Welcome to Patterings, Michelle. Tell us about your epiphany moment when you decided you were going to seriously pursue writing and eventually publication.
I had found Cynthia Rutledge on the internet and contacted her as a fan. She was my favorite Love Inspired author at the time. She wrote pretty hot and interesting inspirationals and told me how she got started. I thought if she could do it, so could I. But without God continuing to inspire me, I would have dropped out long ago. There are a lot of things to discourage authors in this world, so without God behind me (and my husband and kids) I'd be sunk.
Which of your books (published or upcoming) has been the most fun for you to write and which character is your favorite? Why?
Honestly, they are all fun in there own way. And like any mother, my latest baby is my favorite, but I love them all. So First Love is high on my list. It's edgy and risky regarding the topic and subject matter, but it's all from my heart.
What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
Discouragement is definitely high on the list. I just call one of my writing buddies on the phone and ask them to tell me I don't suck as an author and to remind me why I am even doing this. They always have just the right words to say. I also read reviews people have written that are truly heart-felt. That always gives me more creative energy.
Which character in your new release most interested you while you wrote? Why?
Probably Tara, because she was a responsible and loving character who wanted to do the right thing but had a weakness for Josiah resulting from some past insecurities. She was so real I kept forgetting she was created in my imagination.
What is your strangest habit?
I don't know how strange this is but I usually read at least five books at the same time and I have books in every room in my house. I even have books at my office.
Are there things you put off doing because you dread them?
When it comes to writing? Not really. I only write when I get the muse. If I force myself to do it then it is no longer enjoyable to me… Wait! I just thought of something. Paying taxes on my earnings. Yeah, I tend to drag my feet on that and wait until late March to send it in.
What would a perfect day for you look like?
Eating calorie free (but scrumptious) chocolate while writing the most amazing novel ever that was sure to hit the best-seller's list, and all of this to celebrate signing my latest six figure digit deal with a large publishing house. (You didn't say it had to be achievable, right? So my dream-fantasy is outlined above.)
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.
I tend to favor historical romances over all others. I also enjoy contemporary romances. It just has to be original and fresh. Interesting is always good. Sizzlings gives it more weight. I am a romantic at heart, so it's hard to avoid favoring those types of books. However, I have been known to enjoy books that are not in any way romantic. They have to be really good, though, and hold my attention. Not an easy task…
Are there certain foods or snacks keeps the words flowing for you?
Not really, but water and coffee are always good. Plus, if I drink enough of them both I am forced to take occasional breaks and go to the bathroom, which is necessary to prevent me from getting so stiff I can't move after typing for hours on end.
Are there spiritual themes you like to write about?
Redemption and forgiveness are my favorite themes. I like to wreck my characters' lives and then show how God binds their wounds and carries them through some of their hardest trials. When everything looks bleak, that's when God's love shines the brightest.
What lesson is the Lord teaching you right now or recently taught you?
That I need to write the stories He has inspired me to write without worrying about how to justify things if asked. Fortunately I haven't been challenged by people very much at all (no puritanical folks condemning me to hell for story content so far.) Also, not to worry about selling more books. God is taking care of me and I've got books releasing through 2012 so there is no rush. He is teaching me the beauty of patience.
When is your next book due out and can you tell us about it?
First Love releases in October 2010 (e-book)
Letting Go (Sheaf House) releases in Feb 2011
First Response releases in June 2011 (e-book)
Their Separate Ways releases in July 2011
Finding Love releases in Sept 2011
Keeping Promises releases in Feb 2012
Untitled releases in July 2012
Moving On releases in Sept 2012
Also, please check my website books page for current release dates.
You can purchase First Love from Amazon:
Michelle Sutton is giving away a copy of First Love. To be entered in the book giveaway, leave a comment by Monday, November 1st and check back on Tuesday, November 2nd to see if you've won. You can enter twice--once on this post and once on yesterday's spotlight with Michelle. If you want to guarantee that you're notified if you win, then leave your email address in the comment, otherwise, you can just check back and email me through the button in my sidebar.
**Annoying little disclaimer: This giveaway is open only to U.S. addresses. By clicking on the Amazon link above or in the sidebar, and purchasing, I will receive a very small percentage of the sale.
It looks like I will be looking for two books. I hate it when I get half way through a book and realize it is not the first in the series!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Nancy
Awesome interview! I will keep my eyes peeled for the 2 books.
ReplyDeleteSmiley Faces,
Annie
enjoyed the interview. thanks
ReplyDeleteABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
Thanks for this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI also must locate both books now!
God bless!
charsaltz at yahoo dot com
Enjoyed the interview. I also love Cynthia Rutledge's Love Inspired books. The characters in her books are so well developed. I also enjoy the three books of yours that I have read so far, Michelle.
ReplyDeletecherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi everyone. If you are keeping your eyes peeled for this book (or the two in the series) you will only find them in e-book format at this time. That part seems to be missing. This is an e-book. Not sure when, or if, it will become a paperback book. Sorry!
ReplyDelete@Cherie J. Which three books of mine have you read?
Thanks for stopping by everyone!
Enter me PLEASE :D
ReplyDeleteplease count me in...thanks :)
ReplyDeletekaren k
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
I enjoy the themes of redemption and forgiveness Michelle writes about. First Love sounds like a real, touching love story, I look forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteworthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com