Today, we’re talking with M.J. Polelle about his book, The Mithras Conspiracy.
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I'm a former law professor turned novelist in my “second act” of life.
Why do you write?
To be a creator who sets characters loose in the world around me.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
Reading The Da Vinci Code and soon after spending a honeymoon in Italy.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
It forces me to write plot and engage actively with issues in the world.
How would you describe your writing process?
Rhythmic. I don't believe in daily word counts or obsessive rituals.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
Not much. It drains time and energy from the creative task. Writers write, something different from social media.
What advice would you have for other writers?
If you write to fulfill an inner urge, you'll keep going no matter the headwinds.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
Carefully.
What's your next step?
Over cappuccinos, I'm thinking of another thriller novel involving southwest Florida where I live.
What book do you wish you had written?
Farewell to Arms.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
Depends on the review. If the reviewer “gets it,” I'm delighted. If there's a criticism, I try to learn from it if I think it's valid.
