Reading and traveling are my hobbies, but writing is my life. I was introduced to the world of men who love men around the time I discovered Queer as Folk in 2000. The characters on that show intrigued me, and I began to read everything I could find in the m/m genre. Soon after, I found myself writing the kind of stories that I enjoyed reading.
All of my novels are contemporary, and yes, I admit, filled with angst. Drama and emotional upheaval seem to be the ongoing theme so far; I like hurt/comfort stories where my characters work hard for their happy endings. There are usually graphic sex scenes, so if you are uncomfortable with the concept of men loving men, I suggest you move on.
I’ve had the good fortune to live in many parts of the world, but right now, home is a suburb outside the Windy City where the long winters are very conducive to writing. I love hearing from my readers so please feel free to leave me a comment.
- Horizons
- Impacted
- Cutting Cords
- Bonds of Love
- Loving Edits
- Tono
- Taste
- Momentos
- Vessel
- Cleave
- Daddio
- Mayon
The “Cutting Cords” Serie :
- Cutting Cords
- Vessel
- Cleave
The “Loving Edits” Serie :
- Loving Edits
- Tono
- Momentos
The “Horizons” Serie :
- Horizons
- Taste
- Daddio
- Taste
I loved Vessel. I was wondering if you are planning a sequel to the story.
You are a wonderful author and you bring a reader right into the story. I can honestly say that I was angry and sad throughout most of the story. I felt for Sloan. At a couple of points I even wanted to smack Cole myself. (Ok honestly, through most of the book I wanted to smack him.) But definitely by the end he needed a true reality check. (Substitute kick in the ass if you must.) Thank you again.
Hi Tiffany,
Thank you for contacting me to let me know what you thought of Vessel. Your comments and words of praise are very much appreciated. You definitely understood the book and felt for Sloan, which is really what this was all about. Betrayal, in the form of lies and omission, is just as painful as finding your lover in bed with someone else. There is a third book in the Cutting Cords series!
All my best,
Mickie
Mickie – I’m a huge fan of your work. I consumed Vessel in about a day. Like Tiffany, I was horrified by Cole’s insensitivity. However, Sloan’s evolution really shined in this book. We saw him grow into a much stronger man although he’s got a ways to go. I’m really looking forward to book three (yippee!). Can’t wait to see how things resolve themselves for Sloan…and Cole, and Trent!
Thank you, Ellie. Your support and comments are very much appreciated. Sloan has always been one of my favorite characters and it’s gratifying to hear you acknowledge his growth in this novel. His psyche has taken several hits in Vessel but he’s emerged a much stronger individual. Trent is a new character and you will get to know him much better in book 3 of this series. Thanks again for stopping by–I love hearing from my readers.
Best,
Mickie
So enjoyed both books but nearly didn’t read Vessel after cheating and looking at the end; something I rarely do but couldn’t resist after the opening and the book’s description. So glad I went back and read it, such a powerful follow up, was unable to stop. What an idiot Cole has been, so sad he caused the split between them. Do like the new character but still hope that Sloan and Cole can get back together, can’t wait for the third book. Any idea when we can get our hands on it? I am sure any hints would be grtefully received by your (and their) fans
Susie
I’m so glad you persevered and read through until the end. As I’ve said in my other posts, there is a third book planned which will answer most of your question. I’ll post the info as soon as I have more details. Thank you so much for contacting me and supporting my work.
Best,
Mickie
Mickie,
Wow how strong was Vessel. Thank you! Sad thing is I did not read the first book of this series, but will do so. And as a previous person stated I almost passed this up. So glad I did not!
I was amazed at the turn the story took with Sloan and Cole, but with the continuing story I really hope that Sloan and Trent stay together. The character of Sloan apparently has grown and is still growing from a lot of issues that would put many others underground. But his relationships and interaction with Trent, Max, and Tin are really strong. And its good to throw a few phones!
Look forward to your continued work!
Sloan is emerging a much stronger man from the guy we met in Cutting Cords. If you decide to read the first book you’ll see what I mean. Personal growth oftentimes involves pain and sometimes it takes a complete stranger to shine a light on issues that were buried or ignored. It’s encouraging to hear that you liked Trent and hope they remain a couple. There will be more in this universe so stayed tuned for updates. Thank you very much for stopping by and commenting.
Best,
Mickie
This was a very powerful story with very believable, flawed characters. Sometimes it became too painful to read about Sloan’s agony and I just wanted to shut my adobe reader off, but it was so hard to do when the
style of writing was so mesmerizing, and the ending was not too cliche or fluffy and seemed realistic and just right. I am desperately waiting for the third installment in this series and would very much like to know the tentative date set for its publication. I congratulate you on a job well done.
Hi Piali,
Thanks for letting me know how much you enjoyed Vessel despite the angst and painful subject matter. Book three in the Cutting Cords series is now under contract and scheduled for release sometime in May 2012. I really appreciate your comments and look forward to sharing the next book with you and all the readers who are invested in these characters.
Best,
Mickie
I feel like a dummy – I didn’t know there was a sequel to Cutting Cords until I came across it on Amazon. I loved Sloan’s and Cole’s story so much, I bought it without no hesitation and consumed this book in just one day. I’ll admit I’m a little shocked and horrified about the turn this book took. I appreciate that this series is Sloan’s journey and I kept repeating that to myself as the book was coming to an end. Just like Sloan, I feel totally betrayed by Cole. So thoroughly and completely that I’m still coming to grips with it two days later. And I am in awe of any author who can write a book that can grip me like that – not many can!! I’m not sure I’m on Team Trent just yet but I love that Sloan is exploring his inner desires more with him. I realize that this part of Sloan was something he couldn’t get from Cole. Thank you for writing such a compelling story! The fact that this book wasn’t the usual HEA just makes me love and appreciate it that much more. And I’m sure you have taken a lot of heat for it too! I read the reviews on Goodreads…ouch!! Anyway, I’m on pins and needles waiting on the next in this series. Good luck getting me to like Cole again, haha!
I’m so glad you stumbled upon Vessel and embraced it wholeheartedly. Your comments are like a soothing balm on an open wound:) I have to admit that I never expected this story to generate such strong emotions, and as much as I love a happy ending, I had to stay true to my characters. Like it or not, people change, relationships evolve, family and real life interfere. Cole has always been conflicted between love and duty. Sloan, despite his many addictions, has never veered off his chosen path with Cole, which made the betrayal that much harder to forgive. Book three in the Cutting Cords series will release in May 2012. Thank you for your feedback! It’s very much appreciated.
All my best,
Mickie
Hi Mickie:
I just finished Vessel and loved it. Actually, love all your books. They are not your usual cookie cutter books with happily ever after. Though they do have happy endings, the stories always have a touching and emotional story that always makes me cry. I can’t wait to read more about Sloan and Trent.
Lisa
What a wonderful surprise to read your comment today, Lisa! Writing is such a solitary endeavor it’s very uplifting to hear back from someone who’s picked up one of my novels and enjoyed it. You made my day! Sloan and Trent will be back in May 2012. Thanks again for taking the time to communicate with me. It’s very much appreciated.
Mickie
I just read “Vessel” in one setting tonight. I know it’s a sign of great writing to get me so emotionally involved in a story. I wanted to reach through the book and choke Cole!!! I have never been so angry over a character! I had liked him in Cutting Cords but this book…I am enraged! I can’t say I am a fan of Trent yet. I have strong feelings about cutting since I have patient’s who do and don’t like the idea of Trent doing it to Sloan. That isn’t away to a healthy relationship. My heart goes out to Sloan. I can’t wait for the next volume and dying to know what will happen..is Cole going to see his errors? Sloan going to be with Trent? So many questions and just wish the next volume will come out sooner than later! Absolutely love your writing and how you continued to pull me into the story!
Thank you for your comments on Vessel. There’s a lot of emotion packed into this novel and I do appreciate your ability to see beyond the expected happy ending. Book 3 in this series will explore the aftermath of all their decisions. May 2012 is the projected release date. Thank you once again for the encouragement and support of my work. It’s lovely hearing back from a satisfied reader!
Do you know when you’ll have the sequel to Vessel done? Do have a name for it yet? How many books are you gonna write in this series?
Hi Lori-The sequel to Vessel is titled Cleave and will release in May. I just received the cover art and will post it, along with an excerpt in the next few days. Thanks for your interest.
Mickie
Hi there! I just looked on Dreamspinner’s webpage and saw Cleave! I cannot wait to read it! It’s killing me to have to wait…**bites nails!**..
I read the description and I tell you, Cole has balls to thinks what he did is easily forgiveable…but, not sure about Trent either…decisions, decisions. What will Sloan do?!
I may go bald waiting with me pulling my hair out!!! Thinking of Cole, I know it usually takes something major to shake us up to realize our mistakes and want to make changes..hitting bottom. Sweetie, you have me all jumbled up in nerves and analyzing everything! I seriously can’t wait!!!!! **Hugs to you!!**
*Grins* Loved this email! I can’t say much without spoiling anything but I’m thrilled that you’re waiting and so enthusiastic. Thank you for letting me know! I will be holding a contest and listing this novel as a Giveaway. Stay tuned for announcements.
Hugs back,
M
Okay,okay I’m still not sure how I feel about this one. Not in a bad way. Sure sign you did something right if we are still pondering and re-reading. I’m very happy with how Sloan finally dealt with his situation with Cole. He was angry, confused about feelings, a little out of control, and impulsive. A real reaction. Somethings were expected. He really didnt have a chance with closure with Cole even though they broke up.
Something you did with the story really tore me up (no pun intended seriously) with Cole’s dealing with the overwhelming reality of his life and the outcome of de changes going on…. And wow, his final decision that almost took his life. Hou looked at this through what Sloan saw, his home and life thrown “out of order by the mess, things not set up for a man who depended on this, and the reality that the person who made his life good was no longer there, and that he had allowed this to happen.
Okay too much time reading into the characters, but see whatcha did!
Kudos to you and I really look forward to the next book.
Lisa
Hi Lisa-thank you very much for contacting me. I loved hearing your initial reaction to Cleave because it was straight from your heart. Whenever I can elicit this kind of emotion I feel that I’ve done my job. This was a tough story to write but I’m satisfied that I stayed true to my characters. I have some ideas for a fourth novel in this universe but it won’t happen until next year. I’m currently working on a historical which I hope to complete very soon.
Thank you again for your support.
Mickie
I just finished reading Cleave and I have to say this was an amazing series. I felt so impressed that I had to leave a comment which I usually never do. What I especially loved about book is that you didn’t fall into the cliched pitfalls of many romance novels.
I’ll admit throughout Cleave, I wanted Cole and Sloan to reconcile, based on the great emotional connection you presented between the two in the first book which was a reminder in the second and third of how good it could be despite Cole having changed. I felt Cole to be almost a tragic hero with this huge flaw in his own insecurities in himself and despite him being a major asshole a small part of me felt he was redeemable. Although the book comes off at first to be more about Sloan and how he found inner peace finally, Cole still had a strong presence despite his lack of as they say “screen time.” That was an accomplishment and great writing.
By the end however I can see how you made your characters evolve and had to move on from what we first came to see in Cutting Cords I felt this to be extremely well done (as many authors often reconcile the main couple we were first introduced to). Despite the asshole you made Cole out to be his tragic flaw made him pitiable rather than a character to just be hated. So much so that I was wondering (and hopeful) if you’ll be adding an additional installment of Cole and Bryce’s story and seeing Cole redeem himself and find the same inner peace Sloan was finally able to find, even if it wasn’t with Cole.
I read Cleave over the weekend and I have to say it turned out the way I wanted it to.
I really did feel bad for Cole many times during the story. I can only imagine how it would feel to lose someone you love from making some very bad decisions and later realizing your mistakes, but not being able to correct them. That would be hard for anyone, but even harder for someone as stubborn as Cole.
I have become a big fan of Trent. I enjoyed getting to know him better and I think he and Sloan made a great couple. It’s amazing how much has changed from Cutting Cords to Cleave. You did a great job, in my opinion, and I am content with how the story ended. Happy to hear there may be a fourth book in this universe. I can see some great storyline possibilities for that one.
I really enjoy your writing and I always look forward to your books, even though they sometimes remind me of riding on a roller coaster.
I’m very touched that you’ve taken the time to leave me your impressions of the Cutting Cord series. I agree with many of your observations and I too, find the character of Cole to be pitied instead of reviled. I have some ideas for a fourth book which will feature Cole and Bryce. I don’t know when I’ll start to write it as as I’m deeply involved in a new novel and a whole new set of characters. I’m not one of those writers that can write two or three stories at a time. Nonetheless, I want you to know it’s brewing in the back of my brain:)
Many, many thanks for you comments. Hearing from a satisfied reader is the virtual pat on the back that inspires me to be a better writer.
Best,
Mickie
Hi Lisa-I’m very happy to hear that you enjoyed Cleave. Sloan has emerged a stronger and happier individual and I truly believe that only Trent was capable of warding off the pesky demons that have plagued Sloan all his life. I do plan on a fourth book which will feature Bryce and Cole. As I mentioned to another reader, it won’t be this year, but it’s certainly in my brain, and gaining momentum each day.
Thank you so much for stopping by. I really appreciate the time you’ve taken to contact me.
All my best,
Mickie