MICHELLE TOOKER is a writer, marketer and true crime podcaster based in Philadelphia. She has published several true crime books, two nonfiction children’s books and two bubble tea coloring books. When she’s not writing, Michelle enjoys traveling, drinking boba and spending time with family.
ANGELA: Where do your ideas come from?
MICHELLE: I’ve always had a vivid imagination, so ideas pop into my head frequently. I’m also a keen observer and get ideas from people-watching. I only wish I had more time to write all the stories percolating in my mind!
ANGELA: What genres do you write in? And why?
MICHELLE: I write in many genres, including children’s nonfiction, poetry and fiction, but I am primarily focused on true crime right now. My interest in the genre dates back as far as I can remember, from watching “Unsolved Mysteries” and reading Ann Rule books. In 2020, I started researching and writing for a true crime podcast I listened to, turning my lifelong interest into a professional side project. Around the same time, I was working on a children’s trivia book and thought, “I should write a true crime themed one.” It seemed fitting to connect with fellow true crime enthusiasts by sharing all the fascinating, chilling and surprising crime facts I’ve collected over the years. My ultimate goal is to use my investigative journalism skills to write in-depth books about cold cases that really need a spotlight shone on them in hopes that I can assist in solving a case.
ANGELA: When did you start writing? And why?
MICHELLE: I started writing creatively before I was literate. I used to create construction paper books filled with scribbles and hand-cut illustrations. The scribbles were stories I had memorized, and I’d recite them to friends and family. From there, I would write on notepads or use an electric typewriter that belonged to my mom. When my family got our first computer, my favorite activity was opening the word processor and writing stories and journal entries. I’m not sure why I started writing, but I have always enjoyed it and used it to cope with my emotions and to process the world.
ANGELA: What are you currently reading?
MICHELLE: These days, I mostly listen to audiobooks. Right now, I’m listening to The Push by Ashley Audrain and The Less People Know About Us by Axton Betz-Hamilton. In addition to true crime, I enjoy reading memoirs and psychological thrillers.
ANGELA: What is one of your all-time favorite books and why?
MICHELLE: Becoming by Michelle Obama. I’ve long admired her work and life story. Plus, I was reading it while grieving the sudden loss of a young, lifelong friend, and Michelle shared a similar experience in her memoir. Reading how Michelle Obama, a former First Lady, coped with her friend’s death at the exact moment in my life I was attempting to do the same helped me tremendously. I also had the chance to ask Michelle a question about “Becoming” as part of a Goodreads promotion, and my question was one of the handful she answered. She shared more details about how her friend’s death impacted her life and career, and receiving a direct reply from her is something I’ll always treasure. I also must mention two other favorites: Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner and I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara. Funny, I just realized many of my favorite books are by Michelles.
ANGELA: What is your favorite literary technique/device/element to use in your writing?
MICHELLE: As a poet, I most enjoy using imagery in my writing.
ANGELA: What is your writing process?
MICHELLE: As a mom of two young sons, I don’t have a structured process. I squeeze in writing sessions when and where I can. While writing the True Crime Trivia series, I tried to be more structured and aimed to complete a certain number of questions per writing session.
ANGELA: How frequently (and for how long/how much) do you write?
MICHELLE: I try to complete a two-to-three-hour writing session a few times a week. When my sons are a little older, I hope to write three to four hours daily.
ANGELA: Where do you do most of your writing and why?
MICHELLE: I like bouncing around between local coffee shops to get some writing sessions. I really enjoy trying new cafes and find I can really focus in this atmosphere. Otherwise, I write in different spots around my home.
ANGELA: Do you already have ideas lined up so that you can immediately start the next story?
MICHELLE: I have plenty of ideas but a shortage of time! I often joke with my author friends that I wish I could sell my story ideas to those with writer’s block. As for my next project, I have two more true crime books in the works. I also want to write a psychological thriller but I must be in a specific headspace before pursuing that goal.
ANGELA: Do you always start the next work immediately after completing one?
MICHELLE: Over the last few years, I have. However, I am starting to feel a bit burned out, so after completing True Crime Trivia 3 in early 2024 and the other true crime book I’m working on right now, I plan to take a short break.
ANGELA: What do you do about writer’s block?
MICHELLE: When writer’s block strikes, it usually means I need to close my laptop and take a break. Sometimes, however, I can unblock myself by researching the topic I’m writing. This has proved very useful when writing my True Crime Trivia series during periods in which I ran out of question ideas.
ANGELA: What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were starting out as a writer?
MICHELLE: Wow, there are so many things I wish I knew!
As a college freshman, I wanted to publish my first novel by the age of 25. A few of my English professors implied that it was an audacious plan. Looking back, I wish I would have stuck to that goal, but life gets in the way as it so often does. I wish I knew not to put writing on the back burner too easily. I also wish I had pursued nonfiction writing sooner, as I have hit my stride with it. I have yet to publish a novel because I get too caught up in tweaking and restarting my fiction ideas. With nonfiction, I can visualize all the pieces and what needs to be done to get there and start writing.
Connecting and keeping up with Michelle Tooker
Facebook
Goodreads
Amazon
@truecrimetrivia on YouTube & TikTok
@true.crime.trivia on Instagram
Interview conducted in November 2023.
Buy Michelle’s book Would You Rather? on Amazon. When you buy a book using a link on this page, we receive a commission. Thank you for supporting the author’s work and Night Sky Coaching.
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