Interview with Author Jeff N. Michaels
I love to take interviews. Maybe it’s because with a little guy wandering around the house these days I’m only answering questions about Mickey Mouse… What is Mickey doing today? Where is Mickey going? Why are you hiding from Mickey? Sometimes, I just want to talk about what I’ve been doing outside playing with all of Mickey’s friends. When I’m in between projects and no one is calling, I do what any slightly narcissistic writer would do—I answer interview questions intended for other celebrities.
This interview came from Success Magazine featuring comedian and co-founder of All Things Comedy, Al Madrigal. (I do love the All Things clan.) I hope the editors don’t mind me answering the same questions… if you do, I’d be happy to have you write new ones for me!
CELEBRITY* INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR JEFF N. MICHAELS
I’m MOTIVATED to Keep Going Every Day Because…
I enjoy the challenge. Life can’t progress without a challenge in front of you. I can’t say I face all challenges equally, but having them there is important because they are the sign post that keeps you looking in the right direction. That’s motivation to me… finding each new challenge and overcoming it.
The BIGGEST CHALLENGE I Ever Faced Was…
Getting my first book published. The process of finding a publisher was less daunting than I’d imagined, but the reality of learning to sell your book after it’s published it was a lesson that I think most authors never quite grasp how difficult it can be. From raising the money to hire a promotions team, to cold calling stores, to cultivating business partnerships to appearing on NPR… it was all a learning experience that provided me with endless challenges at each step of the way. Had I known just how much work publishing a book was going to be, I might’ve never submitted my manuscript! Yet overcoming each hurdle proved priceless.
My FAVORITE PLACE to Unwind Is…
The golf course, hiking, or biking anywhere in nature. I purposely leave my phone in my golf bag or in my back pocket with the ringer on silent so I can focus on the activity and enjoy the time in nature. (But I do check my phone when I’m done, just in case Mickey Mouse called while I was on the tee.)
I Define SUCCESS As…
I think it changes the older you get. I used to define success as having enough money in my checking account at the end of the week to cover my rent and expenses—some weeks a close struggle! Later, I defined success as touching just one person with something I wrote, and I still do. Receiving that email from someone you’ve never met telling you how much they enjoy your work is priceless. I also define success as staying true to your goals, which can be more difficult as we grow older with more obligations than we had when we were running alone in the world. Sticking to you goals and completing them, no matter what the outcome or how long it takes, is success in my book.
My BIGGEST MENTOR Growing Up Was…
I’ve been fortunate to have mentors whenever I seemed to need them. Growing up, my dad was and always will be my biggest fan and advice-giver, whether he realizes it or not. In seventh grade I came home and announced that I’d won one of class superlative awards and when I told him to guess which award I’d won, he didn’t hesitate and replied, “Most Likely to Succeed…” and he was right. Both of my parents’ faith in me has always kept me going through the many iterations of my career. I have also been blessed with wonderful mentors who have appeared like magic at every road I’ve traveled upon. From Robert Thompson, a business coach and author who introduced me to the world of writing, to the wonderful editors and publicists I’ve met who continually amaze me with their ability to make sense of the ideas in my head, and help bring them to the world.
I GIVE BACK to My Community By…
Raising money for charity organizations is a big part of what I do. I’ve headed fundraising efforts for both cancer research and Parkinson’s disease and captained team bike rides, riding hundreds of miles and raising over $420,000 to date from our efforts.
People WOULD BE SURPRISED to learn…
I drink a cup of green tea every day at 3pm. Then again, if you know me and my need for a daily schedule, it’s probably not much of a surprise!
My Go-to-Feel-Good Movie…
“Thirteen Going on 30”… partially because it’s a great movie about getting a second chance in life, and partly because my old band’s song, “Good Day,” was featured in the sound track!
Enjoyed this not-quite-real celebrity interview with author Jeff N. Michaels? Feel free to reach out for a real request!