AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Michael Sheehan (& Book Giveaway!)

WordVessel welcomes author Michael Sheehan. Here's his bio:
Michael Sheehan is CEO and founder of BioResource Inc., a California company that distributes German-made natural remedies, including the popular PEKANA INFLAMYAR ointment for sports injuries and arthritis. He wrote his first novel, One Fine Season, to honor the memory of two childhood friends who died young, before they could realize their dreams. The book draws on Sheehan’s religious education at a Catholic seminary and his experience as a high school baseball and collegiate soccer player. A graduate of Santa Clara University, Sheehan also earned a master’s degree in science journalism from Boston University. He lives in Northern California.

How long have you been writing and when was your first book published?
I attended a small high school seminary and, aside from playing on the soccer and baseball teams, served as the editor of the school paper. With less than 150 students, most of us wore several different hats. So I started writing seriously as a teenager, and had a short story published in my college literary magazine. After earning a Master’s degree in Science Journalism, I wrote professionally as a technology writer for about 14 years before starting a company in the natural medications field.

My first novel, One Fine Season, was produced through AuthorHouse at the end of 2008.

Tell us how you come up with characters.
I’ve based characters on friends and business acquaintances, and like to create a protagonist as a composite of several people I’ve either met in person or otherwise know about. In One Fine Season, the two main characters were based on childhood friends who died young. The novel was written as a tribute to their memories. The story is sad in many ways, but I also wanted to make it positive and uplifting for the reader.

What are you currently writing?
A political thriller based on the premise that “The world is a moral mess – why doesn’t somebody do something about it?” My guys plan to make an impact.

What are you currently reading?
I recently finished The Language of God by Francis Collins, the scientist who directed the human genome project. I also just started Briarpatch by Ross Thomas based on the recommendation of agent Chip MacGregor.

What are some ways that readers of your books can help you as an author?
By telling me what they liked and also what they would have changed about my story. I learn so much from people’s different viewpoints and what inspires them. For example, sometimes I’ll interview a friend to gain insight into their particular profession or how they would respond to a dilemma. Of course, readers can REALLY help by buying lots of books and telling all their friends – after all, it would be great to make this my day job at some point!

Michael, thanks for joining us at WordVessel today. We enjoyed getting to know more about you and your writing.

Readers, you can learn more about Michael and his book here. Michael has graciously agreed to pass on a copy of "One Fine Season" to one of you lucky readers. Leave a comment with a way for me to reach you if you're the winner to be entered in the drawing. I'll announce the winner in Saturday's post.

NEXT POST: Author Interview with Carla Capshaw (& Book Giveaway!)