Author Bio:
Michael Patrick Mardel (1949-) was born near the city of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. He has trained to be a teacher-librarian ending up with a Bachelor of Education and a Graduate Diploma of Librarianship. At the age of 40 he started studying psychology as that is what he always wanted to do. He graduated with a Graduate Diploma of Applied Science (Psychology) and has spent his time since then counselling, teaching students how to drive, and being a carer. In 2004 he assisted his publisher on bringing out Library Walkabout and from then on he self-published Walkabout Dreaming years 5-8 and 3-4, Sustainability in the 21st century part 1 (all revised in 2018) and part 2 (Growing your own), Computer Walkabout (being revised), Storyteller Walkabout, Music Walkabout, Psychology Walkabout and Style Manual. He wrote the Australian short stories for boys (& girls) over two years. Other textbooks are available at his website.
Michael has now written a trilogy around the life of Paul O’Leary for middle grade readers. There are now 4 YA books: The diary of a babydyke in transition; Frack off: trouble in the high country and the Kimberley; The Mermaid and the Seahorse; and A Cowboy Downunder.
In between writing Michael reads for reviews.
He also has a counselling book under the pen name of Patrick Ferreira called Most common questions about surviving emotional abuse…and the answers..for men.
What inspires you to write?
It's like an itch that needs scratching. In between furthering myself and my business, I'm happy with a few thousand words a day.
Tell us about your writing process.
I have been both. I use a large sketch book and map out who interacts with whom plus the setting. I've found The Emotion Thesaurus to be helpful.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I hear my characters in my head sometimes but usually I see them in a setting, who they interact with, etc
Who are your favorite authors?
E.g. Steven Freeman- '30 Seconds to live', book 10 of the Blackwell series. They're a husband and wife team tied in with computers and the FBI. Lots of action with the baddies trying to kill them. Plenty of conflict.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
After quite a few knock backs from local publishers, I decided to do my own thing, namely write the story, market it to schools, print it out at home, cash the cheques or watch my bank account grow from direct deposits. Plus using Amazon.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
Very healthy, as long as there are readers there will be a market for books.
What genres do you write?
Middle grade fiction and non-fiction, YA
What formats are your books in?
eBook, Print
Website(s)
Michael Mardel Home Page Link
Follow Michael Mardel On Amazon
Author’s Social Media Links
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter
All information is provided by the author and is presented as it was submitted so you the reader get to hear the author’s own “voice” in their interview.
