Michael Bronte Discusses Writing Authentic Suspense Thrillers and Relatable Characters

Michael Bronte, celebrated author of suspense thrillers, brings everyday heroes to life with authenticity, creativity, and heart.

Everyday People, Extraordinary Stories

Michael Bronte delves into his journey as an author, his writing process, relatable characters, and advice for aspiring writers while highlighting the authenticity and emotion fueling his suspense-filled novels.

M ichael Bronte, a masterful storyteller with an impressive career spanning nearly four decades in retail, advertising, and organizational management consulting, brings a unique perspective to the suspense thriller genre. His creative journey began in the world of radio commercials, crafting engaging and succinct narratives to captivate audiences within mere seconds—a skill that seamlessly translates into his fiction, where each word is deliberate, every moment taut with purpose. Bronte’s ability to weave high-stakes, action-packed tales populated by relatable, everyday characters has cemented his status as a beloved author whose novels resonate deeply with readers.

At Mosaic Digest Magazine, we take pride in highlighting authors who not only create compelling stories but also have a profound connection with their craft and audience. Michael Bronte is one such author—an expert raconteur whose works such as The Backup Singer strike a rare balance between heart-pounding suspense and the human experience. Writing about neighbors, teachers, and everyday individuals whose courage and determination shine through their struggles, Bronte’s novels remind us that heroism often comes in the most surprising and human forms.

With his insightful storytelling, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to delivering well-crafted narratives, Bronte’s journey as an author is both inspiring and instructive. In this exclusive interview, Bronte offers a glimpse into the creative process behind his gripping novels, sharing the lessons he has learned as both a writer and a passionate observer of life. For anyone eager to learn from one of the great minds in modern suspense thrillers, this is an interview not to be missed.

Michael Bronte skillfully crafts suspenseful, relatable stories featuring everyday heroes while inspiring readers through his honest, authentic writing approach.

What inspired you to start writing suspense thrillers? 

I’ve always liked to write and I thought I could write a story which was as good as some of the books I was reading. So, I tried it and found out that putting a book together was fun but also challenging.

“All of my heroes are everyday people. They could by your next door neighbor. None of us really know what we’re capable of until the time comes for us to reach beyond the boundaries of our everyday lives. Remarkable feats of courage are performed everyday by everyday people. It’s amazing.”
– Michael Bronte

How do you develop the relatable and everyday characters in your stories? 

Sometimes the characters are based on people I’ve known. Sometimes they are imaginary and I make up them up in my head, but whatever the situation they have to be personalities I’ve encountered sometime in my life.

“Writing is in your blood…
it’s nice that people appreciate it.”
– Michael Bronte

What do you find most challenging about writing high-stakes, dangerous situations? 

Writing such scenes is about speed. If I were writing a battle scene, for example, I wouldn’t write a thousand words describing the details of the tank that’s about to fire. Too many words cause the action to bog down. The sentences have to be short and create images that are rapid, flashes of action in the reader’s mind that intensify the feeling of danger as he or she progresses through the scene.

Can you share your creative process when outlining a new novel? 

First, I have to know how I want the book to end. Once I’ve determined that, every scene and/or sequel I write has to contribute in some way toward that ending. In other words: no creative wandering.

How has your background in writing copy for radio commercials influenced your storytelling? 

You have a limited amount of time to get your point across when writing commercials. Likewise, getting your scenes and images across to the reader using the least possible number of words makes the book a fast and easy read.

What role do you think bravery plays in the development of your protagonists? 

I don’t know that I would call it bravery. Often, the good guys in my stories are scared to death, but all of them are invested in doing the right thing. It’s their commitment to this principle that drives them forward and make decisions where it looks like they are brave, but in their minds there is no other choice to make.

How do you ensure that your readers feel connected to the struggles of your characters? 

Easy. I write about everyday people. Every one of my heroes is someone you might see every day. They could be your next-door neighbor, or a teacher, or the girl working in the coffee shop. I can’t write about the realms of super spies or technological superiority because I don’t know those worlds.

What inspired the storyline of your book, The Backup Singer? 

Everyone has a dream. All my characters do as well. In The Backup Singer, instead of Giselle wanting to break out of working in a boutique and becoming a singing star, it could have easily been the story of Bobbie wanting to become a major league ball player. My books are about everyday people achieving their goals and aspirations.

What has been the most rewarding part of your writing career so far? 

I like the idea that people like my books and can identify with the characters. I think writing is in your blood and just like any other passion, it’s nice that people appreciate it.

What writing tips would you give to aspiring authors? 

Write what you know about no matter how trivial or ordinary you might think it to be. There are interesting stories even in the most mundane of settings. Also, keep it simple. Write in language that everyone understands. There’s no reason to use fancy words when simple ones will do. Learn your craft in terms of the technical part of writing, punctuation, spelling, sentence structure, etc. Nothing is more frustrating as a reader than to have to read something twice just to ascertain what the author is trying to say. Make sure the plot works. Revise, revise, revise. Finally, learn the difference between scene and sequel and learn how to write and organize in that way. It’s what drives your plot and what drives your reader to keep reading.

What advice do you have for aspiring authors as they pursue this tough industry? 

Be prepared for a lot of rejection. Also, just because someone has a title before their name, don’t assume they know more than you do. You have to believe in your writing. That said, be open to criticism and don’t be offended when someone offers suggestions. Also, know proper formatting, spacing, font, etc. No one likes having to work at having to follow your plot because you’re trying to be “creative.” Finally, be patient and be dedicated. It takes twenty years to be an overnight sensation.

How do you deal with writer’s block, and do you have any advice for other authors facing it?

Try to have a dedicated writing time and during that time force yourself to write something. Force yourself to get some words down on paper. Even if it sucks, you can always correct it later. At the beginning of any writing session, reread and revise what you’ve written immediately before the scene you are working on in order to give your brain a “running start” into the thinking phase of what might come next in the story.

Editor’s Note

The Backup Singer is a riveting, fast-paced story of resilience, heartbreak, and survival, with a relatable, unforgettable heroine.

Michael Bronte’s The Backup Singer is a gripping and emotional thriller that captures the resilience of everyday people facing extraordinary challenges. Giselle Silva’s journey from struggling backup singer to navigating a perilous world of deception is both heart-wrenching and suspenseful. With its relatable protagonist and high-stakes twists, this novel is a compelling story of survival, courage, and determination that keeps readers hooked.