Writing Dreams Into Reality With Michael Bronte

“Michael Bronte – Author of Gripping Suspense Thrillers That Bring Everyday Heroes To Life.”

From Everyday Characters To Gripping Suspense, Meet The Creative Mind Behind “The Backup Singer”

Michael Bronte shares his journey from copywriting to writing suspense thrillers, focusing on relatable characters, storytelling challenges, and offering advice to aspiring writers on resilience, simplicity, and creative discipline.

Michael Bronte is a dynamic storyteller with an impressive background spanning nearly forty years as a senior executive in retail, advertising, and organisational management consulting. A graduate of Union College in Schenectady, N.Y., Michael later completed his postgraduate studies at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. However, his passion for crafting compelling narratives has seen him exchange corporate boardrooms for the creative world of suspense and thrillers. Currently residing in New Jersey, and married for over 46 years, Michael draws inspiration for his characters and stories from everyday life.

For Michael, the journey toward becoming an author began with his work in crafting radio commercial copy early in his career. “I tried to create a thirty-second story where the customer could picture themselves in the commercial. If I did not achieve that objective for the product’s potential users, it would be a waste of my client’s money,” he says. This skill—painting vivid, concise word pictures—served as a precursor to his writing career and remains integral to his work as a novelist today.

Michael Bronte masterfully writes thrilling, relatable stories about everyday heroes while inspiring aspiring authors with his invaluable advice.

When asked what inspired him to write suspense thrillers, Michael shares that it was his love of reading and storytelling. “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,” he explains. His novels centre around relatable, everyday characters—people you might encounter in daily life. Whether they’re a neighbour, a teacher, or someone serving your coffee, his protagonists reflect the lives of ordinary individuals thrust into extraordinary circumstances.

“I’ve always liked to write and I thought I could write a story which was as good as some books I was reading.”

– “Michael Bronte

Michael’s ability to craft such characters comes from both real-life experiences and imagination. “Sometimes the characters are based on people I’ve known. Sometimes they are imaginary, but whatever the situation, they have to be personalities I’ve encountered at some point,” he notes. His focus is on writing about individuals grounded in the real world, which allows readers to connect deeply with their struggles, joys, and aspirations.

One hallmark of Michael’s writing is his ability to create high-stakes, fast-paced scenes of danger. When asked about the challenges of this, he emphasises the importance of brevity. “Writing such scenes is about speed,” he explains. “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.” Instead, he employs rapid, succinct sentences that flash through the reader’s mind, conveying danger and urgency in quick, powerful strokes.

“I write about everyday people. Every one of my heroes is someone you might see every day.
– “Michael Bronte”

But how does a novel take shape in the first place? For Michael, the process always begins with a clear idea of how the story will end. “Once I’ve determined that, every scene and sequel has to contribute toward that ending. In other words: no creative wandering.” He applies a structured and purposeful methodology, ensuring that every detail fits into the broader narrative arc.

Michael’s latest thriller, The Backup Singer, is another example of how he marries suspense with relatable characters. “Everyone has a dream,” he says. In this story, Giselle, a character with aspirations of becoming a singing star, works to escape her routine life in a boutique. Michael reflects, “It could just as easily have been Bobbie wanting to become a major league ballplayer. My books are about everyday people achieving their goals and aspirations.”

Beyond his books, Michael is passionate about encouraging aspiring writers. He advises them to “write what you know about, no matter how trivial or ordinary you might think it to be.” According to him, even the most mundane experiences can transform into engaging stories. His advice is rooted in simplicity: write clearly, revise constantly, and prioritise the technicalities of grammar, punctuation, and plot coherence. “Nothing is more frustrating to a reader than having to read something twice just to figure out what the author is trying to say,” he adds.

Michael also understands the struggles of navigating the competitive literary industry. He urges aspiring authors to be prepared for rejection but to also trust in their work. Constructive criticism, patience, and unwavering dedication are essential. “It takes twenty years to become an overnight sensation,” he quips.

For those battling writer’s block, Michael recommends creating a dedicated writing routine. “Force yourself to write something. Even if it’s terrible, you can always correct it later,” he says. A useful tip of his is to reread and revise the preceding section of your story to give your mind a ‘running start’ into the next scene.

At its core, Michael Bronte’s writing celebrates the ordinary: everyday people, their struggles, and the courage that propels them forward. His work reminds us that thrilling, action-packed tales don’t require high-tech spies or superheroes—they can spring from the life of the girl next door or the teacher at the front of the classroom. As Michael continues to craft suspenseful, immersive stories, his dedication to writing and his connection to readers remain as steadfast as ever.