Meet Michael Baron:
I grew up in the New York area and I’ve lived there my entire life. I worked in retail and taught high school English before I got my first book contract. I have gotten several additional book contracts since then, which is fortunate because I didn’t have the patience to work in retail and, while I quite enjoyed teaching, my approach was a bit too unconventional for most school systems. One school administrator told me that, “there are more important things than being a dynamic teacher.” Since I couldn’t name any of those things (at least in the context of school), I figured I didn’t have a long-term future in the profession. Hence, I became a writer, where I believe people appreciate a certain level of dynamism.
Though I started with nonfiction, I have always loved fiction and I have always wanted to write it. I’ve always had a particular affection for love stories. In fact, the very first book-length thing I ever wrote, when I was thirteen, was a love story. Mind you, it was the kind of love story that a thirteen-year-old boy would write, but it was a love story nonetheless. I have a deep passion for writing about relationships – family relationships, working relationships, friendships, and, of course, romantic relationships – and I can only truly explore this by writing fiction. These novels have given me a way to voice the millions of things running through my head.
My wife and kids are the center of my life. My wife is the inspiration for all of my love stories and my children enthrall me, challenge me, and keep me moving. One of the primary reasons I wrote my first novel, When You Went Away was that I wanted to write about being a father. Aside from my family, I have a few other burning passions. I’m a pop culture junkie with an especially strong interest in music, I love fine food (and any restaurant shaped like a hot dog), and I read far too many sports blogs for my own good.
Book Blurb of Spinning
Spinning
Dylan Hunter has it made. At 29, he has great friends, a huge job, all the women he can handle, and no commitments. A public relations executive, Dylan has dashed up the ladder of success by mastering the art of the spin – bending the truth to his and his clients’ needs. But when a former lover steps back into his life with a three-year-old girl by her side (no, she’s not his), Dylan suddenly finds himself in a place he can’t spin himself out of. And when Dylan unexpectedly becomes the child’s sole guardian, he finds himself to be like a circus performer trying to keep all of his spinning plates from crashing to the ground. In what seems like a blink of the eye, Dylan Hunter’s life has changed completely…whether he’s ready for it or not.
Welcome Michael to Romance Author Buzz. Can you tell us a little about Spinning and where you got your idea for the book?
Michael: Spinning is the story of Dylan, a guy in his late twenties, who suddenly needs to reorder his priorities when Diane, an old girlfriend, shows up with her three-year-old daughter, Spring (not his). They rekindle their romance, but then Diane dies in a car accident and Dylan is an instant parent with no parenting skills.
I got the idea for Spinning from thinking about how my life changed after my first child was born. I fell in love with being a parent right away, but I remember thinking, “Wow, I can’t just quit my job or decide to become a missionary anymore.”
Do you plot your stories or let your characters lead you?
Michael: I’m a dedicated advance plotter. I’ve tried writing without a well-developed plot and it wasn’t pretty. That doesn’t mean that I don’t let the characters move things around on me. Some of my favorite scenes have been those that happened by surprise because I realized I needed something I hadn’t considered ahead of time.
What are you currently working on?
Michael: I have two novels going at once, racing to decide which gets published first. One is the first in a series about a New England family. The other involves a man making a mind-boggling sacrifice for the woman he loves.
Of all of your characters, do you have a favorite you identify with and why?
Michael: I identify to some degree with all of my protagonists, but I would have to say that the one I’ve connected with the most is Gerry Rubato from When You Went Away. I think that might have something to do with When You Went Away being my first novel and my pouring so much of myself into that character, but I also especially like Gerry’s combination of bafflement, commitment to his kids, and dedication to living a meaningful life.
What is the hardest thing about your job?
Michael: I find plotting to be a very slow process. I know I need to do it ahead of time if I’m going to create work I’m happy with, but that doesn’t mean I enjoy it.
What are your currently reading?
Michael: I tend not to read much fiction while I’m writing fiction, so I’m not reading a novel right now. I’m loving Patti Smith’s memoir, Just Kids, though.
What is one thing in your history that has influenced your writing, whether it’s a character, your work habits, or your favorite plot conflict?
Michael: I think the thing that has influenced my writing the most is my relationship with my wife and children. Love and family are two huge themes for me, and they’re the reason why.
Before I let you go is there anything I forgot to ask that you want the readers and fans to know?
Michael: Just that I’m always interested in their thoughts and comments. They can write me at Michael@michaelbaronbooks.com.
Michael, thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview with me!
Michael Baron’s website:
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