Michelle Mitchell has always been creative; the builder of
play forts, and the writer of numerous songs that she hoped to hear on the radio.
She always enjoyed singing, dancing, reading and writing. One of her dreams was
to be a backup dancer for Janet Jackson, but when that didn’t happen, she
continued to focus on songwriting. She knew she could shine brightest if she
could work in a field where she could create, but she had an awkward start in
finding her voice.
A Georgia native, Michelle attended Georgia Southern
University where she majored in Communication Arts and minored in Journalism.
After graduating, she had a short stint as a feature writing before returning
to school and entering corporate America. Needing a creative outlet in between
courses, Michelle got inspired and began working on her first novel, Truth
Is.... After sending out several queries, she was humbled to receive an offer
to write for Jacquelin Thomas Presents, an imprint under Brown Girls
Publishing.
When she’s not writing, she enjoys trying new restaurants,
traveling, and reading. Michelle is a diehard fanatic of the Atlanta Falcons
and Atlanta Hawks. She still resides in Georgia, where she is a member of
Pilgrim Baptist Church in Marietta. You can write her at
New relationships are exciting—until they aren’t. What
happens when all the things left unsaid in a new relationship, come to the
forefront? Can a lack of disclosure close the door on love or will the truth
lead to a second chance?
These are the thoughts swimming through Ansley Wright’s head
as she explores her heart when Davis Montclair enters her life. Burned by hasty
decisions in the past, she’s reluctant to give him a chance, but the heart
wants what it wants.
Davis Montclair, a man burdened with a troubled past, was
not looking for love, but when he laid eyes on Ansley he would stop at nothing
to have her as his woman. It seems the
weight of the world is on his shoulders, as he tries to balance the drama that
follows him at every turn as he fights for a chance at love and redemption with
Ansley.
As they try to battle through the barriers thrown at them,
they will have to question if the truth will really set them free.
What inspired your book?
I was in grad school when I first started working on this
manuscript. During that time, the reoccurring theme in the news revolved around
men and women who were mislead or misinformed about the person that were
dating. From the pastor who spread HIV to unsuspecting women, the emergence of
the dating website Don't Date Him Girl.com, which allows women to post details
about their terrible dating experiences....there was a common theme. These men
and women built relationships with people who they thought they could trust.
Which led me to think about, the mask we where when we are dating someone. Not
everyone does this, but for those who do, what's the truth behind the dating
facade people wear when they are first meeting someone and what consequences
come with rushing into relationships. Everyone is so eager to have love, that
they often ignore the warning signs that are right in front of them.
What would you like readers to take away from your book?
I hope readers will be encouraged and realize the importance
of self-awareness, self-respect, and second chances.
Which character did you have the most fun writing about?
I enjoyed writing about Simeon. She's beautiful, smart, and
goes after what she wants, but behind her power, there's a vulnerability. I
can't wait to see if readers will root for her or tear her apart. From the few
that have gotten a chance to read the first three chapters, it does not look
like she will win any popularity contest.
What did you learn while writing this book?
I learned that I write "so" a lot. I still have
some developing to do, but I'm realizing I like a bit of mystery and drama. In
real life, I like to laugh, but I created some characters who lead drama-filled
lives. Self-inflicted, drama. I also learned that I didn't want to sacrifice
any characters, meaning if they behaved badly, I didn't want one character to
be so mischievous but I learned you can't get too attached.
What are three things you wish you’d known before you
reached where you are now?
Three things that I wish I would have known before
getting this opportunity are:
How to tell the
story without being too wordy. I want to give the reader everything, but I'm
learning you can still give them a great story without being excessively wordy.
How to write
enticing back cover copy. I think this may be due to my being too wordy,
because the back cover is short and should draw the reader in quickly.
How to set a
writing regiment and stick to that routine daily. I haven't figured out a
routine just yet.
What advice would you offer to someone whose first book is
about to be released?
Jacquelin, Reshonda, and Victoria are always encouraging us
to continue to learn and build our craft. My advice would be what I've taken
from them, which is to read style books, take courses, read the works of other
authors, and don't take critique too personal, it can help you grow as a
writer.
What’s the most interesting change in your life as a result
of being a published author?
I'm a shy person and creating has always been a outlet from
singing to writing songs...drawing, etc. But I've never been placed in a
situation where my words had to stand on their own. It's like exposing yourself
to the world. I've written for a publication but I wouldn't compare the two. As
my release date approaches I feel excited and very naked.
What are your three favorite social media platforms and how
are you using them for promotion?
I enjoy exploring on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. I'm
addicted to Pinterest, but have not learned how to best use it as a promotional
tool. With Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, I'm able to promote my book and
respond to queries. It's also great in that you can see who is following and
what their interest are once your follow them back. With Instagram and Twitter,
you can find trending topics and use those hashtags to further extend your
reach.
Oprah always asks, what do you know for sure?
I know that pain is temporary, and that I have to push ahead
through the hurt to see the rewards.
Anything you'd like to say to the readers of SORMAG?
My debut novel, Truth Is... under the Jacquelin Thomas
Presents imprint, with Brown Girls Books, will be available April 26. You can
also read my story, Plot to Take Over Washington in The Ex-Chronicles anthology
being released on March 8, from Brown Girls Publishing. I truly hope you will
enjoy those stories. Thank you.
If you enjoyed this post, please consider becoming a member of SORMAG's community - Join Today
Do you need help with your promoting? - http://sormag.com/advertise.htm
No comments:
Post a Comment