Gregory Hills resident and author Michelle Montebello published her first novel ‘Interwoven’ in 2017. In just one short year, she released her second book ‘A House of Lies’ and has her third in the Belle series, titled ‘Beneath the Pepper Tree’, due out later in the year. Add to this a new standalone novel set on the old Quarantine Station at North Head she is currently writing, and you have one passionate writer! 

“I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. As a child it was one of my favourite things to do. I have always loved the idea that you can climb into your imagination and journey someplace else. To come back and write about it is part of the fun” said Michelle. 

The local mother draws inspiration for her novels through a desire for going back and capturing a moment in time, as well as taking herself away to new destinations. 

“I love history and I love to travel, so I can always find inspiration in those two things. I often create my plots around a location and an event in time”. 

Michelle currently writes her books part-time, whilst having a full-time job. Her plans are to one day reverse this, where she would like to take her writing overseas and sign books internationally. 

The talented author, who takes anywhere from four to eight months to have a book ready for publishing, explained that it’s all in the planning when putting a book together, “Before sitting down to write your story, take the time to develop your character profiles, outline each of your scenes and chapters and conduct research. A little work upfront can make all the difference later”. 

For more information about Michelle and her amazing books, visit her website www.michellemontebello.com.au.