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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Michael Flores talks about The Life Of Harvey Turtle in which a child with a learning disability and mobility challenges, is supported by his loving mother in his journey to walk and communicate.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed Michael Flores about his life and career, what inspired him to write his new book, The Life Of Harvey Turtle, and his creative writing process.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
I’m a very outgoing individual who enjoys life every single day and also challenges myself every single day with new obstacles that I take on. Music is an important part of my life. Listening to music helps me focus on what I need to do, it mostly helps me to write the story I did last year.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
I thought about this when I was in my mid 20s, wanting to write the story, I kept telling myself I was gonna do it when I finally did. I put my mind to it and just focus on it.
When did you take a step to start writing?
I was thinking about my childhood, mostly what helped me to begin writing the story that I wanted to share with children around the world.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
It took me about a year to complete the first book, which I wanted to share with young readers also to have parents enjoy it with their children as well.
How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?
I’m currently working on the sequel as we speak.
Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write The Life Of Harvey Turtle?
I spent hours thinking about how to write the story, I already had the plot of how I wanted to present it. It was just something I had to write down carefully and make sure that it was clear to young readers of what I was telling them.
What were your biggest challenges with writing The Life Of Harvey Turtle?
It was the main character of the story, I already had the name, I wanted the main character to have a name to go with its personality as well and mostly its characteristics.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?
Ever since I could remember I was always fascinated with turtles, they are still my favorite animal to this day. Get to share a lovable creature to young audience readers.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?
My mom was a big part of the story, to write about the journey being mother and son.
What is the inciting incident of The Life Of Harvey Turtle?
Trying to be a normal kid but at the same time to have everyone around to see him as a normal kid.
What is the main conflict of The Life Of Harvey Turtle?
The main character was born with a learning disability, not just a learning disability, but also a physical ability as well, not being able to walk or talk at an early age like everyone else would at a young age.
Did you plot The Life Of Harvey Turtle in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?
It come to me once I started writing, listening to classical music in the background is what gave me mostly of the focus on just peace and mind in writing
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did The Life Of Harvey Turtle need?
My book did need a second review to be looked at with some fix up along the way. It needs to be reworded. Once it was done with editing it, time to be set off to my publisher.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
To never second guess yourself when it comes to writing a story that you want to share with the world and connect with everyone who comes across reading your book you might change someone’s view at life or knowing that what they’re going through is also the same thing that this main character in the story has gone through in real life.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
Well right after I was done with the first story, I continue to work on the second part of my story, it a continuation of the first story going into the second one the main character has a lot more to show a younger readers, who are eager to know what the main character is still doing in his journey.
And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
I’m very proud of my accomplishment in getting my story out in the world, sharing it with family friends, having their feedback, on what they thought of the story.
Pop all your book, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:
The site that published my book is Spines, the world’s first technology-driven publishing platform, using AI to streamline the publishing process from start to finishץ They made this possible for me.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Ffn37l
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