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Urban Reviews: Can you tell us what your latest book Trouble
In My Way is all about?
Michelle Stimpson: All her life, Karis has been told by her
single mom (who is also active in women's ministry) that Karis will
do great things for God. But right now, 16-year-old Karis is not
trying to hear that. She's busy trying to get a license, get to the
truth about her father's girlfriend, and get to know a really cute
guy without her mom finding out how old the guy really is. Karis
knows right from wrong and she really doesn't go out looking for
trouble - but sometimes trouble gets in the way.
Urban Reviews: Considering this is a teen novel, where do you draw your ideas
for this storyline?
Michelle Stimpson: I've kept a diary since I was 12, so jumping into the teen mode was
not difficult for me. I re-read those diaries to get a feel for the
voice and simply fell in love with Karis.
Urban Reviews: Has your love of writing been with you from an early age, or did
you just decide to jump into it at a later age?
Michelle Stimpson: My mother says that when I was younger, my face was always in a
book. I suppose the love of reading fed my love of writing. I think
that journaling - something I started doing as a stress-reliever -
was what led to writing books.
Urban Reviews: You also have another recently released Christian Fiction novel
titled The Good Stuff. Can you tell us what this book is all
about?
Michelle Stimpson: The Good Stuff is about two women in two miserable marriages who get
mentored by three seasoned women of God. It's a book that I believe
will bless women who are struggling in their marriages - marriage
isn't "all or nothing." I believe our aunts and grandmothers knew
this, and we have to find ways to draw from their wisdom to make our
homes and families stronger.
Urban Reviews: Do you think you would consider writing more teen novels in the
future?
Michelle Stimpson: Most definitely! I want to write a sequel to Trouble In My Way and
also write more books for our teens.
Urban Reviews: Is there an author, past or present, who has inspired you to
become a writer?
Michelle Stimpson: I really enjoyed J. California Cooper's work. There are so many
authors, however, who inspire me to write - every time I read a book
I'm inspired to fire up the laptop!
Urban Reviews: What upcoming works can readers look forward to from Michelle Stimpson?
Michelle Stimpson: I'm working on a few novels right now, but there are not dates in
stone. The most pressing work I'm doing right now is actually with
my business - publishing short stories for teens, sold mostly to
school districts and teachers. My background in education comes in
very handy!
Urban Reviews: What has been your most challenging obstacle to overcome in the
book business?
Michelle Stimpson: The biggest challenge has been the marketing. I'm a writer, but I've
had to learn the marketing end of things which takes me way out of
my comfort zone! I'm thankful to God, however, because this
experience has been what's made me successful in publishing in the
educational arena.
Urban Reviews: What do you ultimately want to accomplish as a writer?
Michelle Stimpson: I want to write books and stories that encourage people to live life
to its fullest. I understand that to mean living a life in Christ,
and I hope to inspire others to do live their lives in a way that
pleases Him.
Urban Reviews: Is there anything else you would like to share with us about you
or your books?
Michelle Stimpson: Just be sure to check me out online:
www.michellestimpson.com.
And may God bless you!
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