Chicago Heights Author Releases Second Novel, Announces 'Phantom' Collection

, she had just released her first novel, and was excited to talk about the growing fanbase for her Phantom of the Opera fan fiction.

Now the 30-year-old mother of two has released book No. 2 online–soon to be in print as well–and has plenty more projects in the works.

Michelle's first book, Opera Macabre, was a dark love story involving vampires and Gothic themes (not to be confused with the teen-friendly Twilight series). Her newest work, The Devil's Galley, revolves around angels and demons, kicking off a series of individual tales woven together by an overarching plot.

The grad has what appear to be three consecutive months of big events. March brought the release of her second book, and April will bring her next big show as an opera singer at St. Xavier University, The Magic Flute.

"I'll be the Queen of the Night," Michelle said. "She’s like an evil queen. It’s hard for me to do. I’ve never played a character that’s not the young innocent heroine."

Finally, in May, Michelle plans to release her third book, which will compile several Phantom of the Opera fan fiction stories she's written, some of which she has released online already. But the release of the book is not the young author's big reveal.

“I’m going to do a contest with the cover," she said. "I am not an artist. I don't draw. But I wanted something that would reflect my stories. I have a lot of fans online, who are very passionate about them, and I didn’t want to do like a stagnant photo with the covers that they give you that are just pretty standard. I wanted it to be something that says my stories."

Fans of Michelle's work can now submit art to be considered for the cover of her third book. All entries will be uploaded to her Website, so it must be original art, and cannot be copied from anything existing.

"I thought it was a good way to get people involved, because I get so many reviews from people who are just so excited about my stories," Michelle said. "Some of them, I’ve seen their Websites and I’ve seen their artwork and the things they’ve drawn, so I know they’re so talented."

If you would like to submit cover art for Michelle's Phantom of the Opera collection, visit her Website for the rules or send her an email at Mickey2552@aol.com with "Phantom Cover" in the subject line. 

Also, you can see Michelle perform in The Magic Flute at St. Xavier University April 27 and April 28.