Featured Interview With Andrea Michaels
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I was born in a Concentration Camp during World War II. My family and I escaped in a rowboat when I was three months old. I lived with my grandparents in Italy until my mother sent for me when I was three years old. She had married an American pilot who took her to the U.S. I grew up in Southern California, where I now reside. I have two cats – Tom and Jerry.
I have been an international event producer for 40 years. I am the founder and president of Extraordinary Events in Los Angeles.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I wrote my first screenplay when I was eight years old and submitted it to Television. The producers liked it so much that they came to meet me and were shocked that I was just a child. So, I would say that I began to write as soon as I could hold a pencil!
In my capacity as a meeting and event planner and producer, writing is part of my everyday life. I love both reading and writing.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I always have a book with me. I have so many authors that I love to read, so let me just say that my favorite genre is vampire novels.
A friend of mine wrote her memoir a number of years back. It was so brutally honest about being in an abusive relationship. I was inspired by her candor and wanted to write about my amazing career and somewhat sad personal life which I intertwined. My personal story totally affected my professional career. I became successful because of it, and I wanted to share it with other women in order to help them … just as my friend had.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
Reading Reflections of a Successful Wallflower – Lessons in Business; Lessons in Life is a little like reading my diary! I share both my public and private persona openly and honestly. It is a witty account of my life and career, and I tried to chock it full of as much wisdom as possible. That’s why each chapter ends in a lesson. My events, travel and personal life reads like fiction, but honestly, I can’t make this stuff up!
I worked with my editor for about a year to get it written, and I still have more to tell. So there’s probably a sequel in my future.
Connect with the Author on their Websites and Social media profiles
I’ve never heard the story about where you were born. It’s amazing! I can’t wait to read your new book.
Arlene