News

Here is a new review of JAZZ TRASH by Bob on Books!

---

Here is a new interview by Monday Creek Publishing that coincided with the Hocking Valley Book Fair!

-What is your favorite thing to write?

My favorite thing to write is dialogue–conversations between interesting people. To do this, I will have a topic in mind and I will often begin the conversation by having one ask the other a question. The response must be thought provoking. From there, the goal is to have every other line be interesting as well. I don’t like the idea of filler. If the sentence is not philosophically interesting, then it should be pretty, or funny. Using that technique, the conversation will hopefully end up being equal parts those three characteristics. And of course, it’s important that it also sounds natural! The other thing to consider is flow. I come from a visual arts background, and to me, composition and the flow of lines are the most important things. When I switch from drawing to writing, I’ve found I write the same way I draw–it’s essentially the same technique. I picture the words as images and I compose them to have the best visual flow. That is a beautiful thing to me. I probably break every rule in the book, but it works for me, and I think it makes my writing authentic.

-What’s something about your writing routine that would probably surprise people?

As far as routine, I will come up with lines (sentences) everywhere. Wherever I am and whatever I’m doing, I’ll replay a conversation in my mind, and almost always come up with a new line to add. Many times this happens in the middle of the night in bed. I’ll think of a line that I think is nice for a piece of dialogue I’m working on, and I’ll reach over and scratch it down on a notepad beside my bed. I don’t bother turning on lights or putting on glasses, because this might happen several times a night, so I am writing in complete darkness. Hopefully, I can translate it the next day! During my next writing session (almost always in a coffee shop) I’ll compile all my notes and add them, if possible, to the writing. Honestly, if I come up with one perfect line, I’m happy and consider it to be a productive day. After it’s down, I adjust and adjust till it has the desired content and flow. Of course, long after, I may think of another line to work in which will probably change the flow and require more adjustments. It can be a long, continuous process. A book can take years to write!

-When you think back to writing this book, what’s a moment that still makes you smile?

Probably those added lines that transform a paragraph for the better. I’m always excited to see that happen.

-What’s a small detail in your story that you’re secretly proud of, even if most readers might miss it?

In my first book, there is a dream sequence, which I added as a break between story elements. Sometimes you purposely want to break that flow! The dream sort of exaggerates things going on in the plot in a surreal way, but what I’m proud of is that the dream is also its own story. If you research the situation in the dream, you will find out it was a historic event. The dream sequence works either way, but if you do your research, you get a bonus

– If your younger self could peek at your writing life now, what do you think they’d say?

I’d probably say that looks like fun!

-What’s a book you’ve read recently that made you think, “Wow, I want to write like that someday”?

Any P.G. Wodehouse for humor! Someday I might do a comedy.

-Do you have a character who feels like they stuck around in your head long after you finished the draft?

All of them. Someone told me once that a certain character in the book was really me. I realized then that all the characters were me in different ways. I like the idea of that–it makes the writing real and gives the books a certain continuity.

-What’s one part of the writing process you’ve learned to enjoy more over time?

Sitting down to write even when you have no ideas at the moment. It’s easy to see why you might skip that session, but I always end up with something when I do it, even if its just a line. And of course, one thing leads to another. It’s always worth making the effort.

-When you hit a wall creatively, what’s your go‑to reset—walks, music, snacks, something else entirely?

A walk helps. Or a drive. Or a nap!

-What’s a reader comment or message that really stayed with you?

A reviewer said that my book felt just like watching an indie movie. I hadn’t thought about it in that way, but they were completely right! Now I use that phrase myself to describe it.

-If you could invite your characters to a real‑life gathering, what kind of chaos or charm do you think would unfold?

Well, it would probably either be a cocktail party or a group sitting around a table in a cafe. Even without the other people around, they would come up with something creative–an art project, music, book, or new philosophical idea. But with the entire group together, there is no telling what would happen. Maybe something big!

3/14/2026

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

“Moore’s prose, often filtered through the wry understatements of Glenn, captures both the conceptual headiness and ridiculousness of the art world. A thoughtful comic look at the art-making process.”

Click here for the full review of CRUMPLED PAPER on Kirkus Reviews.

11/10/2023

---

I’m very excited that my book was chosen for the November edition of Art Lovers’ Book Club by Granville Center For The Arts 🙂

Join us for our next Art Lovers’ Book Club on Thursday, November 9, at 6:00 pm! In each session, we explore carefully curated art-themed books and passionately exchange our reflections. Set within the inspiring ambiance of the Granville Center for the Arts community room, our discussions promise to reignite and deepen your appreciation for the arts.

Our November book is “Crumpled Paper: A Novel About Art and Tea” by Michael S. Moore. Pick up your copy at the Readers’ Garden Bookstore at 115 N Prospect St, Granville, OH 43023.

We encourage you to read the book before our meetup, but it’s not required. Everyone is welcome, and snacks and refreshments will be provided.

11/9/2023

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

CRUMPLED PAPER was reviewed by writer Robert C Trube. Read the review on his website by clicking the link here – Bob on Books – CRUMPLED PAPER BOOK REVIEW

1/4/2023

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---