Bestseller Interview – Michelle Medlock Adams

[author title=”Michelle Medlock Adams” image=”https://www.almostanauthor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Michelle_2966.jpg”]Michelle Medlock Adams is an award-winning journalist and best-selling author, earning top honors from the Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Hoosier State Press Association. Author of over 70 books and a regular blogger for Guideposts, Michelle has written more than 1,000 articles for newspapers and magazines since graduating with a journalism degree from Indiana University. In October 2014, her book Encouraging Words for Mothers (Barbour) won the Award of Excellence for Nonfiction Books from CLASS Christian Writers Conference Book Contest. And, her book God Knows You won “The SELAH Award” for Best Children’s Book in 2014, as well as “Book of the Year.” Also, her children’s book, My Big Book of Prayers, claimed “The SELAH Award” for Best Children’s Book in 2012. [/author]

Can you share a little about your recent book?

My latest book is “When Chocolate Isn’t Enough: An Inspirational Survival Guide for Moms” (Worthy) which debuted in March 2015?

It’s a devotional for mamas, (especially mamas who love chocolate) filled with encouragement, humor and even various yummy chocolate dessert recipes. I love writing for moms. I have written several books just for moms including, “Little Blessings from a Big God” (Whitestone), “Daily Wisdom for Mothers” and “Encouraging Words for Mothers” (Barbour Books).

Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?

I write because I feel called to write. If there is a thread running through my books, I’d say it’s encouragement. Whether I’m writing a children’s book or a book for women, I always infuse it with hope and encouragement. My goal? I pray that my work always brings people to Jesus.

How long have you been writing? And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract?

I have been writing since I was in first grade. I always knew I wanted to be a writer. While my friends were playing football and tag at recess in elementary school, I was curled up under a tree with my notebook and pencil, jotting down silly poems. I’ve always loved to write. I became the editor of my elementary school newspaper, “The Panther Paw” in 6^th grade, and that’s when I began really taking writing seriously. I think I realized it was something I was truly good at, and I wanted to explore it with more passion at that point. I graduated with a journalism degree from Indiana University in 1991 and I’ve been “a professional writer” ever since.

I went to my first Christian writers’ conference (The Glorieta Christian Writers Conference in New Mexico) in the fall of 1999, and everything changed for me. I sold my first two children’s books at that conference—“Sister For Sale” and “Why I Love You, God” to two different publishing houses, Zonderkidz and Concordia. That’s why I always encourage writers to attend conferences where they can meet with editors and publishers face to face and pitch their work.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Well, it depends on the length of the book. I wrote “What Is Easter?” during a lunch hour. But, when I wrote “Daily Wisdom for Mothers” which is a 365 day devotional, it took four months. I once turned around a 45,000 word non-fiction book for a ghostwriting client in five weeks. That wasn’t ideal, but I made it work because she had a deadline and her other writer had dropped the ball.

What’s your writing work schedule like? I always have more than one thing on my plate at a time so I write what’s “hot” first, meaning whatever is due first. I’m not a morning person so I typically don’t write much of anything before 10 a.m., other than returning Email and doing a little marketing work. My best writing time is from 10 p.m. to about 2 a.m. I’m definitely a night owl.

Do you have an interesting writing quirk? If so, what is it?

I like to write while I “watch” Doris Day movies. (I don’t really watch them; I listen to them, because I already know every scene and every word from seeing them so many times.) You’ll usually find “Pillow Talk” or “That Touch of Mink” playing in the background while I work. But, if I’m not at home writing, I love to write in a place of beauty, particularly the beach. I love to sit on a beach somewhere and listen to the ocean and get inspired. It’s so peaceful, and the sounds of the sea make me become more creative.

What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?

My greatest joy is whenever I get emails from readers who say, “I read your devotional today and actually felt closer to God. Thank you for bringing me back to God…” When I get those messages, it makes what I do day in and day out worthwhile. I truly feel called to do this, and I’m honored that God chose me to write for Him. But I think my favorite experience was getting to interview many of the Hollywood stars and sports celebrities associated with the Paramount movie, “Blue Chips.” I was paid by Paramount to play a sports photographer in the movie (as an extra) and that gave me access to interview many celebrities such as noted college basketball coach Bob Knight, celebrated basketball coaches Rick Pitino and Jerry Tarkanian; actress Mary McDonnell and many more. It was a total blast to be on the movie set every day for two weeks. I loved every minute of that process.

What has been your darkest moment(s)?

When my mother died of cancer, it really shook me and my faith. You see, I had interviewed many people in my career, people who had been healed of cancer and had glorious testimonies of supernatural health. So, I truly believed that my Mom would receive her healing and that I would write her story of how God took the impossible and made it possible. But, Mom’s story didn’t end that way. She joined my father in heaven in May 2006. At that point, I had to decide if I was going to believe and trust God and continue writing for Him, or if I even believed anything I was writing anymore. I was mad at God. I was mad that my Mom had died. And, I didn’t know if I wanted to serve God anymore, let alone write about His goodness. It was a turning point in my life and in my career the night that I said, “I don’t understand all of this God, but I still love You and I trust You.” God met me right where I was, and He loved me through it. I have written many stories about my mother, her faith-filled life, and her death, and I’ve found that the lessons I learned going through that dark time couldn’t have been learned any other way.

Which of your books is your favorite?

“I Will Not Be Afraid” is probably my favorite book because I know how many children have been impacted by its simple message of facing fear and saying, “I Will Not Be Afraid!” This book is about a little girl who faces her fears, realizing that she doesn’t have to be afraid because God is with her. You know, I actually got the idea to write a children’s book dealing with fear right after 9-11. My girls were very young when that transpired, and they had so many questions and very real fears. My husband and I did our best to assure them that they were safe and that God was still on the throne, but it was still a very difficult time for them and everyone in our country. That’s what prompted me to write this book, but I wanted to address more than just the fear of war and tragedy. I wanted to address common childhood fears like being afraid of the dark and fear of scary storms and meeting new people. I had no idea how God would use that book over and over again. Whenever there is a tragedy in the world, such as the Newtown, Connecticut shootings at that elementary school or the tornado in Moore, Oklahoma that tore through that elementary school and killed seven children, Concordia sends lots of copies of “I Will Not Be Afraid” to distribute to the fearful children in the area. I am humbled every time I hear how God continues to use that book.

Who is your favorite author to read?

I love to read non-fiction—especially biographies and self-help/improvement titles. I love Joel Osteen’s books. I am currently reading “John Adams” by David McCullough, as well as a romance called “One Wish” by Robyn Carr. As for a favorite children’s author—I love funny, quirky poetry so Shel Silverstein is still my fave.

What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have listened to?

I attended the Write to Publish Conference early in my career, and the man teaching that particular continuing class said, “Split your time 50 percent between marketing yourself and your writing, and 50 percent actually writing.” I remember thinking he was crazy…how could I limit my writing time to only 50 percent? I thought, I’m a writer not a marketer. I later learned the value of his advice when I neglected marketing myself to gain other assignments for four whole months because I was too busy writing a 365 day devotional and had no extra time for marketing. Then, at the end of those four months, I turned in that devotional and had no work waiting for me, which is important when you’re a fulltime freelance writer. It was like I had to start all over and reestablish all of those editorial contacts that I’d neglected while writing non-stop for those four months. I’ve never made that mistake again. Now, I always split my time pretty evenly between marketing myself and my work, and actually producing copy for my existing assignments.

What is the single greatest tool you believe a writer should have in his or her toolbox?

Practically speaking, a laptop computer so you can write anywhere at any time. But spiritually speaking, a promise or a theme verse to stand on that reminds you why you do what you do. My life verse is Jeremiah 29:11…it reminds me that God has a good plan for my life. So even on the days when I get four rejection letters or find out that the Pub board has passed on my latest book proposal, I can look to that verse and confidently know that God loves me and that He has a good plan for my life. It sort of puts everything into perspective for me.

How many times in your career have you experienced rejection? How did they shape you?

Too many times to list. I even teach a workshop called, “From Rejection to Publication.” You have to know that sometimes a rejection letter is simply a no thank you. It doesn’t mean that you’re a bad writer or that your idea wasn’t a good one; it could just mean that the particular publishing house you queried just bought a similar project. There’s no way you could’ve known that! I always tell writers that you have to love what you do and believe that you’re called to write on the day you get a big fat publishing contract and on the day you receive four rejection letters. Don’t get discouraged. Keep on submitting! Keep on working! And, keep on seeking the Father for direction. And, hold on for an amazing (though sometimes bumpy) ride.

Do you have a favorite character or scene in one of your books?

I have a favorite story in my latest Chocolate book…it’s about the time when Allyson, my youngest daughter, chose to dress up like our wiener dog instead of me on her preschool’s “Dress Up Like the Person You Most Admire” day. I lost out to a dachshund! The story is called, “It’s a Dog Eat Dog World.”

Where do you get your ideas?

From lots of places. I actually teach a workshop about this, too, called, “Become an Idea Machine” where I share all of the ways/places I find ideas: newspapers, magazines, the Internet, my journal, conversations, my pastor’s sermons, nature, movies, etc. When you begin thinking like a writer, ideas will appear everywhere you go. It just happens that way.

What are common mistakes you see aspiring writer’s make?

The most common mistake I see? They give up too easily. You have to be persistent in the quest to be published. You have to believe in yourself and your writing and keep on keeping on until you find your voice and the right place to showcase your work. I see too many writers give up after only a few rejection letters. That makes me sad.

Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market?

The best way to jumpstart your writing career is to attend writers’ conferences. You’ll not only learn more about the craft of writing and how to market your work, but also you’ll be able to pitch your work to editors and publishers in person! If you’re a children’s writer, you should attend a Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI) workshop, as well as a Christian writers’ conference like the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. You can find a listing of various conferences in every genre at shawguides.com online.