Click on a question to learn more about Michelle Oucharek-Deo!
How long did it take you to write The Girl in the Peach Tree?
I started writing The Girl in the Peach Tree five years before it was published. It began as a simple writing exercise; The 30-Day Novel. It took me a little longer than 30 days, truthfully about 1825. I broke all the rules of the writing exercise, but I guess that it what made it so much fun to create.
Is the story based on anything that happened in your life?
My favourite teapots
Did you always want to be a writer?
From early on I journaled almost daily and still do, I wrote poetry and plays and short stories and letters… many, many letters. I completed my thesis: A Phenomenological look at Art Therapy and the Pediatric Renal Patient. A very interesting read; the thesis, not my first diary from when I was eight.
I used to think that because I was not published I was not a writer, but in the last few years I realized that published or not the moment you put pen to paper, you are a writer.
What do you do when you’re writing, and you feel stuck?
How do you write and work and be a mother and a wife?
What do you do for self-care?
Where is your favourite space to write?
My hidey-hole writing room | My favourite coffee shop for writing
Pender Island | Pinnacle
Being a busy mom, I have had to figure out a way to write any where that I need to. From sitting in the car, to waiting at rugby practise and well everywhere in between. I would say flexibility has had to be my dearest friend.
What is next for you and your writing career?
At present I am working on the second book in the Peach Tree series: Barefoot in the Dirt and plan to publish mid-year 2019. And yes, for those curious readers, there will be a third and final book in the series. Publication date TBA.
I am also finishing up a children’s book that will leave kids laughing and their parents shaking their heads, thankful that Henry figured out a plan how to save his mom from the Laundry Dragon.
So yes, my goal is to write until the last sparkly pen on earth runs out of ink.