by Crystal Caudill | Aug 8, 2017 | Author Interviews
This week I would like to introduce you to nonfiction and fiction author, Harriet Michael. I have had the privilege of getting to know Harriet through my ACFW Writer’s Group. Harriet is a wonderful woman who gives me the inspiration to keep on going.
About Harriet Michael: 
Born in Nigeria, West Africa, as the daughter of missionaries, Harriet E. Michael is a writer, gardener, wife of over 37 years, mother of four, and grandmother of two.
She is the author of three books, “Glimpses of the Savior” published by TMP Publishing, “Prayer: It’s Not About You,” a finalist in the 2011 Women of Faith book contest, published by Pix-N-Pens Publishing Company, and “The Whisper of the Palms” published by Olivia Kimbrell Press.
Her stories, articles, and devotions have appeared in publications by Focus on the Family, Lifeway, Standard Publishing, David C. Cook Co., Bethany House, American Life League, Crosswalk.com, Christian Communicator, Judson Press, The Upper Room, Pentecostal Publishing House, Smyth and Helwys, and more.
Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions, Harriet.
You have many writing projects out there, both non-fiction and fiction. What are some of your current projects?
I am working on two books at the moment and will be getting a contract for a third any time. I’m under contract with Pix-N-Pens Publishing for a devotional book about prayer that I am co-writing with my childhood friend, Shirley Crowder. That book has a tentative release date of early December. Shirley and I have also been told we will be getting a contract for another nonfiction that PNP will release sometime next year, summer or fall of 2018.
In addition, my husband and I have co-written a book about his time as a trustee at Southern Seminary from 1984-1994. This book is at the “finding a publisher” stage. We have an agent friend who has been helping us. We recently sent him the finished book proposal along with several strong endorsements of the book so now the waiting game begins.
I also constantly freelance small pieces and have many of those irons in the fire, as always. I have a short story out in the newest Chicken Soup for the Soul (the one about dogs that released Aug 6) and several articles and devotions in various stages of publication.
What has been your favorite project so far? Why?
I don’t think I have a favorite. I really have only written two fiction works—a novel and a short story. The short story is, as of yet, unpublished. Both are fiction based on fact. Writing fiction and writing nonfiction are very different experiences and I am hard pressed to try and decide which I like more.
Writing nonfiction, which I do most of the time, feels like an itch I get to scratch. It’s pulls at me, begging me to write it. So, the experience feels quite satisfying, like soothing an itch or fulfilling a calling. Writing fiction, on the other hand, feels like play. It’s a lot of fun but in some ways less satisfying. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope to write more fiction in time.
What has God taught you along your publication journey?
That question almost makes me chuckle. One of the greatest lessons He teaches me in the publication journey is humility. I am always amused and often embarrassed at the mistakes an editor or publisher finds in my work that I did not catch.
He has also taught me patience, many times over!
What is your work schedule like when you are writing?
I have a better routine in the school year instead of the summer, even though I am busier in the school year. I work as a substitute teacher, three days a week and somehow having that routine helps me use the other two days for writing more efficiently. In the summer, I have a long list of projects I want to get done, and then I find weeks have gone by without meeting my writing goals. Basically, I try to sit down at the computer for a few hours at a time at least two days a week. But I do not have a specific routine, and I write as the need (or deadline) arises.
What is one of the most surprising things you have learned while working on your projects?
Actually, the fact that I can write at all is a surprise to me. In high school, I loved writing but hated all the red marks I received for all of my punctuation and spelling mistakes. To see something I have written, all cleaned up by an editor, in a form that appeals to readers, is still a pleasant surprise to me.
What are you reading right now?
Betty Thomason Owen’s, “Sutter’s Landing” I loved the first in this series and am enjoying this sequel a lot.
What do you like to do when you aren’t reading or writing?
I enjoy family and church things like Bible study, fellowships, fun with my family. I also love working on projects around the house—painting, gardening, redecorating. I enjoy drawing too, but do not do it very often.
Connect with Harriet on her Amazon Author Page, Facebook, or her Blog: http://harrietemichael.blogspot.com/.
Then come back next week to meet Betty Owens, author of Sutter’s Landing.
by Crystal Caudill | Jul 25, 2017 | Author Interviews
Last week you read my review of new-to-me author Monica Mynk’s book, The Billboard Bride. If you haven’t read it, I suggest you do. It was a cute story with lots of humor. Today, Monica has graciously agreed to be interviewed.
Monica Mynk is a wife, mother, and high school science teacher from Central Kentucky. She has worked with college, teenage, and middle-grade girls in both secular and spiritual arenas for over twenty-five years. She has also served as Bible class teacher, Bible camp counselor, ladies’ day speaker, ladies’ devotional leader, and youth coach for the Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes program. She has always been an avid reader and loved creative writing, and has devoted many years to independently studying the craft.
Thank you for agreeing to an interview, Monica.
How would you describe yourself in five words?
Motivated daughter of the King
As a wife, mother, teacher, and speaker, how is it you have time to write?
Well, years ago I read a quote from Khaled Hosseini, who wrote The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns (if you haven’t read these books, stop reading! Go right now and get them!). He was a doctor, and woke up at 5:00 a.m. every day to write. I thought if he can, why couldn’t I? So I force myself to. That’s how I ended up with eight books and more coming.
“Pennies make dollars, and words make novels.” – Monica Mynk
How has your writing journey impacted your faith?
Writing has certainly deepened my faith. I started writing fiction several years ago after losing my best friend to cancer. When I started, it was therapy. Friends and fellow ACFW writers like Rose McCauley, Ralene Burke, Betty Thomason Owens, and Victoria Bylin offered advice and inspiration. Now, it’s a huge part of who I am. Sometimes I write blogs about Bible journaling and contextual studies, which has been awesome! If you want to get started with Bible Journaling, I highly recommend Kathy Pollard’s blog: http://comefillyourcup.com/features/bible-marking-features/
How do you minister to others?
I write broken girls, as reassurance that they can find their way back to God. I speak at ladies days, mostly at Churches of Christ. My usual topic is Ungodly Clutter, which is the title of my ladies Bible study book. Other topics include Being Less, What’s Your Calling? and A Sweet-Smelling Savior. More information is available at this link: https://monicamynk.com/speaking/
What was your publishing journey like?
My writing journey is complicated. I was with a small publisher, but have since retained the rights to all my books. I now do everything under my DBA, Prodigal Daughter Publishing. It was a leap of faith for sure, but this works out so much better for me. I often donate books to homeless shelters and such. It’s nice to be able to purchase my own books at the Createspace price instead of having to pay extra to someone else. I’ve learned every step of the process, from cover design to editing to formatting, and sometimes (when I’m not swamped with teaching) I offer these services to other authors. https://monicamynk.com/author-services/
The prices listed are general, but I will try to work with an author to meet their budget when I can. I especially like to do chapter edits, which is a good way for someone who’s never had an edit to get their feet wet with the process.
Are you a planner or a seat of your pants plotter?
I’m sort of a hybrid between a pantser and planner. I free-write about 10,000 words to “find the story” then plan each chapter out in great detail. I keep a ton of notes. Otherwise, characters have odd hair color or name changes!
You have eight books out now, The Billboard Bride being the newest. What inpired you to write The Billboard Bride?
The Billboard Bride is a story for my daddy. I designed the cover, and my friend Lora Doncea edited it. It’s 100% about my stubbornness during my teen and college years. Dad is my champion and my rock, and the character of Wayne Lee was inspired by him. A farm accident and diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease have slowed him some, but we’ve had so many great farm memories over the years. I also wanted to write something light and funny, in contrast to the romantic suspense I normally write. It’s meant to poke lighthearted fun at the over-the-top bridezilla movement. Hopefully, no one in real life is stubborn enough to take things as far as Melanie did, but these days I’m not so sure. My favorite parts to write were the scenes with Gertie. It may seem kind of crazy giving a cow a personality, but true farmers know they really do have their own character.
Out of all your books, if you could be one character, which one would you be and why?
If I could be a character from one of my books, I’d be Callie from Cavernous, because of her bravery. I write brave characters in the hopes that if I ever have to face a situation so frightening, I won’t back down from my faith. Steadfast like a tree…
Who is your fictional man crush?
My fictional man crush? Hmm…great question! I think maybe Max Jacobs from Ronie Kendig’s Nightshade. His struggle with PTSD was so real and touched my heart.
What is your favorite joke? Corny or otherwise.
My favorite joke. Well, you did ask for it 🙂 What do you do with a sick chemist? Answer: If you can’t helium or curium, you have to barium.
Oh my goodness! I love that one, Monica! I am a corny joke fanatic! Is there anything else you would like to share with my readers?
I’m always looking for reviewers and will happily send free digital copies to anyone who’s interested.
Thanks for sharing Monica! I really appreciate you taking the time to share with my readers.
If you are interested in learning more about Monica’s books or her speaking engagements, check out her website at https://monicamynk.com/.
