Yesterday I reviewed a book entitled “Embittered Justice.” Today we are joined by the author of that book, Michaela Riley. Michaela, thank you for being here with us today.
Your new book “Embittered Justice” is the story of a woman who is put on trial for something she did not do. How did you arrive at the idea for this plot, and how did you tap into those feelings of betrayal?
Writing my first book “Embittered Justice” was what some would call a labor of love. Inspiration for the book started when I had the personal misfortune of spending time in a court room. I listened carefully as cases were presented and the fates of defendants were left in the hands of the defense, prosecution and a judge. The types of cases were diverse but the single common element was about making a deal or plea agreement. I watched in horror as the conversations in the hallway were whispered about what a defendant would accept and how lives would be changed forever. It didn’t seem to matter what the elements of the cases were; only that the outcome was based on the networking experience of the attorney. The secretive proceedings would cast doubt in my mind on the legitimacy of the system that had no respect for the defendant, innocent or guilty. Legal or administrative bodies with strict ruling and secretive proceedings metaphorically are sometimes called star chambers. This term is intended to cast doubt on the legitimacy of proceedings in the judicial system.
The feelings of betrayal are common with defendants that feel they have been wrongly accused and are left with spending thousands of dollars just to get an attorney to listen to them. “Embittered Justice” is inspired by actual events of an innocent woman’s fight to tell her story about wrongful and malicious prosecution. She was told numerous times over the course of two years that she had a strong case for malicious prosecution but no one attorney would take the case. Their response was always, “We have to work with people everyday and we would be committing professional suicide.”
Wow. How long have you been writing, and what other books have you written?
I started writing in college about eighteen years ago as a requirement for my nursing degree. I had never seriously considered writing before that time although it was always a dream. Most of my professional writing has been work related such as technical writing, business plans and research papers. “Embittered Justice” is the first book in a series. The second book will be completed by fall of 2008.
Who are your favorite authors?
Nicholas Sparks and James Patterson are my favorite authors today.
What is your writing schedule like?
My writing schedule is not really a schedule at all. I always have a note pad with me to write down ideas as they come to me. I try to write at least several hours every day. I find that completing an outline of the story and chapters gives me an organized place to start. Then I can fill in the outline with research about the subject. I seem to write the most at night when everyone else is asleep.
Do you find it difficult to balance writing with the other aspects of
your life?
Yes there are many days when writing late at night is the only time I have available. My family and friends are supportive but really don’t understand how much time is involved with writing and promoting a book. The balance between work, home, school and writing is difficult at times but definitely worth the challenge.
Thank you for joining us, Michaela!
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Author Interview — Nany Oelklaus
Author Interview — Richard M. Dudum