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?