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It’s A Book Thing Presents: An Interview with Michelle Paris, author of New Normal

Author’s Bio: Michelle Paris is a Maryland writer who believes laughter can heal the heart. Her debut novel, New Normal is loosely based on her own experience as a young widow. Her personal story of overcoming grief was featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal. And her essays about grief and mid-life dating have appeared in multiple editions of the Chicken Soup for the Soul inspirational book series as well as in other media outlets. 


She is a member of the Romance Writers of America and the Maryland Writer’s Association. Currently, Michelle is enjoying chapter two of her life with her new husband, Kevin, who keeps her from being a cat lady but only on a technicality.

She was recently featured and interviewed by the various outlets below: 

Baltimore Sun 4/12/23

https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/howard/howard-magazine/bs-mg-ho-widow-grief-journey-20230412-zmyqfe6skngslklagay3xrtur4-story.html 

WYPR radio interview for On the Record with Sheilah Kast, 5/2/23

https://www.wypr.org/show/on-the-record/2023-05-02/darkly-funny-debut-novel-navigates-a-new-normal

 Widow We Do Now Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/widow-we-do-now/id1483235636?i=1000608183116

 

Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write your book?


Michelle Paris: New Normal is loosely based on my personal experience of being widowed suddenly at the age of 40. As a new widow, I searched for books and movies that dealt with the loss of a spouse to make me feel better. I wanted characters I could relate to and seek comfort from—ones that had endured loss and not only survived but thrived. 


Most stories with middle-aged heroines moving on were divorced, few, if any, dealt with loss. So, I decided to turn my own personal experiences into a novel—part memoir, part imagination--one that tells the story of loss in a heartfelt and humorous way.

 

DL: What elements do you think make a good story?


MP: In my opinion, what makes a good story is characters you can relate to and a plausible plot. I like being so emersed in a book that I don’t want it to end, and I often think of the characters afterwards as if they are my friends.

 

DL: What were some of the challenges when writing this book?


MP: Great question. At times it was hard to stay motivated enough to carve out time to write. For me, I can’t force the writing process—I can’t say “I’m going to write every Sunday at 1 p.m. until the book is done.” That doesn’t work for me. I tend to write best when an idea comes to me, and I can flesh it out. Some of the best advice I got early on was to turn off the TV! As simple as that sounds, I know I waste a lot of time in front of the TV.

 

DL: If you were hosting a dinner party which three authors would be your dream guests and why?


MP: I would invite Kristan Higgins, Jennifer Weiner and Oprah. Kristan and Jennifer because I love their style and sense of humor. Oprah because, well, let’s face it, who doesn’t dream of having dinner with Oprah. Plus, she could add New Normal to her book list. (LOL).

 

DL: What are the keys to success in marketing your book(s)?


MP: I found that getting advance copies of the book to reviewers several months before the release date was helpful in creating a buzz. I went into the launch date with 15 reviews on Goodreads and social media hype. I also think because my novel has a personal story associated with it, there was a natural hook for the media. That helped in generating press.

 

DL: What tips would you give to aspiring writers?


MP: The best advice I can give aspiring writers is to believe in yourself and never give up. If you have a story to tell, write it. There will be times you’ll want to give up, but don’t. Stay the course. The other advice I would give would be to find a critique group. 


I met three wonderful authors at a novel writing course at my local community college. We formed a group that offered advice, encouragement and friendship. As I mentioned earlier, I struggled to commit time to writing. The critique group kept me accountable.

 

DL: What are three fun facts about yourself?


MP: Here you go:

  1. I have four (!) cats. I know that sounds more nuts than fun; but we took in my mother-in-law’s cats when she went into assisted living.
  2. I love to travel. I spent my 35th birthday in London, my 40th birthday in Venice, and I will be spending my 60th birthday in Paris!
  3. I am really good at Trivia Pursuit! 

DL: Would you like to share an excerpt from New Normal?


MP: Sure, here is the first few paragraphs of New Normal.

 

Emilie tilted the rearview mirror to assess the damage. It was worse than she expected. Chocolate on her chin and even her nose—it had been a bumpy ride. Using an old napkin she found in the glovebox, she wiped away the evidence she’d scarfed down a brownie on the short drive to Viv’s. Satisfied she no longer looked like Augustus Gloop from Willy Wonka, she balled the napkin up and threw it at the dashboard in a failed attempt to block the blinking digital clock. Eight thirty. Sigh. The party began more than an hour earlier. “Just stay until the fireworks—thirty minutes tops,” she said to herself, giving a pep talk of sorts to summon the courage to leave the safety of her car.

 

It had been almost five months since she began her self-imposed exile. She couldn’t hibernate forever, even if that’s what she really wanted to do. Attending Viv’s annual Fourth of July party tonight would be a baby step in the right direction. A baby step.

 

She tugged the collar of her T-shirt to get it close to her nose, hoping to catch a trace of his scent—Hugo Boss cologne mixed with an occasional cigar—but only the scent of lavender fabric softener remained. Memories would have to suffice. She thought of the last time Rob, her late husband, wore the shirt a year ago to the day. . .

.

DL: What new projects are you currently working on?


MP: I recently signed a contract with Apprentice House to publish my second novel, Eat Dessert First. It’s about an overweight baker who learns in order to find love, she must first love herself. It supports my belief that heroines should come in all shapes and sizes. It will come out in spring of 2024.

 

DL: Where can readers learn more about you and purchase your book(s)?


MP: Readers can get more information here: 

    DL: Thanks so much for being here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.


    MP: Thanks for the opportunity!




     

      

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