L: Do you enjoy living in the Deep South?
M: I do very much. It is rich in culture and is full of heart and soul. That's one reason why I'm very excited about the release of my second book,
Irukandji. It takes place in Mississippi, and it's one of my favorite stories.
L: (I sip warm coffee and smile at the lady across the table from me. We are seated under a large patio. There are different animals here and there, obviously
part of the Sundown Animal Rescue which the author owns and operaters on private property. The wind is cool and I'm fairly relaxed except for the pick-up truck parked under the tree some 50 feet away that somewhat resembles that of a dog.
I am told not to worry. He won't hurt me. I take another sip of coffee and continue.)
L: The first release in your Mystery Collection,
Accuser Of The Brethren, pulled in rave reviews. You've been called a master fiction writer. It seems the critics can hardly believe that you're a newcomer.
M: I'm truly blessed that
Accuser received such high marks, and it's very exciting. I'm a newcomer because I'm just starting to release my books now, though I've been writing for a number of years.
L: Why do you prefer fiction as opposed to non-fiction?
M: Because there's power in imagination.
L: (An answer I was not expecting. Big green eyes covered with long, black lashes target me. I realize that the lady before me
is not only beautiful but she is also highly intellegent. I rethink my line of questioning.)
L: What do you consider to be one of your more greater accomplishments?
M: Sundown. Working with animals has always been the biggest and brightest part of my life.
L: (I feel her mood shift and she drops her guard ever so slightly. I glance around at a collection of handicap animals, all in excellent condition physically and emotionally,
and I can now see the true heart and nature of this author. She is beautiful inside and out. I relax a little as well.)
L: What do you do for fun?
M: Camping is my favorite. I love staying in tune with nature. It's the basics of all things living. Granted, I'm not too
enthusiastic about the new specimen of bug I always seem to stumble upon. You know ... the kind with two hundred long sticky legs. But at least I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty.
L: (She sits before me, perfect nails, perfect hair and I try to imagine the scene she just described. I laugh and she laughs along with me. She knows what I'm thinking.)
L: What are your plans for the future?
M: Twenty-three years of continuous animal rescue has taken a tremendous toll on my body. I have been diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Syndrome.
It's a condition associated with the spine and I am now strongly limited regarding physical activities. So now I have to focus on those things which I can do and one in particular is writing.
I have new opportunities to work with some pretty remarkable people which just proves that when one door closes on you, God will open another.
L: So you are no longer rescuing if I understand you correctly?
M: Right. The animals in my care now will remain with me and finish out their lives here at the sanctuary, but my days of public rescue are over. I have finished my race with style. From here on out my focus is on my writing career.
L: (Suddenly, she looks very tired. And I think I understand.)
L: You have multiple titles. Where do you get your ideas for your stories?
M: A song, a scene in a movie, a scene in real life, a dream. Actually, I'm working on my first real horror story called Moss. I'm really excited about it.
L: And for some reason the hair on the back of my neck just stood up.
M: (She gives a hearty laugh and her eyes sparkle.) That is the exact response I'm looking for.
L: (Her dark hair shines in the sunlight and I am drawn to her delicate features.)
L: I find your mixture of heritage interesting. Can you explain it more?
M: Well, I always say I get my looks from my Indian heritage, my brains from my German heritage and my temper from my Irish heritage.
L: (I study her for a moment. Her Indian heritage is undeniable as thick, black baby-doll curls
hang down below her shoulders. She carries a small build. She's both gracefull and polished, a real Southern Belle indeed.)
L: Do you have a boyfriend?
M: Count Dracula.
L: (Another unexpected answer. She has a great sense of humor. Speaking of Count Dracula, I'm tempted to make a remark here about the truck
parked under the tree which is now staring me down, but I hold my tongue, not wanting to provoke the Irish temper. He yawns then and his head opens up three times it's normal size.
I remember everything I've ever heard about the steel jaws of a pitbull and subconsciously I place my hand over my throat. Cujo ain't got nothing on this guy!)
L: I would say you draw in mysteria because you give off mysteria. There is a lot of mystery and enchantment behind your eyes.
M: (No comment save a wry smile.)
L: Come on, the truth now. Is there someone special in your life?
M: Of course, there is. LeBaron. He's the one who keeps me safe at all times.
L: And LeBaron would be ...?
M: My 100 plus pound Pit Bull-Chow who keeps the demons away.
L: (Ahhhhh ... the truck has a name. I've kept a cautious eye on him the entire time as he is of
a most serious and edgy nature and not friendly at all. She explains that he is a rescue and again I admire this lady for her heart. I love animals myself but there ain't no way
I'd go toe to toe with this monster, rescue or not. This dog means business.
Over an hour later I am still here and really enjoying my time. The animals are pretty awesome and I admit I even
had a few laughs over the truck which turns out to be a fairly comical character. Both author and dog have my immense respect.)
Miss Michaels, thank you for a great time. Your sense of humor is refreshing and I truly appreciate your generous heart and elegant style. Congratulations on your success.
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Who you lookin' at?
"Badboy" LeBaron Michaels
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