Interview with Michele Pariza Wacek, Author of Mirror Image

It’s a psychological thriller/mystery/suspense novel. It actually started as a short story with Elizabeth as the main character (that story is actually still in the novel as one of the “Elizabeth” chapters). After I wrote it, I realized this was actually Linda’s story — and the story actually started after Elizabeth’s death.

I wrote the type of book I like to read, which basically means a bit of a mix of genres. It’s predominantly a psychological thriller/mystery/suspense novel but there are traces of paranormal as well as a hefty dose of romance.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

I taught myself to read when I was 3 years old because I wanted to write stories so badly. Before I could read (or write!) I would “draw” my stories starring characters who I called “happy-faced spiders” (although I have to say they looked more like suns than spiders). I remember always being frustrated because I wanted to actually capture the story with words. It was that frustration which drove me to learn to read. (I used to sit there for hours with “Old Hat, New Hat,” pouring over that book to try and connect what I had memorized with the letters and words.)

If you could invite any three people (alive or dead, real or imaginary) to a dinner party, who would they be?

Jane Austen, because I would love to ask her questions about being a woman author back when she lived. Oprah, because I would love to ask her about her mindset and habits to grow her business to where it is today. And Elizabeth Gilbert, because I just know we’d be best friends. 😉 (Even if she doesn’t know me from Adam.)

If you had an extra hour every day, how would you spend it?

Writing of course!

Is there anything you miss about Madison, Wisconsin? (a member of our team is an alum as well!)

It’s funny because while there’s a lot I don’t miss (mosquitoes, cold and humidity top the list) every time I’m back to visit family, it all feels so familiar. It’s like coming home. I definitely miss the green (I love the desert and Arizona but man, I do miss the green). And, I miss going to Badger football games in Camp Randall!

What scene in Mirror Image was your favorite to write?

I don’t want to give anything away but the scenes near the climax were probably my favorite (and also the easiest for me to write).

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results” — Einstein. Anytime I start getting frustrated or wanting to change something, I start looking at what I’m doing to get there and it helps me shift my actions. (And, yes, it DOES work to start doing different things if you want different results.)

Michele Pariza Wacek is the author of the new book Mirror Image.

Connect with Michele
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