WOW! WOMEN ON WRITING TOUR
OF
Megan Michelle’s Skylark
Skylark (The SEAL Saga Book 1)
Book Summary
Being the first female Navy SEAL is no easy job, but someone’s got to dismantle the patriarchy. Rachel Ryker, call sign ‘Skylark,’ can outrun and outgun just about anybody, and with her second in command, Christopher Williams, by her side, she’s practically unstoppable. Christopher would follow Rachel to hell and back… or maybe just to the Middle East. When a top-secret malware code is stolen from the CIA, Rachel and Christopher lead their SEAL team through the Middle East in an attempt to recover it.
They both have their own reasons for fighting, but as the team gets closer to finding the stolen malware, Rachel discovers that the man they’re looking for may be closer to her than she thinks. Will Rachel’s obsession with completing their mission override her common sense and cause her to lose sight of what is really important- keeping women and children safe from the oppressive patriarchy they are all living in?
With secrets, pride, and a strict no-fraternization policy keeping them apart, falling in love would mean sacrificing everything Rachel and Christopher have worked for. But when Rachel gets injured in combat, everything changes. Now Rachel will have to choose: does her devotion to the Navy outweigh her love for Christopher?
PUBLISHER: Bound Books LLC
ASIN: B0DKB5QGB3
ISBN-10: 8988886129
ISBN-13 979-8988886129
Print Length: 459 pages
Purchase a copy of Skylark on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Bookshop.org. You can also add this to your GoodReads reading list.
Author Interview
At what point did you decide to be an author, and what was your path to publication?
This is a great question! I don’t think it was a decision. I’ve been writing since I was a kid and was actually just visiting my mom last summer going through all of my childhood things and found two books that I wrote when I was about seven years old! (It’s like construction paper stapled together, but still!)
My path to publication was a bit odd, I think. I was recovering from open heart surgery when this story just came to me. So, I wrote it down then saw a Facebook add for a women’s publishing conference, joined that, and started networking. That’s how I met my editor and started learning about all the different ways to publish. I decided that self-publishing offered me the most control, so I’ve been doing a lot of trial and error, networking with other authors, and figuring out what works best for me.
What do you do when a new idea jumps out at you while you’re still working on a book? Do you chase the squirrel (aka “UP syndrome”) or do you finish your current project first?
I have so many notes and so many google docs of works in progress and just random scenes that I know will fit into my series somewhere. My current series, The SEAL Saga has at least seven books outlined and book 7 is actually a lot more complete than books 5 and 6 because sometimes you need to know where you’re going so that you can actually get there!
Who is your favorite character to write, and why is that person your favorite? If picking a favorite character would be like picking a favorite child, which character seems to be the most demanding of your attention and detail as a writer?
I love all of my characters, so this really depends on my mood. Rachel and Christopher are so easy for me to write. (All my friends say I’m a lot like Rachel) and Christopher is the perfect book boyfriend. So, it’s a pretty easy flow putting their story together.
Describe your writing process. Do you outline, plot, and plan, or is your writing more organic?
All of the above! Skylark just came to me like a download from the universe, so I just typed it out as it played out in my head. All of the original major plot points from that first draft are still in the book. I do get hung up on pacing and the order of things (this is what my editor is for) and books 2 and 3 in the series have required more planning. However, I’ve found that I can plot out a book in extreme detail, sit down to write it, and something completely different, and usually better, ends up on the page. The characters are in charge, not me!
What are some books or authors that you would recommend to our readers?
Stacey Reynolds- The O’Brien Tales
Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Williams- Tier One thrillers series
George Orwell- 1984 and Animal Farm
Brynne Asher- The Killers Series
Tell us what you enjoy most about writing romance.
I like getting to give my characters the love story they deserve. I like leaning into my education in clinical psychology to really see what personality traits would work well together and how my character’s past trauma impacts their attempts at relationships. Writing love stories has also helped me identify what I’m looking for in a long-term partner and what things would be non-negotiables for me in a relationship. It’s helped me get to know myself better, set better boundaries, and learn to walk away when I’m not getting what I need out of a relationship- raising the bar so to speak- and has taught me to fall in love with what’s actually right in front of me rather than falling in love with potential.
What have you found to be most challenging about writing Skylark?
The most difficult thing is that Skylark doesn’t fit into just one genre. It’s romance, it’s action-adventure, it’s literary fiction. So, marketing this book to readers is a challenge. I like to say it’s romance with a plot and character development or action-adventure with a side of romance depending on who I’m talking to. I assumed my main target audience would be women, but a lot of men have read it and loved it, too!
Have you been able to incorporate your previous experience in your jobs/education in your writing?
Yes! My background is in clinical psychology and that influences my character development a lot. Rachel, my FMC has so much trauma that she’s dealing with, and my area of expertise happens to be grief and trauma. I’ve given her and my MMC, Christopher several unhealthy and healthy ways of coping with their grief and trauma throughout the series and ample opportunity to grow and adopt healthier strategies as they work through things.
Do you identify with your main character, or did you create a character that is your opposite?
When my best friend read Skylark for the first time, it was a very early draft, she called me laughing and said “well I bet that was cathartic! You just wrote a book about yourself!” Well . . . I don’t necessarily see it. I’m not at all as cool as Rachel is nor am I as severely traumatized. But, there is definitely a part of me in each of my characters.
Describe the book or series in 10 words or less for people just learning about it.
Female SEAL dismantles the patriarchy, friends to lovers, workplace romance.
Is there anything you would like people to take away from your book?
I hope people can find Rachel inspirational. She’s a bit unhinged, but her outlook on the world will hopefully get people thinking and questioning the conventions they’ve been taught. I want my female readers to see that they’re just as strong as men, that they can accomplish anything they put their minds to. And for my male readers- hopefully Christopher can be a model for how to treat women, because he’s really just an amazing partner. Skylark, and the series in general, is a story of overcoming obstacles, surviving life and death situations, and moving through trauma with grace, courage, and emotional vulnerability.
Do you have any odd (writing) habits?
I’m not sure what would be considered unusual but most of my best writing comes while I’m out for a walk. I think it allows my subconscious to relax and then the dialogue between my characters just comes to me. I also have certain songs, bands, and playlists associated with each of my characters and listening to certain songs sort of transports me to a certain scene or timepoint in the series. I also write better with my hair up in a messy bun.
What has been the toughest criticism you have received as an author? What has been the best compliment?
A woman who was just getting out of the Army beta read Skylark for me and said- “how did you put my experience as a woman in the armed forces into words? This is exactly how I felt working in such a male dominated, alpha environment!” Another good friend in the Navy (male) who is one of my best beta readers left a comment “you really understand how solders think. This is the existential crisis I have constantly!” he also said “Christopher seems like a cool guy. I’d love to grab a beer with him.” I’m like, yeah, I’d love to grab a drink with Christopher too, but probably for different reasons.
The criticism- my best friend told me she didn’t like Rachel. We were in beata reading stage, so my editor and I did a lot of revising to tone down some of Rachel’s less appealing attributes. Everyone loves her now (I hope!)
Share some advice for aspiring authors. What advice would you give to your younger self?
Just write. If you have a story to tell, it will come pouring out of you when the time is right. My other advice- do your research. There are a lot of paths to publishing none of which are more “correct” or better than another. Do your own due diligence and decide which path is right for you.
What is your favorite line from your book?
“The only place she felt whole was in his arms, like the warmth of him replaced the missing pieces of her heart and soul that had been lost over so many years of trauma, horror, and heartbreak. She knew she couldn’t act on it.”
Excerpt From
Skylark
Megan Michelle
This material may be protected by copyright.
To date, what is your favorite (or most difficult) chapter you have ever written?
Chapter 28 is one of my favorites. Rachel has relinquished control and put Christopher in charge of planning a teambuilding activity- which he turns into a bit of a prank by changing the schedule at the last-minute leaving Rachel unprepared and dressed rather inappropriately for the activity- wearing a white tank-top and red lacy lingerie to swim across a river. This, however, is a pivotal moment where Rachel has to convince herself to carry on with confidence and grace rather than being embarrassed. Christopher, on the other hand, is left shocked and horrified that he put his best friend in such an awkward position to be dressed like that in front of the entire team. This is also the point where Christopher (and several team members) realize and can no longer ignore the feelings Christopher has for Rachel. She’s of course, still clueless.
What is your take on book boyfriends? Do they actually exist? Or do they set the bar for “real-life men” impossibly high?
Christopher Williams is the man I’m trying to manifest, no joke. I hope these men exist in real life. I’ve also told a lot of men to start reading romance so they can learn how women want, expect, and deserve to be treated. The bar for dating is so low. We’ve been letting men slide with taking us for granted for decades. I think reading and writing romance has raised the bar for me and taught me what I want and deserve in a relationship. I don’t think being treated as an equal partner, having someone listen to and respect my thoughts and feelings is “impossibly high.” I think men are just used to getting away with putting in minimal effort. So, women, keep your standards high, and men, it’s time to step up!
Have you ever experienced writer’s block? How did you deal with it?
Not really but I definitely get stuck sometimes. That’s when I discuss with my beta readers or my editor or just go work on something else for a bit. I’m a big believer that the story will work itself out when it’s meant to.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I’m usually at the beach, listening to Taylor Swift, or trying new restaurants. I travel as much as I can and am at Yoga most mornings.
About the Author
Megan Michelle writes dark romance for the fearless women who are ready to reclaim their power and confront the shadows of their past. Her stories blend the raw emotions of military life, the strength of feminism, and the passion of forbidden love, all while guiding readers on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Through dark romance, she explores the complexity of love, power, and identity. Her stories invite you to dive deep into the hearts of women who don’t just survive—they thrive, reclaiming their power and rewriting their stories on their own terms.
Stay in touch with this author by subscribing to her website’s newsletter and following her on Instagram.
Blog Tour Calendar
July 28 @ The Muffin
Visit the Muffin for our blog tour launch of Skylark by Megan Michelle. We’re interviewing the author and giving you a chance to win a copy of her book.
https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com
July 29 @ Words by Webb
Visit Jodi’s blog for insights on word choices, featuring books like Skylark by Megan Michelle.
https://www.jodiwebbwriter.com/blog
August 1 @ Words by Webb
Join Jodi for her review of Skylark by Megan Michelle. You won’t want to miss this exciting romance!
https://www.jodiwebbwriter.com/blog
August 4 @ Writer Advice
Visit Lynn’s blog for a guest post by Megan Michelle on what romance in fiction can teach you about yourself.
August 4 @ Tracey Lampley’s blog
Visit Tracey’s blog for an interview with author Megan Michelle about her book Skylark.
https://www.traceylampley.com/guest-author-interviews
August 8 @ Word Magic
Come by Fiona’s blog for a guest post by author Megan Michelle on whether a funding campaign is a good choice for your novel.
https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/
August 10 @ A Wonderful World of Words
Visit Joy’s blog for an excerpt of Megan Michelle’s Skylark.
https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com/
August 11 @ Storey Book Reviews
Stop by Leslie’s blog for a guest post by Megan Michelle on writing during times of stress.
https://www.storeybookreviews.com
August 13 @ Create Write Now
Visit Mari’s blog for a guest post by Megan Michelle on the topic of mental health.
https://www.createwritenow.com/journal-writing-blog
August 13 @ Avonna Loves Genres
Visit Avonna’s blog for her review of Skylark by Megan Michelle.
https://avonnalovesgenres.com/
August 14 @ The Faerie Review
Visit Lily’s blog for her spotlight of Skylark by Megan Michelle.
https://www.thefaeriereview.com
August 15 @ What Is That Book About?
Join Michelle on her blog to catch an excerpt of Skylark by Megan Michelle.
https://www.whatisthatbookabout.com/
August 17 @ Chapter Break
Visit Julie’s blog for an interview with author Megan Michelle about her book Skylark.
August 18 @ Book Reviews Cafe
Visit the Book Reviews Cafe’s blog for a review of Megan Michelle’s book Skylark.
https://bookreviewscafe.wordpress.com/
August 20 @ Just Katherine
Visit Katherine’s blog for her response to our blog tour prompt on how she finally found the one.
You can also read a guest by Megan Michelle on finding time to write when you are too busy.
https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com/
August 22 @ Choices
Visit Madeline’s blog for a guest post by Megan Michelle on encouraging good mental health during writing routines.
https://www.madelinesharples.com/blog
August 24 @ Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews
Visit Lisa’s blog for an interview with author Megan Michelle.
https://lisahaselton.com/blog/
August 28 @ Boys’ Mom Reads
Join Karen for her book review of Skylark by Megan Michelle.
https://karensiddall.wordpress.com/
August 31 @ Silver’s Reviews
Join Elizabeth’s blog for a spotlight of Skylark by Megan Michelle.
https://silversolara.blogspot.com/
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Thanks for sharing this interview! I also love to hear about how authors do their writing as I am a little bit aspiring myself.
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature) recently posted…E-galley Review: Save You (Maxton Hall #2) by Mona Kasten
I hope your aspiring results in a book baby!