Thursday, September 25, 2008

It's Not About Me by Michelle Sutton

I’ve got a treat for readers today—an interview with the indefatigable Michelle Sutton! Yes, I know that’s a huge, obscure word to describe this lovely lady, but it means energetic, enthusiastic, and unstoppable. I think that sums up a woman who continues to pour her all into writing and promoting Christian fiction. She’s an avid book reviewer and the editor of Christian Fiction Online magazine. Her debut novel, It’s Not About Me, released this month from Sheaf House publisher. Read on and answer a question at the end for a chance at a free, signed copy of It’s Not About Me.

Q: So, Michelle, what is your new book about, and what inspired you to write it?

A: My story is about a young woman who has a great future ahead of her, but weak faith and a boyfriend who is putting pressure on her to do more than she wants to physically. When she is attacked and he finds her in a pool of blood, he bails and his brother visits her to provide friendship and comfort while she is healing at the hospital. She begins to have feelings for the brother and thus a love triangle ensues. What inspired me to write it was I had a friend who had the same thing happen to her while she was alone in the church office.

Q: What readership do you hope to attract to the book, and what do you hope they will take away from the experience of reading It’s Not About Me?

A: I hope to attract all readers but I desire for young adults (16-23) to discover the story and be inspired by the message. I hope they will see what true love really is, understand that faith isn’t just about being good and attending church, and that they will choose to wait for the person God has in mind for them to marry.

Q: Describe your writer’s journey for us and that sparkling moment when you learned your book was going to be published?

A: I started writing in August of 2003 and kept writing until I’d completed about 10 books before this one sold. Two aren’t really publishable. I call them practice books. I sort of knew for awhile that my book was sold and was just waiting for the timing, so it wasn’t really a big surprise or anything.

Q: Where can readers buy your book?

A: Right now there seems to be a shortage, but it is being backordered on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com and CBD (Christianbook.com) but people should be able to order it in bookstores, too, such as BDalton books, Borders, Barnes and Noble, etc. However, it is unlikely that most stores will carry it simply because it’s a small press and the application to have my book on display in stores is still pending. So by ordering it I mean going up to the desk and asking for it to be ordered, then picking it up when it comes in.

Q: Give us your web site address so we can find out more about you, your book, and even read the first chapter.

A: http://www.michellesutton.net/

Yes, you can read the first chapter on my site, too. There is a link to it on the page featuring my book.
Thanks for sharing with us today, Michelle. Many blessings as you pursue your ministry in Christian fiction.

Now, for those of you interested in a chance at the book, post a comment with the answer to this question: Michelle is the editor of what magazine?




19 comments:

Anonymous said...

HI!
Answer to your question: She's the editor of Christian Fiction Online Magazine.


Thanks for the interview. I just read the book and it's fantastic.

Mimi N said...

Trust me, I know how hard it is to get your hands on a copy of this book! I thought it'd be a the ACFW conference bookstore, no luck. Headed to B&N and learned they weren't carrying it. Checked 2 of the Christian bookstores during the week before...way too much disappointment. :( Please enter me to win since they seem so few and far between! Good for Michelle, bad for us readers!

Blessings,
Mimi B

mnjesusfreak at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to read Michelle's book.

Michelle is the fabulous editor for The Christian Fiction Online Magazine. In my humble opinion, the very best Fiction magazine in the business. :)

Please sign me up for your contest.

windycindy said...

Hello, Michelle is the editor of the
"Christian Fiction Online Magazine!"
She does great work. Please enter me in your drawing for her book. Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Cherie J said...

She's the editor of Christian Fiction Online Magazine. Wonderful interview!

cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com

Jeannie Marie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jeannie Marie said...

She's the editor of Christian Fiction Online Magazine.

Thanks for the interview.
Please enter me into the contest. Thanks.

Jeannie

Ladycatherine423@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

Michelle is the editor of Christian Fiction Online Magazine. I've heard a lot about the book and am looking forward to reading it.
sarahwoll at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Hello, my dear ole' Michelle is the editor of Christion Ficiton Online Mag. l would love a copy of her book for my son who is in college at Liberty. Priscillajdm at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I think it's christian fiction online magazine. Plase enter me in the contest to win a copy of her newly published book .
Anna marie Bajus

Deena Peterson said...

Hi Jill!

If it's not too late, enter me. I'm finding it IMPOSSIBLE to get my hands on a copy:-(

And of course, she's the editor in chief of my FAVORITE Christian Fiction Magazine. Christian Fiction Online Magazine, created by Christian Fiction Blog Alliance:-)

Edgy Inspirational Author said...

LOL! You are all so great. I am flattered, Deena. I wish you could all win but I'm not rich. :)

Carolynn said...

I love reading the Christian Fiction Online magazine....so I know that she is the editor. Thanks for the chance to win Michelle's book!
carolynnwald[at]hotmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

I think you've heard the answer enough times!! Can I still have a chance to win?!!

ldneuhof at hotmail dot com

cathikin said...

Indefatiguable is a wonderful word to describe Michelle! I wish I'd thought of it. Like Bigguysmama, I had a hard time finding it, but then it came in at two places where I had left orders: Amazon.com and Christianboook.com. By the way, in the past I have intentionally gone to book stores and asked them to order it for me. Most of the Christian bookstores get their books through Spring Arbor distributors, so they should be able to order it. So a few request might lead them to start stocking a few!

Thanks for the inteview, Jill.

Janna said...

She is the editor of Christian Fiction Online Magazine!

Please enter me - and the ACFW bookstore did have it - just not for long :-)

Janna
ryanx6 at msn dot com

Ashley E said...

Michelle is the editor of Christian Fiction Online Magazine.

Great interview. I can't wait to read this book for the book loop!

ashley.vanburen[at]gmail[dot]com

Hope Chastain said...

Christian Fiction Online magazine. Please enter me! Thanks!

hope_chastain [at] yahoo [dot] com.

Jill said...

Congratulations to Lisa Buffaloe on winning the signed copy of It's Not About Me. Thanks for entering, and stay tuned to this blog for more book giveaways!