We’re excited to spotlight Michael BN, author of Perfect Pose and creator of the Discretion Universe, in this exclusive Inkitt interview. With a powerful voice in LGBTQ+ romance and a passion for immersive world-building, Michael shares his journey from a “cringe-worthy” sci-fi trilogy to winning writing contests and publishing over a dozen books on Galatea.
In this Q&A, he reflects on inspiration, process, and why creating interconnected stories means so much to him, and to his readers.
The Writing Journey
Inkitt: What inspired you to become an author?
Michael: I’ve always been a passionate storyteller but never had the time or patience to write anything down. Then, in 2014 a change in career circumstances finally gave me the opportunity to put pen to paper.
Inkitt: What was the first story you ever wrote?
Michael: My first story was an utterly cringe worthy scifi trilogy that lacked any real form of direction. I have definitely honed my craft since then, and when I look back at those stories it feels like a child wrote them 
.
The Inkitt Experience
Michael BN, author on Inkitt and Galatea
Inkitt: What was it like seeing your story gain traction?
Michael: It was quite the thrill to see the reads on my first Inkitt book ‘Discretion’ accumulate and have it appear at the top of the list in its category.
My first review was from a friend, Curious Wombat, their support has meant so much during my writing journey.
Inkitt: Have you participated in any Inkitt writing contests?
Michael: Yes, and I won first place!
It was the most amazing feeling and it truly made me emotional. It was a defining milestone in my writing journey.
The Galatea Journey
Inkitt: When did you find out you were going to be a Galatea author?
Michael: Publishing my book, ‘Discretion’ on Galatea was one of the competition prizes and I was utterly ecstatic!
Inkitt: What are you most excited about readers seeing in your books on Galatea?
Michael: With fourteen stories published on Galatea so far, I’m most excited about readers seeing the interconnectivity that I’ve so carefully built into the individual narratives.
Creative Process
Inkitt: Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Michael: I’m without a doubt… a pantser. I write what flows through me and then edit where needed.
Inkitt: What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?
Michael: I enjoy character development a lot but world crafting is my favorite. The ‘Discretion Universe’ (exclusively available on Galatea) contains my own versions of brands, products, businesses, institutions and geographic locations. They were all created so I could do with them as I pleased and tell the stories of the people involved in my own way. I find it very exciting when the reader recognizes the things I crafted and notices the cameos that my characters make in each of the stories within the larger universe.
Inkitt: How do you overcome writer’s block?
Michael: Honestly, I don’t. If my mind can’t create, I don’t force it. I give it a significant period of rest and then come back to what I was working on or start something new. I have often abandoned projects for lack of inspiration, I call them my shipwrecks. Ultimately, I fused a lot of these snippets into full books as stories within a story.
Themes and Influence
Inkitt: Are there any recurring themes or messages you hope readers take away from your stories?
Michael: Considering that I only write stories with LGBTQ+ characters, I hope the readers will notice the message of acceptance that runs throughout all books in the ‘Discretion Universe’.
Inkitt: How do you stay motivated during long projects or tough writing days?
Michael: My writing process involves writing a lot and then reducing SIGNIFICANTLY during edit. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I just allow my thoughts to flow freely onto the page and then cut what I don’t need later. It’s very therapeutic actually.
Inkitt: What advice would you give to other Inkitt authors hoping to sign a Galatea contract?
Michael: Patience is key. Engage with your audience and be as consistent as possible with delivering content.
Final Thoughts
Michael BN’s storytelling journey is a perfect example of how creativity, consistency, and heart can turn into something bigger than just a book. With Perfect Pose now live on Galatea and the Discretion Universe expanding, his message of representation and acceptance continues to shine. We’re honored to feature him on the Inkitt Writer’s Blog and can’t wait for more readers to fall into his worlds.
