Tuesday, December 7, 2010

This Multi-Published Author Has a LOT Going On.

With a busy woman like this, you might wonder what this talented person does in her free time. Or maybe you might ask if she has free time at all.

Michelle Sutton is the author of over a dozen novels, a member of ACFW, a book reviewer, an avid blogger, the mother of two young college students, a wife of over two decades, and a follower of Jesus Christ.

SDC: We welcome you Michelle. Please take a moment to tell us about your book(s). I read one you wrote a couple of years ago, but have since fallen behind. I for one am really interested.

MS: Let's see. I have a bunch of books. I have two romantic suspense novels (they are in a series) and the titles are Danger at the Door and In Plain Sight. They are e-books with Desert Breeze. I also have a contemporary romance series set in Tombstone that features the actors who dress up on their free time and participate in local events. These three titles are First Impressions and First Love (I'm writing First Response right now.) Those are my five e-books. I currently have three paperbacks. The first is It's Not About Me (I believe that is the book you read), and It's Not About Him. These are Young Adult books and are available right now in the 75 author Online Christian Book signing bash (You can find the event online at http://www.christianreviewofbooks.com/) Last, my other paperback that is also available as an e-book, is Never Without Hope. It's my Women's Fiction title. The next book in the series I am writing right now. It's called Their Separate Ways and it releases in July 2011. I also have the first book in the Healing Hearts series titled Letting Go, and that will be releasing as an e-book in February and in paperback format in August 2011. I have recently contract for a stand alone romantic suspense title through Desert Breeze called In Sheep's Clothing. That book will release in Sept 2011. As you can see, I've got a lot going on.

SKC: You sure do. I understand Edgy is the name of your game in some cases. It's an area of fiction I appreciate because it makes the ministering stories so true to life in many cases. What made you decide to write in your particular genre?

MS: Actually, I never planned to write edgy fiction. I kept having people tell me that's what my writing was. So the label stuck and I started an Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers ning site for people who enjoy that type of Christian fiction. But right now I am trying to steer away from that label a bit because I don't want to be known so much by the fact that my writing pushes boundaries. My new brand is Healing Hearts after my new series that begins with Letting Go. Since all of my books deal with healing hearts, it makes sense to focus on the ministry and the takeaway value of my novels and less on the fact that they may be a bit edgy. I want people to focus on the healing aspect of my books, so if you can help spread the word, that's great. You can see my new logo on my website, http://www.michellesutton.net/  and on my blog(s) http://www.edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com/ http://www.healingheartsseries.blogspot.com/ http://www.neverwithouthopethenovel.blogspot.com/

SDC: Tell us about some of your experiences with readers who’ve read your work and have been affected in some way. Do you get many letters?

MS: I get random e-mails all the time. In fact, I've gotten them on just about every book so far. It's always a nice surprise to find out that your novels have made a difference in someone's life. I probably get the most feedback right now from people regarding Never Without Hope. I couldn't tell you the number of heartfelt e-mails and letters I've gotten from women who felt like this book really touched them deeply. Some people told me in person with tears in their eyes that my book really blessed them.

SDC: Even the cover to your book Never Without Hope is enough to draw a reader's attention. After a long day of writing or doing revisions in a story what is the very first thing you do?

MS: Grab a book to read. I know, I'm such a fiction addict.

SDC: I love to read too, mostly late at night. How long have you been writing, Michelle?

MS: I started in August 2003 and haven't quit.

SDC: What do you say to encourage other authors who get rejection slips due to the style of their writing, and how have you reacted in the past when, and if you have received one?

MS: I've received so many but since I always submit through my agent, she is the only one who really knows the number. I'm guessing it's close to a hundred.

SDC: How did your present publisher find you?

MS: I have several publishers. They found me through submissions and queries.

SDC: What excites you most about your writing experience, Michelle?

MS: I love having characters surprise me with what they do and say. I also love it when I feel God is behind the story and He is nudging me in the direction He wants the story to go. It's always the most painful road, but ultimately the most blessed path the characters can take. But that's just like God.

SDC: What other books are your reading right now?

MS: It changes daily. I've read 108 or so books so far in 2010.

SDC: Wow! That's a lot. Remind us again of what you have in the works for later next year so we won't forget.

MS: I have four books releasing (so far) in 2011 and more in 2012 and 2013. I hope to keep my readers happy by supplying them with plenty of options.

SDC: I hear you have a book to offer our readers. What question can you ask that might prepare them for your type of writing, Michelle?

MS: I'd like to one more giveaway since there are a lot of people who wanted to win this book but didn't get the chance. This will be my final giveaway for the year. I'll be giving away Never Without Hope, which is my "adultery" story. I want readers to know that it's not for people who want an easy read. This story is full emotion, but I write what I like to read. And the affair isn't off camera. I wanted readers to really get into Hope's head, and that means going through the affair with her…from the exciting and addicting beginning, to the ugly and remorse-filled end. The reader will experience all of that. So if that's not something you want to experience, (it's also in first person POV,) then you don't want to enter the contest for a chance to win this book.

SDC: Thanks for pointing that out, Michelle. But it sounds like an enlightening book to me. I just might try for it myself! Thank you so much for coming by! I look forward to reading more of your work.

Readers. You noted above Michelle's giveaway option. The question for you to reply to is this. How do you think an edgy story that goes in depth about a person's personal life can minister to both a believer AND nonbeliever?

Congratulations to Sheila Deeth of Beaverton, Oregon. What a great Christmas gift. You'll be hearing from Michelle Sutton soon.  And have a wonderful time celebrating the birth of our wonderful Lord.

18 comments:

  1. The question for you to reply to is this. How do you think an edgy story that goes in depth about a person's personal life can minister to both a believer AND nonbeliever?


    I believe that in many ways both as a believer and non-believer we tend to find relationship in the story about our present and past life's experiences.

    As a believer we know that God always has a reason for what happens and that lends hope to any situation. A non-believer might be able to see through the edginess of a story that life is about being an overcomer.

    Maybe through this style of writing and presentation both believer and non-believer can see we can choose to be an overcomer for Jesus and that is what keeps a person going. That each of us have a job to do, that God picked (in advance) this job, task and us, as the person to do it.
    God never said that the task will be pain-free and easy in fact, He said it will be very uncomfortable. It is our job to hang on to our joy and Jesus no matter the trial and we will prevail in the name of IAM!

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  2. I think this type of writing ministers to both believers and non believers simply because it is so honest. Christians need to know that they are not alone in their struggles. Becoming a Christian doesn't mean you will skip through the park with a picnic basket for the rest of your life. similarly, non-believers need to see the reality of a Savior who can reach them no matter what state they find themselves in.
    I'm looking forward to reading NWH whether I win it or not. Michelle is such an inspiration!

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  3. Hi Michelle! This is an awesome book! I have it on my Kindle, but I still want to enter because I can loan a print copy. I think this story could impact a lot of people, and turn them onto Michelle's other work, too.
    shawnawilliams(at)allegiance.tv

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  4. Thanks everyone, for stopping by. I wish I knew who Ms. Anonymous was. I hope you stop by and post your name this time. :) I am very sick right now so I have to go back to bed. Sorry everyone that I can't be more fun today. I wasn't expecting to be sick when this was first scheduled.

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  5. I think that a story like that would minister to both a believer and a non-believer because it would be open, honest, real situations that everyone could relate to.

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  6. Hi MIchelle, I'm entering to win your book here--the excerpt was great and I look forward to reading more! Sincerely, Valerie

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  7. Good interview and the book sounds intriguing.

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  8. Oooh, I'm glad you have another chance to try and with this, so yes I would like to be entered. :)

    In answer to your question, I would have to say it would depend on how it was written. But from what I have heard, Michelle, writes it in a way that is honest, but tasteful. I would love to experience that for myself. :)

    caseymh18(@)gmail(.)com

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  9. Both believers and non-believers sin, so it's no surprise that a gritty book can apply equally to both. The believer knows a different type of conviction than the non-believer, but it's no less powerful!

    twinwillowsfarm at gmail dot com

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  10. Michelle, sorry that you are so sick right now and praying for a quick healing for you.

    This sounds like a awesome book and one that can minister to both the believer and the non-believer. The believer will realize that anyone can fall and the non-believer will see that there is forgiveness.

    I definitely want to read this book.

    Blessings,
    Jo
    ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

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  11. Sounds an intriguing book on an important topic. I'd love to read it.
    sdeeth at msn dot com. Nice to read the interview. Sounds like having an agent is really good.

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  12. The question for you to reply to is this. How do you think an edgy story that goes in depth about a person's personal life can minister to both a believer AND nonbeliever?


    I believe that in many ways both as a believer and non-believer we tend to find relationship in the story about our present and past life's experiences.

    As a believer we know that God always has a reason for what happens and that lends hope to any situation. A non-believer might be able to see through the edginess of a story that life is about being an overcomer.

    Maybe through this style of writing and presentation both believer and non-believer can see we can choose to be an overcomer for Jesus and that is what keeps a person going. That each of us have a job to do, that God picked (in advance) this job, task and us, as the person to do it.
    God never said that the task will be pain-free and easy in fact, He said it will be very uncomfortable. It is our job to hang on to our joy and Jesus no matter the trial and we will prevail in the name of IAM!
    Michelle
    mconn@pdx.edu
    December 7, 2010 6:00 PM

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  13. Thanks for the great interview and the chace to win your book. I appreciate that you wrote about a topic that is so sensitive--and I think that's why it can reach out to both believers and non believers. It allows both to have a fictional realm to relate to from anything in the past and to help people to connect with those temptations and desires that still exist within us believers. Thank you for tacking a subject that is not an easy subject to talk about.
    cynthiakchow (at)earthlink (dot) net

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  14. Hope I can win this book. It sounds so good.
    Janice Ian

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  15. Now that I am feeling a bit better I thought I'd stop by again. I hope even if you don't win that several of you will go buy my book anyway. Help a starving artist and all that. Thanks!

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  16. I think an edgy story that goes in-depth about a person's personal life can minister to both believers and nonbelievers because both will be able to relate to and identify with such a story as real life. They will either know others who've had similar problems or have been through such things themselves.

    Both will find God loves mending and redeeming broken things, and God loves us. Forgiveness, redemption, faith, hope, and love are important aspects to both. Though nonbelievers may not be seeking redemption from God, they will seek it from friends and family and, at times, their spouses. A Christian story that simulates real life might turn nonbelievers around and redirect them on a new path. It might minister to believers by showing them that even Christians have to work their way through real-world problems in life where the devil is alive and active and tempting.

    I'd love to win, read, and review this book. It sounds like a real winner that will turn many onto your writing. May God bless you in your endeavors. Blessings, Barbara Robinson

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  17. This is me - trying to win a copy of NWH :)

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  18. Just dropping by to thank you. Christmas was wonderful, busy, and mostly internet-free, so I'm playing catchup with my virtual life, and apologizing for my lack of response!

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