Q: Who are you, and how did you get into writing?
A: I’m Michael S. Haralson—though I've been called by my middle name, so feel free to take a wild guess what the 'S' stands for. I can’t promise I’ll tell you, though. My journey started back in high school, passing notes with friends and spinning short stories, one sentence at a time. It started as a game, but when I couldn’t stop expanding on those stories, I realized I was hooked. Stephen King was huge back then, and after reading The Shining, I knew I had to chase that heart-racing, suspenseful feeling. Scary stories quickly became my thing.
Q: What was the first story you ever wrote?
A: The very first story was Beyond Life. Picture this: a teenage couple, daydreaming about owning an old mansion on the outskirts of town. They break in, and boom—ghostly assault! It was short and spooky, just the kind of story I gravitated toward back then.
Q: How did Maleficia come to life?
A: Maleficia started with a twist of fate. I survived a tornado (yep, tossed around inside a mobile home and came out with only minor injuries—talk about a wild ride). That left me oddly fascinated by weather and control, which worked its way into the trilogy’s theme. Then there was a random entry I read about Margaret Barclay’s witch trial. Something about it just stuck in my head, and before I knew it, I was mixing the supernatural with real history. And here we are.
Q: What is it about historical fiction that pulls you in?
A: Historical fiction lets me fill in the gaps that the history books leave out. There's something fun about imagining what could’ve happened in the spaces between the recorded facts. Sure, it’s my first time diving into historical fiction, but I've got a few more stories in the works that play with history’s untold moments. So, stay tuned.
Q: You’ve created some really compelling characters. Who are some of your favorites, and why?
A: Tough question! I see all my characters as my “children,” so picking favorites is like choosing between kids. But if I had to pick, David Allen Barclay would be at the top of the list. He's essentially me in fiction form, for better or worse. And then there's Vanessa, aka Ginger. She's a mystery wrapped in a puzzle, and honestly, she’s inspired by someone significant in my life. That adds a layer of depth I really enjoy.
Q: What’s one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your writing journey?
A: Motivation has definitely been a big hurdle. Sometimes it feels like I hit a wall, and the book just stalls out. But I’ve learned that it’s not really writer’s block—it’s like I’m piecing together a massive jigsaw puzzle in my head. When the pieces finally start falling into place, I’m back at it and ready to tackle the next chapter like a word warrior.
Q: What's next after The Witch, Margaret Barclay?
A: After The Witch, I’m diving even deeper into history—both real and biblical. I’ve got an idea for a story that ties into my previous works, centered around a character you’ll recognize, Elspeth. It’s going to be called The Book of Tabitha, and I’m excited to see where it leads. History has a funny way of repeating itself... or does it?
Q: Any advice for aspiring writers?
A: My advice is simple: just write. Get that story on paper, no matter how messy or incomplete it feels. The key is getting your beginning, middle, and end straight. After that, it’s just about connecting the dots one word at a time. So, one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to put something down, even if it feels rough around the edges.