Author Interview with Michelle Pace & Tammy Coons
By: Andrea Randall
I brought you my review of Fury here.
I suggested you purchase Fury here.
Now, read about the masterminds behind the band here:
1. Andrea Randall: “Fury” was a long time in the making. Share a bit about its inception, gestation, and finally, its release!
Michelle Pace: This particular story had its inception about 20 years ago. We wanted a story about two friends following a rock band. Fury is very different than what we started with and even what our publisher originally accepted. There were many updates and modifications to make it a 2012 story, as well as a bit of life experience brought to the table.
Tammy Coons: The original story took place in London England, on a yacht! It was pretty much straight up porn in the beginning. We continued on throughout the years fine tuning it, but it never felt right. In the early 90’s Michelle went on a journey together before I got married and talked about Fury(which wasn’t called that at the time) and decided to change the story in a totally new direction. As we grew up so did Fury. In 2010 while I was seeking work I was bored out of my mind. I dug out our stories we have written together and decided to type out Fury.
2. AR: How did you arrive at the decision to co-author. What were the pros and cons in the co-authoring process?
TC: Michelle and I have been writing together for years so it is just a pretty
natural thing.
3. AR: Your road to self-publishing was a bit bumpy, as you’d previously signed with a small publishing house. What was that experience like?
MP: A nightmare. I could go on and on. It was a blessing when they basically sent out a mass email saying they were moving exclusively to self-publishing (a move they blamed on the authors for not promoting their own books, by the way). We were looking forward to the worst of both worlds with them-high prices and little support/royalties.
4. AR: Each band member of Fury truly has their own, well defined, personality. Did you create character profiles for each one before writing, or did they shake themselves out?
MP: We had profiles. The look of this band was inspired by a real life band, but their personalities are nothing like that group.
TC: We usually map out the main characters. But sometimes we have a random character that just pops in.
5. AR: Fury has been out for over a week. How do you feel it’s being received? What’s your favorite review or comment thus far?
MP: We’re surprised and humbled by the sales and reviews. I love that people keep asking for a sequel. It makes me laugh hysterically, but I feel honored. I think my favorite reviews have said they ‘want to bitch-slap Cheyenne” and that they hope we reference “Star Wars and Ninjas” in our next book.
TC: Fury is doing amazing! I am so proud of our work. [My favorite quote is] “This book was a dramatic mess! I mean that in a good way.”
6. AR: Are you two planning to co-author anything together in the future? If so, care to share?
MP: We have a second book-completely unrelated to Fury- that is close to finished called “The Perpetual Quest for a Perfect Life”. It is about small town friend/family drama in a fictitious Iowa river town and it is very much a romance. This time we are writing “what we know”.
7. AR: Did you two have any major disagreements about character personalities or plot points? How did you work through them?
MP: It's like parenting. We had disagreements. And there were many changes since we signed contracts with the publisher. We each had to choose our "hills that we were willing to die on". Collaboration can be a major pain in the ass.
TC: As in any relationship and friendship there are bound to be disagreements. we try not to text each other because you can't get your real feelings out there. Skype-ing is so much better so we can see each other face to face.
8. AR: Who’s your favorite band member and why?
TC: My favorite is Scot Charles. He is hot, sexy and just wants a “real life.”
MP: David. He’s unexpected and only talks when he has something to contribute.
9. AR: I became such a fan of some of the characters that I wouldn't mind a sequel. I also value stand alone books for what they are...but I'm greedy. Is there more Fury in our future?
MP: Originally we thought it would be a two book series. We decided against it before our publisher signed us. Now we've had the question A LOT. Never say never. I have some pretty distinct ideas about what happens next with Steph.
TC: Maybe.....
10. AR: Are either of you working on solo projects, or would you like to in the future?
MP: We are working on a joint venture that is near completion. After that there are no plans at this point.
TC: I would love to work with Michelle until my brain is all dried up and useless.
Once again, thank you ladies for taking the time to share Fury and your thoughts with us!
xo
andrea
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