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<\/h2>\n*This post contains affiliate links*<\/p>\n
<\/h2>\nHi I\u2019m Author A.C. Merkel. My friends call me Drew.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m a former \u201cband dude\u201d and currently a mechanic. I used to set up concert equipment in venues across the country.<\/p>\n
Influenced by everything from cars to pretty dresses.<\/p>\n
I have a book out and one on the way, and animate book covers as a side gig. (See acmerkel.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n I am a founding member of queerindie.com<\/a> and animate book covers as a side gig. See acmerkel.com<\/a> for details.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I cut several scenes out of London Calling and shifted directions. The world will never see George Boleyn blush at seeing Wynter\u2019s ankles. There also a scene with Anne, Murder, and Lady Savage wielding swords that we won\u2019t see either. Maybe website extras one day.<\/p>\n Most importantly, do it. Even if you think it might not be good. You can make something better If write it. You can\u2019t edit a blank page and practice makes perfect.<\/p>\n Google docs is your friend.<\/p>\n Ignore a lot of the \u2018advice\u2019 out there. You\u2019re a reader. You know what you like to read. Write something you\u2019d like to read and do it with heart and pride!<\/p>\n \u00a0NaNoWriMo is a really great motivational event. The goal is realistic. I did it myself in 21 days. Mind you, the book wasn\u2019t finished at that point. But the 50k words were an amazing start! (That book is \u2018Her Name is Murder<\/a>.\u2019 the book has mostly 4 and 5 star ratings.)<\/p>\n There is so much History when writing an Immortal character. The Tudor Court. France during the same time period. Train routes across Europe in the 30s. The industrial revolution. Salem. Punk rock in Soho NYC in the 70s. Art. Street names and settings in NYC (I have only been able to visit once for work. It was enthralling though)<\/p>\n If I\u2019m honest, I adore the research. Learning new things to embellish this character has been such a joy.<\/p>\n I can barely handle my own criticism. Luckily my book hasn\u2019t been a target (knock on wood) and most of the feedback is very positive. If I need motivation I look at my reviews. I always tear up. In the best way. My characters are loved. My humor is appreciated. And apparently I wrote a charming book. As my series continues and I sell more copies I expect to have to deal with some not as positive reviews. I expect to need to be held and maybe stopped from jumping from a bridge. (Kidding I\u2019m not too worried. Hehe)<\/p>\n London Calling<\/a> expands on the cast and themes from the first book, Her Name Is Murder<\/a>.\u00a0 It takes every bit of the magic and History further and ends with Murder on a couple of new paths. Excited for more people to read this book. It is frenetic, yet focused and has more twists and turns than all the roller coasters in Orlando. Lol.<\/p>\n It\u2019s up for preorder and the audiobook is already being recorded. (It sounds fantastic already!)<\/p>\n Jaimee Moore is a true talent.<\/p>\n I\u2019m thinking about and researching book three. I know where it\u2019s heading. But I\u2019m also kind of taking a break and reading. I expect to be elbows deep in research and drafting by November.<\/p>\n Yes please. I would like Tim Burton to helm a movie adaptation. Lol. I\u2019m thinking something in the vein of Mrs. Peregrine. Or Joss Whedon so the snappy dialogue could be even more snappy! But TV would make me happy too. More room to tell even more stories across Murder\u2019s long history. That\u2019s the ultimate dream honestly.<\/p>\n And yes. I’d jump at a broadway musical with reckless abandon.<\/p>\n1. Tell us about a scene that you loved but had to edit out of your book<\/h3>\n
2. What advice would you give to someone wanting to write their first book?<\/h3>\n
3. Do you do research for your books? If so, what kind of research?<\/h3>\n
4. \u00a0How do you handle criticism?<\/h3>\n
5. Tell me about your current work<\/h3>\n
6. Would you want your book made into a film?<\/h3>\n