Author Michelle Sutton talks about her new book and answers a few other questions. Win a free copy!

Michelle Sutton is here today to talk about her newest release, It's NOT About ME. Please be sure to leave a comment so you can be put in the drawing to win a copy of this awesome book.

Welcome Michelle, it's good to have you here.

BIO: Michelle Sutton is a member of ACFW, Volunteer Officer on the ACFW Operating Board, Editor-in-chief for Christian Fiction Online Magazine, Sheaf House Marketing Director, edgy fiction writer, book reviewer, avid blogger/alliance member, CWOW blog mistress, mother of two teenagers, wife, pet owner, social worker by trade, and follower of Jesus Christ.

Plug time! Please tell us a little about your latest release and why readers should run out and buy it as soon as it hits the shelves.

It’s a fast paced story with characters who are very much like real people. It’s also edgy, so if you like a nice sweet prairie romance you won’t want to read my story. However, if you love angst, drama, and tension in a story you’ll probably like mine. Just don’t read it during a weeknight if you have to go to work the next day. I’ve been accused of keeping people up too late at night.

If you’re like me, you’re always writing something whether on the computer, in your head, scratch pieces of paper, etc. Where do you get your ideas? What triggers a story idea for you?

I may see someone in a situation and think, “what a great premise that would make.” But I’d say nine times out of ten I just feel like the idea came from the Lord. He’ll pull to mind some experiences I’d had either through work or my personal life and prompt me to create a tale using those scenarios or something very similar in order to bring the reader to a place where they will glean something from it.

In your opinion, what’s the toughest thing you find about writing? The easiest?

The toughest thing? I don’t know. Never had writer’s block. Maybe just sitting down and doing it. The easiest is actually writing the story. It’s like a movie reel is rolling in my head while my fingers type the story as I see it.

When did you start writing for publication and what did people say when they found out?

I started writing in August 2003 with the intention of selling to Steeple Hill’s Love Inspired line. I hadn’t a clue how to write so it was rejected, but considering that I had no experience at all, it was still a pretty good story. From that point on I’d be asked by everyone who knew me if I’d sold a manuscript yet. Then after my book came out in print people constantly ask how my book is doing in regards to sales. They seem to want to see me do well as an author rather than just being nosey. It’s funny how people just assume you’ll be quitting your day job in the future, like selling a novel will make you rich or something. They have no idea.

Tell me about it! (Although, I did quit my day job, but not just to write! LOL)

How long did it take you to get published?
Exactly five years and one month from the day I started my book was in print and for sale.

How do you choose your settings for each book?

Depends on the story. If it’s a story that I don’t want people to associate with my job or me as a state employee, then I’ll locate it in another state. Otherwise I will place it in Arizona.

What would you be doing with all the time you spend writing if you weren’t writing?

Reading, of course. I have been an avid reader all of my life.

Where’s your favorite place to write?

Smack dab in the middle of my living room.

How do you make time for God in the craziness of life?

I pray when I am walking or driving or just singing. I try to read my Bible regularly. I’m in a weekly Bible study and I never miss church. This all helps.

Tell us a little about your family.

I’ve been married for 18 years to a great guy. He graduated from high school before I was born so there is a big age difference, but we are very compatible. I have two sons who are sixteen and fifteen. One is a junior and the other is a sophomore in high school.

Who are your favorite authors?

Do you have all day? Sheesh, I love so many authors I’ll just list some right now off the top of my head. Siri Mitchell, Tosca Lee, Susan Meissner, Sherri Lewis, Melanie Dobson, Virginia Smith, Francine Rivers, Robin Lee Hatcher, Deb Raney, Rachel Hauck, Susan Page Davis, Julie Lessman, Kristin Billerbeck, Karen Kingsbury, Kathi Macias, J. M. Hochstetler, Victoria Christopher Murray, Michelle McKinney Hammond, Claudia Burney, Melody Carlson, Maureen Lang, Marlo Schalesky, Bonnie Leon, Sandra Glahn, Nancy Jo Jenkins, Tracie Peterson, Cindy Woodsmall, Kristin Heitzmann, Nancy Rue, Chris Fabry, Christa Banister, Tamera Leigh, Julie Klassen, Tracey Bateman, Deanna Dodson, Michelle Moran, Jenny B. Jones, Tricia Goyer, Allison Pittman, etc.

Wow! And I'm right there with you on the favorites. Just about everyone you listed is in my to-be-read pile right now...ha.

What’s next for you in the world of publishing?

The sequel to “It’s Not About Me” releases in Sept. 2009. It’s called “It’s Not About Him.”

What do you hope people take away from when they finish reading your book?

Examples of true love, real faith, and boundless joy for Christians and non-Christians alike.

How many books have you written? List them for us so we can be sure to find them in the bookstore or online!

For now you can only buy It’s Not About Me. Look for the sequel next year. The others are listed on my website and have not been sold yet.

What advice do you have for a beginning author?

Learn the craft and join a legitimate writer’s organization like ACFW where you can learn about the business and become a better writer before you try to sell something.

Any parting comments?

Thanks for the opportunity. Peace, everyone!

Thanks so much, Michelle.

Thanks for stopping by and chatting with us.

Readers can find Michelle online at:

http://edgychristianfictionlovers.ning.com
http://www.michellesutton.net
http://edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com
http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com

Just a reminder: Leave a comment and I'll enter you in the drawing for a free book. Winner will be announced on Saturday, November 8th!