Readers do I have a treat. Michelle kindly responded to my request for an interview at the last moment so here you’ve got a glimpse into her life and some more background regarding the books.
About Michelle Sutton
Michelle Sutton has lived in Arizona and since 1991 and has two sons and a husband of 18 years. She began writing fiction in August 2003 when God inspired her to write a novel with realistic characters that would glorify Him. In 2004 she joined ACFW – American Christian Fiction Writers. In 2006 Michelle ran for Volunteer Officer on the ACFW Operating board and ACFW members elected her to serve a two year term. She sold her first manuscript Then Sings My Soul (now re-titled It’s Not About Me) to Sheaf House and her debut novel was released in Sept. 2008. The second book in the Second Glances series – It’s Not About Him – will be released the following fall (Sept. 2009.)
Last, Michelle is Editor in Chief of the new Christian Fiction Online Magazine. The debut issue released in July 2008. The magazine is sponsored by the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance.
Now on to the interview:
Um, how about meeting Jesus face to face? I can’t think of anyone on earth.
2. What’s your favorite comfort food?
chocolate of course!
Can’t fault another chocolate lover as long as they’ll share with me.
3. What would be your dream vacation?
Hanging out on an exotic beach for a month and reading my favorite books.
4. Is there anyone who has influenced / encouraged you to write other than God who ultimately gives us any talents including creativity? Who and how / why?
Many, many authors have encouraged me. If you read my book you’ll see I have three full pages of thank yous listed.
Yes I read through the acknowledgements in the book (an odd habit of mine). Michelle isn’t kidding people the list there is impressive.
5. Can you give a brief synopsis of your journey to publication with your first book?
Can an author be brief about anything? LOL! I started writing in August 2003, signed on with my agent in March 2005, and sold my first book in Sept 2007. How is that for brief?
That’s brief alright although I’m sure readers would love to hear more if you have the time to share in the comments or so I can paste it in here later. I have the same problem. Still end up writing mini novels on Twitter and page long book reviews LOL.
6. What else have you written / are you currently writing (including unpublished works)?
Tons of books, many of which are either circulating or are due to be sent out in response to conference. I write mostly Women’s fiction, but the YA series has two more books, both already written, and due to be released in 2009 and 2010
7. What first gave you the idea for the Second Glances Novels?
A real life attack that happened to a friend of mine while she was alone at the church office and didn’t lock the door.
8. What else would you like to share with readers about yourself or It’s Not About Me?
If you read my story you will get some insight into who I am not only as an author, but as a person. I really believe that stories have the power to change lives, and since I feel called to write stories that will do just that, I put my whole heart into each project.
9. Share with us one of the craziest things you’ve done or that’s happened to you?
Every day is a bit nuts. Can’t think of anything unique, actually. If I do I’ll let you know.
10.What five books would you take with you to a desert island?
How about five truckloads of books? Five libraries full? I can’t limit myself to only five actual books.
LOL If you could figure out how to manage that one I’d like the low down on doing the same myself. I already need more shelf space and can’t imagine trying to pare just the shelves down to five must have books. But if I could escape with all of them to a desert island and still get mail and internet there without needing money for food, electricity and all that stuff or having to deal with all the daily life interruptions I’d be in paradise.
11. What concept or scripture is God revealing more deeply to you in this season of your life? And how is that revelation influencing your life?
That it’s all about Him and not about me. How is that for playing with the title and doing so in context?
Love your “word play” and the ultimate Truth it reveals as well. If it were all about us humans we’d really be in a mess.
12. Why did you start writing and when?
I felt led by the Lord to start writing stories with spiritual themes. It just happened in August 2003.
13. How do you choose names and get to know your characters?
Their names come to mind as I write.
14. What’s your favorite character / scene from the Second Glances Novels (so far)?
From the first book my favorite character is Dan and the scene is his first kiss. Wow.
15. Do you have any teasers you can share for It’s Not About Him?
Yeah, poor Susie from It’s Not About Me is still dealing with the pregnancy issue and the next story is about her journey through the whole adoption process after she places her infant with an infertile couple from church. The thing is, she keeps seeing men who look irritatingly familiar and who were at the party the night she’d passed out and was violated. She can’t help wondering which man is the father. Meanwhile Jeff desperately wants to marry her so she will keep her child, but can’t seem to persuade her to give him a chance. It’s loaded with tension. 🙂
Sounds like another winner coming up. Can’t wait to read it. I hope Susie stands firm on her decision not to have her baby raised in an Alcoholic home.
16. Are there any closing remarks you’d like to share?
Thanks for interviewing me. Hope you enjoy the story!
Thank you for taking the time to share with my readers.
