Michael Bronte Shares Thrilling Secrets To Writing Stories That Captivate
Michael Bronte: Acclaimed Author Who Captures Everyday Heroes And High-Stakes Adventures With Thrilling Precision
Stories Of Ordinary Dreams And Extraordinary Risks
Michael Bronte’s illustrious career in storytelling draws from his advertising background. He crafts relatable thrillers featuring everyday heroes, sharing wisdom on writing, character connection, persistence, and overcoming challenges like writer’s block.
M ichael Bronte, a Union College graduate with a master’s degree from George Washington University, has spent nearly four decades building a remarkable career in retail, advertising, and consulting. However, it was his time writing radio commercial scripts that sowed the seeds of his second passion: storytelling. Now an accomplished author of suspense thrillers, Bronte has mastered the ability to capture readers through fast-paced, high-stakes narratives populated by everyday heroes.
Living in New Jersey with his wife of 46 years, Bronte’s journey into authorship was inspired by his lifelong love for writing. “I thought I could write a story that was as good as some of the books I was reading,” he reveals. However, he quickly realised that creating a novel is a unique, demanding process. His challenges became part of the thrill as he took on the task of weaving gripping tales.
Michael Bronte’s ability to weave thrilling suspense with relatable everyday heroes in fast-paced plots is truly inspiring and impressive.
When asked how he creates relatable characters, Bronte’s response speaks to the personal connection he establishes within his work: “Sometimes the characters are based on people I’ve known, sometimes they’re entirely imaginary, but everything ties back to people and personalities I’ve encountered at some point in my life.” This ability to ground his characters in reality ensures that his readers not only care for, but also recognise, the people depicted in his stories.
Bronte’s books excel in creating palpable tension, especially during dangerous or high-stakes moments. He explains, “Writing such scenes is about speed. The action needs to unfold quickly. I avoid drowning the reader in unnecessary detail, focusing instead on short, impactful sentences that create vivid bursts of action in the reader’s mind.” This technique keeps the narrative gripping, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats.
Planning is a cornerstone of Bronte’s writing process. He emphasises the importance of knowing how a book will end before starting: “Once I’ve determined the ending, every scene I write must contribute towards that conclusion. There’s no place for creative wandering.” Bronte’s sure-handed approach to storytelling is further informed by his background in writing radio commercials. Working within the constraints of 30-second clips taught him the importance of effective and concise communication. He applies a similar principle to his novels, ensuring that every sentence serves a purpose and keeps the story flowing.
A consistent theme in his protagonists’ journeys is their moral determination. While bravery is often attributed to his characters, Bronte believes their resilience is driven by an unwavering commitment to doing the right thing. “Many of my heroes are scared to death, but they’re compelled to make difficult choices because of their strong principles. In their minds, there’s no alternative but to go forward—it’s not so much bravery as it is necessity.”
The authenticity of his characters lies at the heart of Bronte’s work: “I write about everyday people,” he says. “Whether it’s your neighbour, a teacher, or a coffee shop barista, my protagonists are grounded in the real world. I stay away from secret agents or ultra-tech specialists because those aren’t realms I know well. I can write best about relatable, ordinary individuals.”
This commitment to authenticity shines through in Bronte’s novel The Backup Singer. In it, the protagonist, Giselle, dreams of moving beyond her boutique job to become a successful singer. “It’s about universal dreams,” Bronte states. “It could have just as easily been a story about someone striving to excel in sports or any other passion. My books are about ordinary people trying to achieve their goals and dreams.”
When reflecting on his career, Bronte considers his readers’ responses to be the most rewarding part of being an author. “I love that people identify with my characters and enjoy my stories. Writing is a passion, and it feels amazing when others appreciate that passion.”
For aspiring authors, Bronte’s advice is both practical and inspiring. “Write what you know, no matter how simple or ordinary it seems. Mundane settings can house extraordinary stories. Focus on clarity—there’s no need for fancy words when simpler ones suffice. Master the technical aspects of writing, and always revise your work to eliminate unnecessary complexity. Be prepared for rejection, stay humble, and keep an open mind when taking feedback. But above all, be patient—success isn’t instantaneous.”
Writer’s block, a common struggle among authors, is another subject Bronte addresses with practicality. He encourages setting aside dedicated writing time and pressing on, even when inspiration doesn’t strike. “Force yourself to write something, anything. Even if it isn’t good, you can always fix it. Revisiting your prior work can help your mind ease back into the rhythm of your story and spark new ideas.”
With his deep understanding of storytelling and an unwavering connection to everyday life, Michael Bronte continues to craft suspense thrillers that resonate with readers. His tales are not just thrilling but also resonant, offering snapshots of real humanity amidst extraordinary circumstances.
For more on Michael Bronte and his work, visit the original interview on Mosaic Digest.
