Meet Denise Micka
For more than fifteen years, Denise Micka has transformed numerous short-act plays and theatrical scenes into full-length productions for her church.
She currently lives in St. Louis with her husband and two daughters. When she’s not chauffeuring her daughters to dance and swim classes or Girl Scout meetings (or maybe when she is), she’s working on the outline of her next book. She loves to write long, 450-plus-page novels but struggles immensely with writing her own bio. Susan’s War is a sequel to her debut novel Catherine’s War.
I loved this book, it kept my interest all way through! Much luck to Denise and I can’t wait for the next one!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!! Catherine’s journey is far from over, and it means so much to know you’re along for the ride.
Denise- You’re an inspiration. It’s wonderful to read the work of someone so close to my very own hometown. “Catherine’s War” lived up to the promise you made the day I met you; it was indeed a fast read. Finishing the story was bittersweet for me, since I couldn’t put it down and I hated for it to end. I fell in love with the characters, even though at times I just wanted to shake one of them. I am looking forward to reading “Susan’s War” and in the mean-time taking your advice, by making time to put my own thoughts into writing. Even if it’s just for 20 minutes a day. Good Luck!
Thank you for your kind words! I’m so glad you enjoyed it and found inspiration at my book signing last month. The process of writing is tough, but I love knowing the method I use to write can be encouraging for others. Keep writing! Even if it’s taking five minutes to jot down an idea in an outline. Your story will come . . . don’t give up!
Denise-I really am enjoying “Catherine’s War”. I was the young woman you met at Main Street Books, who told you that I am a writer too. Your novel is very inspiring towards my own writing and I have to tear myself away from your book in order to write down the ideas that pop into my head before I forget them. Catherine and Caleb are my favorite characters and remind me so much of myself and my baby brother. I cannot tell you how much it means to me to read a novel about such a strong relationship between a brother and sister, as well as your novel being so rich and wonderful to read. I cannot begin to thank you enough for publishing this book and giving me hope once more for the future of other female authors such as myself and countless others, to read well-rounded, deeply fulfilling books such as yours instead of the sex-infested novels that unfortunately take up the shelves of the young-adult sections of bookstores. Thank you again and I hope to see you on Main Street again.
Denise-I was the young women you met at Main Street books. The one who mentioned that she is a writer too and loves big, thick novels. I just cannot get over how much I am in love with your book, and not for the reason most young women are. I enjoy the banter between Catherine and Henry and how they care for each other romantically, but I am most proud to read how you portray Catherine and Caleb’s relationship as siblings. I cannot tell you how many novels I have read where all the brother and sister do is fight, but in your novel, I can FEEL how much Catherine and Caleb love each other. It reminds me so much of my baby brother and I that cannot help but miss him even more than I already do because he lives so far away. I also want to thank you for writing a story that is not sex-driven, for giving me hope with your novel that there Really are amazing authors in the world. I still believe in them but let me assure you: You really fueled that hope I have that the future is bright with talent. I cannot wait to see you again on Main Street sometime!!
Breana – What a joy it was to meet you!! I can’t tell you how much your kind words inspire me!!! I wanted my book to be one that people from various generations could appreciate, and you’re proof that it is. And the sibling love shared between Catherine and Caleb shows this book is much more than a “romance” novel (I’d love to hear your thoughts on it once you’ve finished it!).
I’ve found that inspiring others has been, by far, the most unexpected and rewarding part of this experience. Knowing that something I’ve done gives others what they need to fuel their own dreams leaves me humbled and eager to do more. Don’t give up on your dreams. Write what inspires YOU, even if it’s not what’s popular. Don’t be afraid to be a trailblazer – you’ll be surprised at how many people will rise up and walk the path with you. 🙂
Denise, my husband and I purchased your book when you were on Main Street in St. Charles. He was asking you several questions about your book. Setting (anytown USA), accents (started with a southern accent then changed your mind), things like like. I finally started reading the book this week and couldn’t put it down. I loved that you were able to write a love story without sexual details. That was refreshing. The story made me smile and shed a tear. I look forward to reading your next accomplishment.
Ah, yes! I remember you and your inquisitive husband!!! I’m so glad you enjoyed the book! I’m almost finished with the first draft of the second book, SUSAN’S WAR (She can’t give up that easily, can she?). Of course, that’s just the first of many mile-markers to pass before it gets into the readers’ hands. I encourage you to check my website periodically for updates. However, I really appreciate your encouraging words – knowing people besides myself enjoy this type of story makes it all worth it. 🙂
Denise,
I finished Catherine’s War! OH MY GOD!!! I was hooked from beginning to the end, your book made me cry!! This is a good thing! As I have mentioned before, your book tugged so much at my heartstrings and made me generally FEEL for each character, even those I did not like too much… *Cough* Susan,! *Cough* *Cough*. Your writing is so powerful that though I REALLY despised Susan, I still found her to be such a powerful character. My favorite is still Caleb and Catherine, they remind me so much of myself and my baby brother. Olivia I grew to love just as much, as well as Bobby. Henry, I admit, though he is not my favorite, he was still Such a powerful character. All in all Every character in your book spoke to me once a different way! *After reading others comments* You have a sequel coming?! *Fangirl screams* I cannot wait to read it!!
Thank you again SO much for restoring my faith in the future of novel writing! I know you are a brilliant writer and I cannot wait to read more of your books!
Breana,
I’m so glad you enjoyed my book! I get excited when I hear that readers experience such strong emotions regarding my characters, whether it’s loving them or hating them. Ah, yes, Susan . . . I’ve heard quite a bit about how readers feel about her, and it makes me excited to share more about her story in SUSAN’S WAR. She’s not out of anyone’s life yet. 🙂 (I’m on the final chapter of the first draft, but keep checking back for updates.)
It was so much fun creating the characters – and I have to admit I have a soft spot for Michael too.
I also love how flawed and imperfect my characters are. I want readers to think, “Yep, I’ve felt that way . . . I’ve made that mistake too,” as they read their stories. While readers may not agree with the choices the characters make, at least they understand their motivations.
So thank you, thank you, thank you for your kind, encouraging words! (Especially the part about being a “fangirl”) You definitely made my day.
Denise I met you at the St Charles County Library. You told me about each of the sections becoming available for free on Amazon. I so far have gotten 2 and 3 and cannot wait to get 1 to start. I have a feeling I won’t be able to put it down.
That’s great news! I can’t wait to hear your thoughts about Catherine’s story. And your timing is perfect!! My 2nd book is currently with my editor, so I’m hopeful the wait for its release won’t be too long!!