Lisa: We’re so pleased to welcome author Jon Michaelsen today to celebrate the release of his novel Prince of the Sea in paperback and audio format (in addition to the already published e-book) with Lethe Press.
Welcome, Jon. Why don’t we start by having you tell us a bit about yourself?
Jon: I am a married 56 year old gay man and have been with my husband for 30 years. We have four terriers and live in Atlanta, Georgia. I’ve been writing for most of my life but didn’t begin to pursue publishing my stories until about six years ago.
Lisa: Is Prince of the Sea the first of your books to be published in audio format? Tell us what it was like for you to hear the narration for the first time, and what it’s like to experience your work being performed by a voice actor.
Jon: Yes, this is the first time one of my novels has been performed in audio. The novel is currently being performed in studio, so I haven’t had a chance to listen to any take-outs, but I’m very eager to hear my words read by a professional actor. The print version was just released this month from Lethe Press.
Lisa: Who’s narrating the book and when can we expect the release of the audio?
Jon: I’ve just learned the fantastic Emmy winning voice actor and performer Jason Frazier, known for his performances of Vintage: A Ghost Story, written by Steve Berman, Flipping for Him, written by Jeff Adams, and As You Are, written by Ethan Day is currently recording the novel. Anticipated release is October 2016.
Lisa: What inspired you to choose Tybee Island, Georgia as your setting for Prince of the Sea?
Jon: I first visited Tybee Island while away at college in southern Georgia. Some friends and I decided to take a day trip to the island while visiting Savannah. I fell in love with the small, picturesque island and have since visited multiple times over the years. I knew from that first visit I wanted to write something set in Tybee, but I had to wait for just the right plot that could capture the beautiful and romantic destination. That plot became a sweet, gay love story that I’m very proud of.
Lisa: What were some of your favorite and least favorite parts about writing this book? Do you have a favorite scene or passage that you feel really elevates the story?
Jon: I’m not sure there were any least favorite parts about writing the novel? I’m one of the few who will admit to actually enjoying the editing process, which usually is least favored by writers. My favorite part of writing the story was being able to immerse myself in researching island’s history and popular attractions, getting to watch online videos to refresh my memory of the sights and sounds of Tybee.
Lisa: This is kind of a fun question I always like to ask because it helps readers get a mental picture of a book’s characters—if Prince of the Sea were being made into a movie, who do you see being cast in the lead roles?
Jon: In the title role of Jonathan Lemke, I’d like to see Matt Bomer cast. I think he’s a fantastic actor and would be wonderful as the brooding romantic. Much tougher to envision who should be cast as Lucius, the mysterious stranger. Perhaps Cuban born William Levy. He’s got the body and smoky eyes of Lucius. A look at the poster for the movie The Tempest, where Levy has shoulder length hair is spot on the look I was going for.
Lisa: Would you like to share a bit of information with readers on your current WIPs and what’s coming up from you next?
Jon: I am currently writing the second novel in the Kendall Parker mystery series, which is a police-procedural series featuring an out homicide detective with the Atlanta Police Department. The first novel in the series was Pretty Boy Dead, still available from Wilde City Press.
Lisa: Thanks so much for being here with us today. Will you tell readers where we can find you on the internet?
Jon: You can find me mostly via my website/blog or via Facebook.
About the Book
Publisher: Lethe Press
Release Date: 20 June 2016
Length: 142 Pages
Category: Mystery/Thriller
Purchase Links: Lethe Press || Amazon || Barnes & Noble
Blurb: Jonathan Lemke thought spending two weeks alone with his partner in a beachside cottage would help to rekindle the lost passion of their ten-year union. He’d chosen Tybee Island, a quiet seaside community on the Georgia coast east of Historic Savannah. Jonathan had spent his childhood growing up on the pristine shores of the barrier islet which continues to hold a special place in his heart.
The romantic surprise backfires when Paul, Jonathan’s partner, rushes off to Chicago for the chance to woo a high profile client, leaving Jonathan alone and brokenhearted until a chance meeting with a mysterious and seductive stranger linked to a beloved island legend provides a chance at discovering forever love.
But someone with strong familial ties to Tybee Island is desperate to expose its secrets and avenge a grudge decades in the making. An assailant so threatened by the forces of nature that defy explanation, he will stop at nothing to unmask ancient island lore…even if he must kill to prove it.
