Purple Mike
Purple Mike is
a literary taste of the forbidden fruit and false promises of drugs - a taboo
journey into the ins and outs of getting high. For teens, teachers, addiction
professionals, drug addicts, persons in recovery and avid readers, Purple Mike
is a story about drugs and drug addiction in pulp. Recently AE connected with
the book’s Halifax-based author Sindy Mils.
What inspired you to write this
story?
The story
chose me instead of the other way around. The inspiration to write Purple Mike
stemmed from a general lack of awareness on the subject. School programs are insufficient in dealing
with the subject matter. Parents have an inability to address the subject appropriately
with their teenagers. And, there seems to be a fear or taboo on generally
speaking openly about the subject from adults. Meanwhile, kids learn from their
peers and often adopt a gross lack of perception about the risks.
Where did the
characters come from?
Characters
came from many years of research coupled with a grandiose imagination. The
individual personalities of each character reflect each drug character’s side
effects.
Did the book come together
quickly or did you really need to work at it?
The idea came
quickly. Putting the idea into a book took considerably longer.What was the most challenging aspect of the process?
Finding a publisher.
What was the most rewarding part of the experience?
Holding the
finished tangible book in my hands was the most rewarding aspect of the writing
process. It was no longer a figment of my imagination that lived and took space
in my head.
What did you learn during the
process?
Everything –
from human nature, analysis, perception... It vastly improved my communications
skills.
How did you feel when the book
was completed?
Satisfaction.
Completion. The story is ready for the world.
What has the response been like
so far from those that have read it?
Those who have
read it often describe it as `brilliant`, a work of `creative genius` and a
vital literary work for today. Ironically, I have had a stronger response from
those who have NOT read it based on the subject matter and their individual
perceptions on the topic.
What's next on your creative agenda?
I’ve started a
new work of unrelated fiction.What made you want to be a writer?
One day, I finally succumbed to that ‘inside voice’ and let the writer out.
What makes a good book?
A good book,
to me, is timeless. It has strong characters, a compelling writing style, a good
storyline and original narrative that imparts a new perspective on life and knowledge.
If it doesn’t have all of those elements, it’s not a book worthy of the book shelf.
What are your thoughts on
Canadian literature today?
Canadian literature...all
literature, really, to me is a lot like (TV) channel surfing...every once in
awhile you find a gem amidst all the mindless crap and reruns that pass as
entertainment content.
What are your thoughts on the YA
genre in general?
...not another
Vampire story!
Do you have any advice for
aspiring writers?
If you believe
in your story, keep on.
