This is Ink & Intrigue—the blog where romance ignites, secrets simmer, and every love story hides a twist. I’m your blog host, Sheila Kell, romance author and lover of plot twists, slow burns, and morally questionable book boyfriends.
Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to an author whose stories captivate the heart in atmospheric, character-driven fiction. She is a multiple award-winning author, Mickey Flagg. If you love stories full of emotional depth with a touch of suspense and adventure, you’re in for a treat.
Flagg writes paranormal stories where every heartbeat echoes with the promise of destiny. Her heart is attuned to the uncanny, star-crossed lovers. Fate will always have one last card to play. NewInBooks.com says her latest release, MEMORIES OF A HUNTER’S MOON, is “Dark, thrilling, and emotionally charged, delivering a gripping tale of redemption, love, and an impossible choice. Perfect for fans of brooding antiheroes and high-stakes paranormal intrigue.”
In this spotlight, Micky Flagg shares her ideas on writing, personal choices, and also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at MEMORIES OF A HUNTER’S MOON.
Whether you write love stories, devour them, or dream of doing both, you’re in the right place. Let’s get into it and give a warm welcome to M. Flagg! 💖
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Let’s talk general writing. What’s your typical writing routine like—do you write with emotion or outline first?
I don’t write every day, but when I do, I’ll spend hours immersed in writing and research. I am a pantser, so when an idea or scene comes to mind, I go with it, write as I see it, and then edit the hell out of it. I admit, I always know the title first and then the opening scene. I know how the novel ends even before I begin. I don’t use an outline or Post-it notes. The scope of emotions are embedded in the action, descriptions and dialogue. My characters explore how and what they feel or react to. In the edit process, surprises that suddenly come to me often end up on the page to drive the drama.
How do you handle writer’s block, especially during emotional or steamy scenes?
It’s often hard to stop mid-scene, but a writer has to have a clear eye to spotlight what we want the reader to see or feel. I handle writer’s block by taking a step back, closing the manuscript, and grabbing some distance. Sometimes, I switch to another chapter and work through it. Writing steamy scenes can be a challenge. Knowing just how much to show, which character has the most emotional investment, and then deciding if it is enough to pull the reader into their intimacy is always a challenge. My steamy scenes are sensuous, and they move the story forward.
Let’s move on to your books. Can you tell us about your latest paranormal romance and what inspired the story?
In the multiple award-winning Night of the Crescent Moon, I created a devilishly charming vampire that resonated with beta readers. Draven, a secondary character, has a few moral threads that make him intriguing. I wrote him strong enough (mysteriously charming as well) to carry his own book, so I went with the conflict of treachery or loyalty to love in Memories of a Hunter’s Moon. It fits perfectly into the overall series arch and added more spice. So…I deliberately threw Draven into a dilemma that would test those deepening moral threads by creating Luna. He had abandoned his immortal love some eighty years ago. Seeing Luna throws a wrench in his plans. She, as well as his link to those who should be mortal enemies, leads him to either accept or reject Final Death. It won’t be an easy decision.
Are your characters based on real people, or entirely fictional?
This is an interesting question. Some characters are based on real people, and some are entirely fictional. I don’t know any vampires or mystical warriors, so there’s that. But…for paranormal characters to come off real, they must have emotions, motives, goals, desires, and a moral compass or lack thereof. There is reality in writing fiction or fantasy that clarifies the world-building we do. Giving characters internal conflict helps to shape their relationships in my stories. Many of them have certain qualities, little bits and pieces of people in my life. I can’t even begin to reveal them, nor would I want to. Sometimes, it’s a heartfelt stroll down memory lane.
Was there a particular scene or emotional arc that was difficult (or fun!) to write?
This is Book Five in my series, but all the novels are standalones. In each book, there were many emotions and scenes that gripped me, especially the relationship between Michael and Lukas, his (mostly human) moody son. Making a vampire a father gave both of them additional depth. Michael is the main character in the first three books. Before being gifted with life again, he was a centuries-old vampire who shared a sire with Draven. For dramatic tension, I created Draven to be Michael’s foil in Night of the Crescent Moon. The interactions between the two quickly revealed a love-hate bromance. It was great fun to write and seemed to take on a life of its own! Draven struggles to access his moral threads. He’s also jealous of Michael’s new existence. Forced to work together, the push and pull is often humorous as well as touching. They often provoke each other, but Draven sees the underlying connection as “brothers in blood.” In Memories of a Hunter’s Moon, that phrase will take on more than one meaning.
What about publishing and career? What was your journey to publication like?
My journey to publication is full of twists and turns. Twenty years ago, after completing a second master’s degree in Educational Leadership, I decided to try creative writing, something totally different. For relaxation, not thinking I’d ever publish. I wrote three novels that redeemed the irredeemable, a centuries-old vampire (Michael). Two years later, three publishing houses were interested. I chose The Wild Rose Press and began doing book events. But life happens, right? I became a school administrator and had to make the hard choice: leave my paranormal novels behind to focus on my career. When my rights reverted back to me, I thought, “Well, that’s that.” In retirement, I was compelled to write again. I revised those three novels to support Night of the Crescent Moon and continued the series. Luckily, I’m with my original editor who contracted all four, the fifth, and now the sixth. So to all aspiring writers out there, never say never. I love my characters. I feel blessed to continue their stories in the paranormal world I’ve built. TWRP also gave me the opportunity to try my hand at a YA novel in their Pinedale High series. Haunting Melody won the 2025 International Impact Book Award for Young Adult Fiction – Teen Fantasy. So really…never say never!
How did you find your agent or publisher (if applicable)?
Having no idea what I was doing way back when, I searched the web for publishers of romance and paranormal fiction. I submitted my novel to ten publishers. Three came back with offers of a contract. The Wild Rose Press was one of them. Then I joined NJRW… I know. I did it all backwards. At my first NJRW meeting, I met another TWRP author. Then I felt confident signing with them. I believe I made the right choice.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Do what makes you happy and always embrace learning. Keep on writing and don’t ever let anyone dissuade you. Believe in your goal and be grateful for the support of others. Join a critique group, a writing club at your local library, attend writing conferences and author talks, and sift through the relevant information you hear. Read books in and out of your chosen writing genre. I didn’t think I’d write a book. I didn’t start my first novel until my mid-50s, so it’s never too late. No dream is impossible. Learn from other authors, hone your craft, take that chance. and surprise yourself.
How do you deal with criticism or negative reviews?
Everyone is entitled to their opinion. We can agree to disagree. Constructive criticism, although painful to hear at times, helps you grow as a writer. Be gracious. Look at your writing from another’s point of view. Then take what makes sense and make the edits. As for negative reviews, accept them for what they are: mean-spirited and purposely meant to denigrate. If you can’t say something positive when you review another’s work, say nothing at all.
Tell us about your Personal Insight. What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
I’ve been blessed in so very many ways that those angels guiding me have definitely worked overtime. Family and a few close friends are my support system. My love of music led to a professional career as an actress, a musician, and then into teaching as well as educational administration. Music has shaped my writing. It has shaped my life. I love the possibility of creativity. I come off as an extrovert, but I have many introvert qualities. I lead a very small, quiet life, but when necessary, I’m comfortable in a crowd or giving a presentation or talking about my books and writing.
And, Looking Forward—What are you working on next?
I’m in edits with Come the Blood Moon Night, Book Six in my paranormal series. I’m currently polishing a sweet romance that isn’t paranormal. Not using even a hint of magic in this novel has been a challenge. I also have two more paranormal novels in the editing stage as well.
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M. Flagg’s imaginative world is full of mystical warriors, witches, not-so-normal vampires and teenage ghosts. She is an award-winning author who writes paranormal fiction with a twist of fate and more than a hint of romance. With eight novels in the genre, spinning tales that include the paradox of love and intricate family dynamics remains a passion. She is a contributor in a book on urban music education and has been published in Still Standing, a web-magazine about loss and healing. A life-long New Jersey resident, Mickey is a member of Liberty States Fiction Writers, NJ Author’s Network, and NJRW. Find out more about her novels at www.mflagg-author.com
I hope you loved getting to know M. Flagg and hearing about her journey, her inspirations, and her latest swoon-worthy release, Memories of a Hunter’s Moon. If you haven’t added this to your TBR yet, now’s the time—trust me, you won’t want to miss it. 💖
You can connect with M. Flagg here:
📚 Website: http://mflagg-author.com
📱 Socials: Facebook: (1) M. Flagg | Facebook
Twitter: https://twitter.com/flagg_michele
Instagram: Instagram (Mickey Flagg)
Goodreads: Memories of A Hunter’s Moon by M Flagg | Goodreads
Amazon Author Page: Amazon.com: M. Flagg: books, biography, latest update
Bookbub: M. Flagg Books – BookBub
🛒 Grab their books: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Also available at The Wild Rose Press and Apple Books
Thank you for joining me in spotlighting a fellow romance lover who’s giving us all the feels. Stay tuned for more author features, book talk, and behind-the-scenes romance goodness.
Until next time—keep reading, keep swooning! ✨📚