Interview with Paul Michael Peters, Author of Mist and Moonbeams

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Mist and Moonbeams?

Imagine growing up with the world’s largest freshwater system as your backyard. I’ve called the shores of four out of five of the Great Lakes home, from the bustling waterfronts of Detroit and Chicago to the rugged beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and the cosmopolitan vibe of Toronto. Each move brought new adventures and introduced me to fascinating people whose lives are intertwined with these inland seas. I’ve woven their most captivating stories into a collection that captures the spirit of the Great Lakes.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I’m a voracious reader with an appetite for all kinds of fiction. While I used to devour biographies, these days I crave the escapism that only great fiction can provide. As for writing, I thrive in the realm of thrillers, suspense, and the unexpected. It’s a playground where I can weave together elements from various genres I’ve enjoyed as a reader. Ultimately, whether I’m reading or writing, it all comes down to one thing: a captivating story that keeps you turning pages long past bedtime.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Currently, I’m reading Patrick Süskind’s “Perfume: The Story of a Murderer”, with the TBR pile of Michael Crichton and James Patterson’s “Eruption”, Douglas Brunt’s “The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel”, and E.L. Doctorow’s “The Book of Daniel”. Doctorow’s “Ragtime” was a highlight last summer, so I’m hoping for another great read.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Mist and Moonbeams is full of very personal moments. There’s a true story of me at a Chicago bus stop in deep winter when a mysterious car approached. Another recounts launching a canoe into an icy river under a washed-out bridge, wishing I’d worn a helmet. I even share the time I was knocked over in Toronto, skinning my knee – I can still show you the scars. These real experiences inspired the stories in this collection. It was wonderful to write, capture, and share these moments with readers.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I’ve been drinking the same coffee for 12 years while I write: Zingerman’s Chemex Roadhouse Joe. The baristas think I’m nuts, and new ones always ask, “What’s so special about that?” It helps me write.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

If you finish my book, and enjoyed it, there are 14 more to choose from as your next read. Thank you for reading.