It's Not About Me by Michelle Sutton

I’m thrilled to have Michelle Sutton as a guest on my blog this week. Her debut novel, It’s Not About Me, has been awarded 4 stars by Romantic Times!

Michelle is one of the first friends I made in the writing/publishing world. We met almost five years ago through American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and worked as critique partners for several years. I've learned a great deal from her.

Michelle is a prolific writer with a passion for telling real stories that don’t minimize the hard stuff in life. Her characters are real people who struggle with sexuality, abuse, addiction, and self-worth - you name it, she’s not afraid to write about it. Her background as a social worker gives her much to draw upon. No wonder she’s known as the “Edgy Inspirational Author.” Through story, Michelle shares how new life can come from a relationship with Christ.

I have a few questions for her, but first let me tell you about the young adult (YA) novel, It’s Not About Me.

Annie has it all. She’s attractive, graduated with honors, was accepted at the college of her choice, has supportive parents, good friends, and a steady boyfriend who loves her. The focus of her life is to please everyone and not make any waves. Her reputation means everything to her.

But one night Annie’s safe world is shattered. As she fights to put the pieces of her broken life back together, against her will she is caught in a war between two brothers, both of whom claim to have her best interests at heart.

Who will Annie choose? And will she finally come to know the One whose love will never fail, even in her darkest hour? Will she learn the truth about life – that it’s not about “me”?

It’s Not About Me is not a fluffy novel. In this touching story, the characters learn to heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Readers will embrace Annie, Tony, and Dan with open arms as they join them on a journey of twists and turns.

Questions for Michelle . . .

You tackle some difficult topics in this book. What's the most important thing you want readers to take away?

What real faith and real love is. So many people accept far less and it's a shame, but they don't know that there is anything better than what they know. I pray they see that there is through my story.


There’s been a lot of buzz about It’s Not About Me. You’ve received wonderful reviews and endorsements. Have you received any feedback from general readers?

Lots of feedback from people I don't know and so far it has all been very positive. And encouraging. I guess people want to read about real issues in fiction.


You’re known as the Edgy Inspirational Author. How do you define edgy and why is it important to you to write edgy fiction?

For me it means telling it like it is. No sugar coating, but honest, gut-wrenching true-to-live pain and issues. I think with great tragedy comes great faith and I hope to show that in a realistic manner. My goal is to present temptation and consequences as they really are so that people can learn vicariously through the fictional character and hopefully avoid doing those same things.


You’re a wife, mother, social worker, book reviewer, and editor for an online magazine. How do you find time to write?

That is a FAQ (frequently asked question) and the truth is that I do it when I can. I don't watch television and just plan/structure my time to make the most of every minute.


Thanks, Michelle!

Michelle works hard at her writing, but she also supports and promotes other writers. She’s developed a great reputation as a book reviewer within the industry. You can read her reviews at www. edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com . She’s created a network for readers and writers of Christian fiction found at http://edgychristianfictionlovers.ning.com/ . More recently, she became an editor and helped to launch the new Christian Fiction Online Magazine found at http://christianfictiononlinemagazine.com/ .

She lives in Arizona with her husband of more than eighteen years and her two teenage sons. You can read more about Michelle at http://www.michellesutton.net/