Michelle ONeil

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I have a background as a news reporter and also as a registered nurse. I love writing groups, and book clubs. I love to hike. I am also a yoga teacher at a large retirement home. I love teaching yoga to seniors. I love dogs and cats, and wish I could adopt them all.

When and why did you start writing books?

I started writing my first book when my children were little and I had to be home with them. One of my kids has special needs, and one had a pretty severe health issue for a while. Writing was something I did for myself during that time and it kept me sane!

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

It is a calling. When I'm not writing, I am not okay.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

There is something about each character that I love. Even the villain in Dog Park, I have empathy for. I guess I might have to say my favorite character is Janie in my memoir, Daughter of the Drunk at the Bar, because she is my own inner child. What am I going to do? Say someone else, right in front of her? Never. lol

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

Daughter of the Drunk at the Bar, because it was so personal, and it was my first book, and I was learning so much about writing the whole time. With my second book, Dog Park, I had experience behind me so it wasn't as daunting.

Who is your favourite author and book?

Most recently, my favorite author is Gabrielle Zevin. Her book Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow had a big impact on me. I read it three times. The first for falling in love with a good book, the second for craft, and the third time just to make sure I didn't miss anything. My favorite classic is Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. I read it as a young woman and it meant so much to me then and still does. A young woman coming into her own power is my favorite kind of story. And this is what both of my own books are about.

What book are you reading right now?

I am re-reading Huckleberry Finn, (have not read it since high school) in preparation for reading James, by Percival Everett. I am listening to it on Audible and feel a physical jolt every time the N word is said. It is so disturbing, and also a reminder that slavery in the U.S. was so very recent.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Everywhere! A piece of overheard dialogue. People walking around at the dog park. An airport. Anywhere I can people watch and people listen. I love making up back stories for folks I see in passing.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Hiking, yoga, going out to eat, spending time with friends and family. Walking my dogs. Watching Netflix.

Do you have any new books in the works?

Yes, but too early to share.