Michelle Larks is a wife, mother of two beautiful daughters, and a computer programmer in the data processing industry. She is a life long resident of The Windy City and was recently named most distinguished resident in Bolingbrook, Illinois.  Her love and passion for writing prompted her to write her first book "A Myriad of Emotions" which was released in March of 2003 to critical acclaim. Michelle's other published work is a poem, "Land of the Free, Home of the Brave," a series compilation published by the International Society of Poetry. "Crisis Mode" is Michelle's second novel, and she is hard at work on her next book, "Peaches & Cream" which is her most creative work to date.  Visit her online at http://www.michellelarks.com/.

I've had the writing bug since I was a child about 7 years old. I wrote a sequel to the movie The Wizard of Oz, so I've pretty much written in some shape or form since grammar school.

Is there a process to your writing? Like, do you sketch out characters, write an outline, and go chapter-by-chapter..., or do you venture out into your writing and let the chips fall where they may?

I pretty much let the chips fall where they may when writing. The story guides me instead of the other way around. I make notes at the beginning of a project so I can keep track of characters, names, ages, etc.

You tackle some big issues in your work, CRISIS MODE: unplanned pregnancy, mental illness, spousal abuse, aging parents, and marital infidelity. How difficult was it for you to delve into so many serious issues for one work?

I guess because the story guides me, I didn't realize until after the fact that I had tackled so many issues in Crisis Mode. The issues were just a result of the story guiding me. I was surprised myself.

For those that may not know, tell us in your own words what CRISIS MODE is about and what your purpose for writing the book was.

Crisis Mode came about as the result of many conversations I've had over the years with different women. I wanted to write something to let women know, I hear you and I want to do something, anything to address those issues, as well as offer suggestions of how to get help, be it a physician, minister or friend.

Do you find yourself in any of the characters you wrote about?

I find bits and pieces of myself in some of my characters, as well as friends or relatives. I don't model my characters after anyone in particular, but I see traits of people I know. People who know me well, say they can see me in my stories.

What has been the best part about being a writer?

The best part of being of writer is when someone who has read my books, say they liked it or something was in the book that they can relate to.

Who inspires you as a writer?

I am inspired by people and life in general. So far my focus has been on regular everyday people facing issues. When a person can successfully overcome adversity, I am inspired.

Picture this, you're about to sit down to write...describe the setting that creates the perfect mood conducive to great writing for you.

I can pretty much adapt and write wherever the opportunity presents itself. Most of the time, I am in bedroom sitting on the side of the bed, with the television playing in the background. I spend a fair amount of time writing during my commute to and from work.

If you were not a writer, what would be your dream career?

I am a systems programmer by day, and have received much satisfaction working in the IT field.

You're stranded on a desert island...what three things MUST you have?

If I were stranded on a desert island, I'd have to have my husband, my laptop computer, and a supply of food (smile).

What projects are you working on now? Any conferences or book signings in the near future?

I've just finished two manuscripts, Peaches and Cream and Mirrored Images. I am working on a 5th manuscript of short stories called Secret Lives.

I will visit Philadelphia, Jackson, MS, Atlanta, Huntsville, AL, Chicago, Detroit as part of my tour schedule.