Michelle Sutton and It’s Not About Me
I’m so excited to introduce you to Michelle Sutton aka Edgy Fiction Writer, who I met several years ago at an ACFW conference. Michelle is an awesome person and writer and I’m so excited to be part of her blog tour for her first release. I feel like I’ve traveled part of the road with her towards this publication. She’s editor of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Magazine, manages her own blog and online communities, is a great marketer and mom who works a nine to five, is ACFWs Volunteer Officer, and throws one great Chocolate party. Whew! Welcome Michelle!
Tell us a little about your family and your call to write.
Iâve been married for 18 years this month. I have two sons, and both are teens in high school. I felt the call to write in August 2003. So this month is my fifth anniversary for me as a writer as well.
How did you get your first âwriting break?â
HmmâŠnot sure what you mean by writing break? If you mean sold my first story? That was back during the summer of 2007, I think. Before that I finaled in some contests.
What do you write and why this genre?
I write womenâs fiction and romance. The series I sold happens to be YA because the story came out that way. But itâs not my primary genre.
Do you have any recent contracts and up coming releases?
Other than the book Iâve written and sequels? I have one that Iâm signing a contract on next month, but canât announce that yet. Iâm hoping for another contract for a three book series and itâs looking positive, but no guarantees until the offer is made. Thatâs up to the Lord whether or not I do an additional project.
What do you hope to accomplish through your novels?
I hope to introduce people to characters who make them think differently about things. I want my readers to see how good God is despite their circumstances and how he can redeem any situation.
And now for the tough questionsâŠ
How do you balance being a mom, wife, and writer?
Itâs weird, but I tend to be most productive when Iâm busy. I was like that in college, too. I got my best grades when I had a full course load and a full-time job.
Do you think itâs possible to give yourself fully to raising children, writing, and keeping in shape? If not, which one for you has to take a back seat?
LOL! I guess right now my back side is taking a back seat. Oy. Gone are the days when I could exercise every day. I need sleep more than a jog down the street.
When do you find the time to write, and do you ever feel like youâre neglecting your children when you write?
Nope. My boys are maintenance free. Easy as pie. They are teen boys. They do their chores, get all As in school, and are all-around decent kids. We enjoy each otherâs company and do things together but for the most part they can take care of themselves. Iâve been living blissfully for the past three years with virtually no hassles. No, Iâm not lying.
Man, you’re a lucky dog, or just an awesome mom!
How do you handle interruptions in your writing life?
I just go with the flow. Honestly, I canât focus on all that is undone or Iâd go nuts. So one day at a time. Thatâs how I manage. I do the best I can every day and hope I can keep up reasonably well.
How do you get back into the flow of writing after youâve been interrupted?
I try to write when no one is around. If I am interrupted I stop and do what needs to be done, then go back to it as soon as I can.
What do you do to encourage yourself during those stormy days every writing mom has?
Havenât had any stormy days in a long time. The first few years my hubby and kids wondered about why I spent so much time on the computer writing stories and I felt like I needed to sell something to justify my time spent writing. But they all agreed that it was going to happen in Godâs timing and I was called to write. Theyâve been very supportive.
Sounds a lot like me!
How do you position yourself to HEAR Godâs voice when all the noises of life are swirling around you?
Through music and quiet time. Sometimes I hear him while reading a novel. Or even better, I hear and feel Him when Iâm writing my own stories.
If you do feel your priorities slipping, what do you do to get back on track?
I take a break when I need to. Thatâs all I can do.
Has there ever been a time God told you to set aside your writing to focus on other areas of your life? If so, how did you handle that?
Not really. I donât spend a lot of time writing. The last full novel I completed (not this series) was finished in three and a half months and it was over 100,000 words.
Did you ever feel like youâve âmissedâ God in regards to writing, that maybe you should be doing something else?
Nope.
What advice would you give to writing moms who are have their hearts set on publication?
Keep working on your writing and donât get discouraged when things take longer than youâd like. God is preparing you in advance for what will come, and whatever His will may be for your life.
Is there anything else youâd like to share?
Nope. Just that Gina is a fabulous writer and friend. 🙂
Oww, thanks. So are you! And your chocolate parties rock! Can’t wait to read your book!
