fuonlyknew

 Interview  With Author Michele Clarizio

What genre do you write and why?

I chose to write young adult because I see how much teens are going through today. They’re dealing with things my generation never had to face—like the constant pressure of social media, rising anxiety, and so many overwhelming expectations. I want them to know they’re not alone. Through my writing, I hope to create characters and stories they can relate to, and maybe even find comfort or strength in.

When did you start writing your novel?

I started writing The Price of Truth over ten years ago. But then life happened—I got divorced and became a single parent, so my focus shifted to my full-time job and raising my kids. When COVID hit, I suddenly found myself with a lot of extra time, so I dove back into the story. And here we are now.

What is your next project?

My next project is already underway—it’s the second installment of The Price of Truth. Just like the first book, it’s packed with twists and turns that will keep readers guessing and intrigued. And of course, it wouldn’t be complete without a touch of romance.

Do you ever get writer’s block?

Geesh, do I ever. There are days—more often than I want to admit—when I just can’t get a scene to read the way I want it to. It’s incredibly frustrating. What works for me, though, is taking a long walk with my character. I know it sounds a little out there, but they really do live in my head and have their own voice—I just have to slow down and listen.

What advice would you give budding writers?

The most crucial step is simply to begin. Don’t wait for perfection or the “right” idea. One highly effective method that worked for me was time blocking. Set a timer for a specific duration—say, an hour—and commit to nothing but writing during that time. The goal isn’t immediate brilliance; it’s to get words onto the page. This practice creates a skeleton for your work, giving you something tangible to refine and build upon. The beauty of this approach is that it trains your brain to focus and removes the pressure of crafting perfect prose from the outset.