#Interview: Michele Bacon, author of LIFE BEFORE and ANTIPODES

Hey guys! Today I have a very special post for you so you can learn more about

LIFE BEFORE by Michele Bacon!

I have an interview with the author where you can learn about her writing process and her second book ANTIPODES that releases in 2018! First, let's learn about her books...

LIFE BEFORE

Author: Michele Bacon
Series: N/A
Publisher: Sky Pony Press
Publication Date: June 7, 2016

Summary:
Seventeen years is a long time to keep secrets, so Xander Fife is very good at it: everyone believes he has a normal family. If he can just get through this summer, he'll start his real life in college with a clean slate--no risk, no drama, no fear.

Xander’s summer plans include pick-up soccer, regular hijinks with friends, an epic road trip, and—quite possibly— the company of his ideal girlfriend, the amazing Gretchen Taylor.

Instead of kicking off what had promised to be an amazing summer, however, graduation day brings terror. His family's secrets are thrust out into the open, forcing Xander to confront his greatest fear. Or run from it.

Armed with a fake ID, cash, and a knife, Xander skips town and assumes a new identity. In danger hundreds of miles from home, one thing is clear: Xander's real life is already in progress and just getting through it isn't enough. 

Purchase:

Amazon | Chapters | TBD

What is the best part about being an author?

Michele Bacon: Talking to readers is my jam. Becoming an author gave me access to schools, libraries, and bookstores. I often couple author talks with writing workshops, because many writers love to talk shop. Hearing people's stories and helping them find their voices has enriched my life immeasurably.

What are the hardest scenes for you to write?

MB: I find visual scenes very difficult. In LIFE BEFORE, chapter 34 is very physical and visual, and I struggled with it a lot. I always have an idea of how everything looks, and must focus on showing it to readers.

Do you find it difficult to balance being an author with the other aspects in your life?

MB: Yes and no. I have three young girls, who prefer to consume all my time and energy. I write while my preschooler is in school, and otherwise stay away from work. I need to write every day, or I get antsy. That makes holidays and weekends rough for my family...but I just cannot take time off!

Which of your characters did you find it easiest to write?

MB: I really like the new girl on the block. Erin Cerise, the protagonist of my forthcoming novel, ANTIPODES, was fun to write. She's clever, passionate, and driven, and she came to me (mostly) fully formed. I hope readers like her as well as I do!

What has been the best book you've read in the past six months?

MB: On the YA front, I loved E. Lockhart's GENUINE FRAUD. For adults, Cyntia D'Aprix Sweeney's THE NEST was a brilliant debut.

What do you hope readers take away from LIFE BEFORE?

MB: Foremost, I hope readers enjoy the story. I also hope readers leave the book with more empathy. I firmly believe true empathy could solve most of the world's problems.

Why did you set your new novel, ANTIPODES, in New Zealand?

MB: New Zealand is gorgeous, and kiwis—the people of New Zealand—are among the kindest people I've ever known. My family lived in New Zealand in 2013/2014, and I was so struck by the differences in culture and attitude that I had to write about it. I wrote Erin, this ambitious American 17-year-old who has a plan, and I forced her to study abroad. I loved New Zealand from the start, but she sure didn't! I loved revisiting everything about New Zealand as I wrote the manuscript!

ANTIPODES

Author: Michele Bacon
Series: N/A
Publisher: Sky Pony Press
Publication Date: April 3, 2018

Summary:
When Erin Cerise steps off her plane in Christchurch, New Zealand, she is focused intently on her mission: do something unique that will erase the mess she made of her life on her 17th birthday. She’s already lost her swim team captainship, her boyfriend Ben, and her reputation. Her mother is certain studying abroad will regain Erin’s chances of a good future. Once Erin sees her uninspiring host family and city, though, she’s not so sure.

Before Christchurch, Erin wasn’t always intense and focused. Years ago, a mission sounded like a fun adventure, and the only ivy she cared about was the stuff growing around her grandparents’ back porch at their peaceful Upper Peninsula home. When had her priorities gone upside down?

Now Erin balks at NZ’s scratchy school uniforms, cold houses, and her hosts’ utter inability to pronounce her name correctly. Christchurch does boast amazing rock climbing, gorgeous scenery, and at least one guy who could make her forget Ben if she lets him. With months ahead of her, Erin slowly begins to draw on the years behind her, one step back into her memories and then another. As she rebuilds her life from the other side of the world, Erin finds when life turns her world upside down and she's farthest from home, every way she moves takes her closer to where she came from. 

Purchase:

Amazon | Chapters | TBD

From a young age, Michele Bacon was drawn to people's stories, and she remains eager to learn how you met your best friend or fell in love (for the first or forty-first time). In pursuit of stories and adventure, she travels widely and asks too many questions. Outside of writing, Michele is a nerd for Harry Potter, tabletop game enthusiast, passionate skier, grammarian, and lover of prime numbers. Michele lives in Seattle, where she writes fiction for adults and young adults. Michele's second YA novel, Antipodes, follows an ambitious 17-year-old studying abroad in New Zealand; it publishes in April 2018.

Connect with the Author:

Website | Twitter | Instagram