorable, annoying, and loving 6 year old cats. 


1 Fav book? why? (or one you can recommend): I’m a voracious reader so that is a tough one. It’s not just one book… Stephen King’s Dark Tower Series is probably my favorite (but Ray Bradbury’s work is almost equal in this category). I love just about everything these guys have written, their creativity and ability to tell the stories are wonderful. 


Favorite place to travel? Ireland and England and Hawaii... (sorry can’t pick between the 3 of these, I love them all equally). 


1 fav author? Why? (or one you can recommend): That goes back to a few questions ago… Stephen King and Ray Bradbury, I cannot choose between them and I highly recommend them both.
Is this your full time job? if yes, anything else you want to do? if no what else do you do? I’m very fortunate that at the moment I can call this my ‘full time’ job. I do dabble in my old profession on a case by case basis (commercial real estate - escrow), but not too often. 


Where can we find you and your books? (links):
 www.margaretmillmore.com
http://www.amazon.com/Margaret-Millmore/e/B005ME8QTQ http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002915649470 http://www.linkedin.com/pub/margaret-millmore/4/a6b/6a9
Twitter: MMillmore
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5157106.Margaret_A_Millmore 


Thank you for coming on Julie's Book Review. I wish you lots of success and hope you and your families all have a  year. 

Julie Ramsey
ADM JBR