Michael James Emberger Interview

Q: Let me start with asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.
A. I once did a school report on a famous author. I emailed them with a question much like this one, and I’ll never forget their reply: “Writing about me is best left to others.” I can’t guarantee that’s the exact wording, but the meaning is intact, and it didn’t give me much to work with. Now, years later, I need to decide how to answer this same question! I have a wife, kids, a job, and a house. We have a dog and some chickens. I play the violin and I’m comfortable tackling almost any home improvement project. My life is not unusual, and that’s okay. It’s something I’ve realized as I’ve connected with other authors. We’re just people, and we love writing. I’m often up at five o’clock on weekend mornings because I want to write. I would continue all day if I could. I’m so thankful to have found the perfect hobby for me.

Q: When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
A. I think the dream first hit me in grade school. I typed up a short story on a DOS computer with a word processor called Enable. It was a mystery inspired by the Hardy Boys novels, but sadly I don’t recall the details aside from it being about a canyon. I’ve always enjoyed reading. I was a big fan of Tom Clancy in my teen years, and then Clive Cussler. Roughly ten years ago, I was listening to a lot of audio books on my commute, and I started thinking about writing a novel. It seemed like an impossible task, but then the right inspiration hit and I went for it.

Q: Could you give us the highlights of your professional writing career including how you got your first writing break?
A. I self-published two novels before drafting Silent Altitudes. A friend suggested I join Twitter because of the writing community on the platform, so I created an account and entered the November 2019 #FaithPitch. My book received interest from three publishers. I submitted my manuscript and Ambassador International offered a contract. My editor, Kayla, was amazing, and I credit her with pointing me in a lot of good directions. Being edited by a pro was scary, and it was difficult, but it was worth it.

Q: Would you tell us about your current book release SILENT ALTITUDES?
A: Silent Altitudes is a Cli-fi (Climate Fiction) thriller set in the near future. It bypasses the current politics of climate change and makes the assumption that agreement has been reached on what to do. The United Nations constructs a global atmospheric carbon reduction system. Startup day arrives and the world looks up to the sky with hope, but sabotage and conspiracy lead to catastrophic destruction. As the system operates at progressively higher altitudes, the scientists who designed it must find a way to shut it down, or die trying. Global warming is the backdrop, but the story is about what can go wrong when power and greed mix with good intentions.

Q: Where did you get your inspiration for SILENT ALTITUDES?
A: My novels tend to be inspired by my circumstances and my surroundings. My wife and I adopted our daughter from Arizona, so the unsettling desolation of the desert landscape was fresh in my mind. I did a few hikes up Mount Washington in New Hampshire, home to the Mount Washington Observatory and the world’s worst weather. Thoughts on science and storms and villainous schemes eventually turned into my basic premise. Then, our daughter started saying “Hold you Mommy” when she wanted a hug. I ordered a clay mug with that phrase on it as a Christmas present for my wife. The pottery artist, Laura, reacted to my inquiry with such kindness and love that I based a character on her. That little clay mug and the bonds of family inspired the heart of the novel.

Q: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from this story?
A: The book is a cautionary tale about true motivations. Be it climate change or any other issue, we should always question those who speak the loudest on either side. What do they stand to gain? What do others stand to lose? Sometimes it’s not what we might think. But aside from that, I want readers to remember that God is still with us even in the midst of chaos and seemingly hopeless circumstances. We may not understand the trials we go through, but we should always trust Him.

Q: What inspires you to write?
A. My answer to that question changes over time and it’s different with each book. I improve my craft the longer I do this, which builds my excitement to keep going. I have stories to share, and I love the process of creating them. When God puts a theme or subject on my heart, I can’t get the words down fast enough. It’s an amazing feeling to bring a book to the point where I know it was meant to be written. Stories with a purpose are the ones that inspire me the most.

Q: Would you share with us what you are working on now?
A. I have two completed novels in the publishing queue, but my current project is a leap of faith and courage into an uncomfortable subject; sexual assault. It’s an issue that has become important to me, and this is a project intended to help raise awareness and show survivors that they are heard.

Q: When you’re not writing what do you like to do?
A. When I’m not writing, I’m probably thinking about writing or discussing some aspect of it with my wife. I also enjoy jogging, hiking, and fun family trips like visiting the beach in the summertime.