Interview with Beth Mikell!

If you follow any of my posts on Facebook at all, you've probably seen me talk about Beth Mikell, who is a paranormal and contemporary romance author. I met Beth last year via the beta reading process, and throughout that time, she's become a very dear friend of mine. I remember beta reading The Nysein: Salvation and being completely blown away by the world and characters she'd created. I'm kind of a vampire junkie (in case that wasn't painfully obvious already), so when I read something that is completely fresh and unlike anything else I've read, I can't help but get hooked. I've since had the privilege of beta reading several more of her books, and I've fallen for each one. So you see, even though we've become great friends, I was a fan first.

Beth has been so gracious as to do an interview with me, so without further ado, here it be:


What inspired you to write your first book?

Love intrigues me. Falling in love. Discovering love. Holding onto love. From writing poetry to short stories as a teen, I enjoyed the “what if…” question. I’m always wondering what the answer is, and how the story ends.

My daughter recently challenged me. She loves music and I said, there’s a story in that song. She said, oh really? How about this one. She was desperately trying to stump me, but for every song, I found a theme and a couple struggling to find happiness. This is what inspires me—to love and to be loved.

Is there a message in your novels that you want readers to grasp?

Love conquers all, but my characters will have to work for it. I won’t hand them their happily ever after so easily. And sometimes they must pay dearly for their ultimate happiness.

What books have most influenced your life most?

Royal Seduction by Jennifer Blake

The Crossfire Series by Sylvia Day

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte 

(There are many others, but I love these books and will read them over and over!) 

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

My lovely hostess: Stephanie Summers! Her vampire series rocks!! Some of my new favorites are: Alannah Carbonneau. Callie Hart. Kali Cross. Louise Bay. Meredith Wild. I don’t limit myself. I’m always open to new authors. 

What are your current projects?

I have many stories and ideas on going. Currently, I’m working on a book 2 in a contemporary romance series. After I finish, I have a wolf shifter story romance, then a book 2.5 in my vampire series to work on. Although, inspiration could lead me somewhere else—I’m open to suggestions. I used to write a little bit on each book, but it takes forever to write this way. My New Year’s resolution was to finish one book at a time. So far so good.

Do you write by music?

Sometimes. When I’m writing my vampire series, I love listening to Evanescence. For my contemporary work, I lean toward something lighter. It depends on my mood. I adore Frank Sinatra, so my tastes in music are eclectic. 

Can you share a little of your current work?

The story revolves around a HUGE lie. In the writing world, they say if you can fix something with a conversation, then do it. BUT, what if your characters can’t fix their issues so easily? That’s where my new book comes in. I’m taking one woman with two different roles, and giving her a tough decision. The outcome has been amazing to write. I don’t want to give away too much, but here’s a small excerpt:

Everything within Dominic screamed for her—his breath to inhale her—his mouth to taste her—his hands to hold her. He stood transfixed, his gaze following every fluid thrust of her body, his heart nearly pounding out of his chest. Every grind of her hips amped his need. Every teasing caress of her hands another dig of the deprivation he needed soothed. It was all he could do but stand there and watch her bump and grind over the pole. All he wanted to do was drag her off the stage by her hair, wrap her lithe legs around his hips, and find release. Caveman but true.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Besides time to write? I have a family of five and it’s hard to juggle my schedule at times and enter the right head space. It seems like my characters want to chit-chat and tell their story when I’m not at my computer. That’s okay. Sometimes pressure makes me write better. Plus, there’s always coffee and chocolate, so I’m set!

Any news or upcoming plans for 2015?

I’ve often thought I was sitting on the edge, waiting for something good to happen. It’s become my personal goal (or mission) to become traditionally published. At the end of 2014, I began querying publishers on a southern romance I wrote years ago. Over this past summer, I began rewriting it and it sold January 3rd!! I think I about fainted when I received the contract and offer! I’m excited to share this story because it revolves around a small town filled with lies and secrets.

As far as self-publishing goes, I admire authors taking control of their writing careers. They are stepping out in faith and giving us readers another world to enjoy. 

Do you have any advice for other writers?

My 3 key points:

Keep writing. Stay out of drama. Keep writing.

It’s that simple. 

Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

For those of you that have taken a chance on me and read my work, or left reviews, thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I treasure every email, review, or comment. It means the world to me to hear from you.

About Beth: 

Beth Mikell spends her days writing and blogging all the while taking care of her family of five. She fell 'in love' with love at a young age and continues to believe that love really does conquer all...  or at least leave her blessedly happy by the end of a book. She adores alpha males...  the my-way-or-the-highway-take-no-prisoners kind of heroes, especially when they screw up and land themselves in 'hot water' with the heroines. Her husband of ten years is her personal hero, forging a path of true love along the road called life.  

Find Beth here… comments and shout outs welcome:

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Books by Beth Mikell:

The Nysein: Salvation (Book 1)

The Nysein: Release (Book 2)

Catch me Wilde (FREE)

Velvet Exhale

Aftermath