Writer
Potts Pages - Meet Michelle
November 13, 2015
This week I want to introduce you to my friend and mentor, Michelle Medlock Adams. Michelle is a gifted writer who has written numerous books for both children and adults. I met her a few years back at the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference. We became fast friends and she has been a wonderful encourager to me and I am one of her biggest fans.
Hello Michelle. Thanks for talking with us today. We want to get to know you. Tell us a little about yourself.
When did you start writing and why?
I actually began writing when I was in first grade. My first grade teacher, Mrs. True, taught us about poetry and then encouraged us to write a poem for a First Grade Poetry Contest. I was so excited about the assignment! I wrote a poem about my big fat wiener dog and called it, “Ode to Penny”—and it won! I think I was awarded a sparkly pencil and was given the privilege of going first in the lunch line that day as part of my reward for winning “Best Poem.” But I was actually given something much more than a sparkly pencil and a first-in-the-lunch-line position—I was given a hearty dose of confidence. I found out that day that I was actually sort of good at something, and it encouraged me to continue writing. I started writing all the time! While other kids played football and tag at recess, I curled up under a tree with my notebook and pencil and wrote songs and stories and poems. I went on to write many short stories; I wrote and put on a play in the fifth grade; and I became the editor of our sixth grade newspaper. By the time I was a senior in high school, I had won several more writing contests and decided I would pursue writing as a career, which I did. I ended up majoring in Journalism and graduating from Indiana University, ready to pursue my dream of making it as a full-time writer. I guess you could say I always knew I wanted to be a writer.
Today, I write because I feel called to write. Yes, it’s a job but it’s so much more than a job to me. I feel called to be an encourager through my writing. 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.
I know that you conduct workshops at writer’s conferences. What is the most important advice you give to writers?
Well, I think I give “a word in season” to individual writers at every workshop and conference where I am privileged to teach. I love that one-on-one time that I get with each writer, brainstorming and sharing. I always pray that God will use me in that way, and He does. But, a piece of general advice that I always give is this—don’t let others define you or put you in a box. Just because you haven’t ever written a children’s book doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t! If God has placed that desire in your heart, then He will equip you and open the doors. Our job? Just do what you know to do and be faithful and persistent.
You have published numerous books, won many awards and had much recognition for your writing. What do you consider the highlights of your 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 think one my favorite experiences 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.
Probably, the greatest highlight of my career thus far was winning the Selah “Book of the Year” award for my children’s book, “God Knows You” at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in 2014. It was so special. Contest Director Eva Marie Everson, who is one of my dear friends, quoted her late mother (Eva and I both lost our mamas around the same time) about the importance of putting the Word in the hearts of our children, and then she said that no children’s book had ever won “Book of the Year” in the history of the Selah Awards but that it was time because what children’s writers do is so important to the Kingdom of God. I was so touched by her words and so humbled by the honor. To look out over the crowd, filled with all of my friends and colleagues who were standing and cheering me on, meant the world to me. I felt like I was accepting the award for children’s writers everywhere. Even as I write this answer, I get emotional all over again.
Let’s talk about your children’s books first. Tell us about some of your favoritesand some of the ones that focus on the holidays?
My children’s books are like my children—they are all my favorites! But, I really love “I Will Not Be Afraid.” You know, I actually got the idea to write this 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. When kids finish reading “I Will Not Be Afraid,” I want them to know that God is way bigger than any fear they have ever had or will ever experience. I want children who read my book to feel a sense of peace deep down on the inside of them and develop a true confidence, knowing that even when life becomes scary and unsure, they have a loving Heavenly Father who is with them every step of the way.
As for my holiday books, I have several for this time of year: “What Is Thanksgiving?” “Happy Birthday, Jesus!” “Memories of the Manger” “What Is Christmas?” and “The Shepherds Shook in Their Shoes.”
I wrote “What Is Christmas?” because I wanted children to know the real reason we celebrate Christmas. I wanted children to know that it’s OK to hang stockings and sit on Santa’s lap and sing “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer,” as long as they know that Jesus is the reason for the season. I hope that all of my holiday books do that—point children to Jesus.
“What Is Thanksgiving?” “What Is Christmas?” and “Happy Birthday, Jesus!” are board books— perfect for little chubby hands. They are hardback books. “The Shepherds Shook in Their Shoes” and “Memories of the Manger” are picture books, great for a little bit older child.
Which of your adult books would make great gifts for the holidays?
Well, I have two books for women that debuted this year that I’m really proud of, “When Chocolate Isn’t Enough: An Inspirational Survival Guide for Moms” and “Love And Care for the One & Only You” (both published by Worthy). Both of those books would make wonderful gifts for the special women on your gift list.
The Chocolate book is specifically for moms—new moms to empty-nesters—and offers several chocolate recipes just for fun. And, “Love And Care for the One & Only You” is an inspirational book for women who are trying to take better care of themselves. It’s not your typical health and fitness book; rather, it’s a book filled with encouragement, humor, fitness tips, healthy recipes and lots of heart.
How can we buy your books?
You can find my books on my website: online, and each book has both an Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com link so you can easily purchase through my website. Also, most of them can be found in Christian and secular bookstores across the nation. And, some of my books can be found in Target, Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart.
Are you working on any upcoming projects that you can tell us about?
Yes, I just finished writing a children’s book specifically for celebrating a child’s birthday. So fun!
Also, I am finishing up a devotional book that’s written especially for cheerleaders, ages 8 to 12. I was a cheerleader back in the day; both of my daughters cheered (Abby cheered in college, even.); I’ve judged cheer tryouts; I’ve written for “American Cheerleader” and “American Cheerleader Jr.”; and I was a cheerleading coach. I love that I now have the opportunity to speak into these cheerleaders’ lives through the written word. I’m excited about it. It’s called, “Get Your Spirit On!”
Michelle as we close the interview, do you have a favorite scripture that you would like to share with us?
Jeremiah 29:11 is my life verse: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I love this verse because it clearly states that God has a plan for our lives, and that’s comforting to me. Knowing that God has a plan for me makes me just want to fulfill it even more, and it keeps me moving forward—no matter what. See, you have to know that God has a plan and believe that you are called to fulfill that plan, even on the day when you get 13 rejection letters. You have to “know it in your knower.” I finally know, and it makes every day mean so much more.
Thank you, Michelle for talking with us today. Be sure to check out Michelle’s Guidepost blog, Deadlines, Grocery Lines, Laugh Lines
Hello Michelle. Thanks for talking with us today. We want to get to know you. Tell us a little about yourself.
When did you start writing and why?
I actually began writing when I was in first grade. My first grade teacher, Mrs. True, taught us about poetry and then encouraged us to write a poem for a First Grade Poetry Contest. I was so excited about the assignment! I wrote a poem about my big fat wiener dog and called it, “Ode to Penny”—and it won! I think I was awarded a sparkly pencil and was given the privilege of going first in the lunch line that day as part of my reward for winning “Best Poem.” But I was actually given something much more than a sparkly pencil and a first-in-the-lunch-line position—I was given a hearty dose of confidence. I found out that day that I was actually sort of good at something, and it encouraged me to continue writing. I started writing all the time! While other kids played football and tag at recess, I curled up under a tree with my notebook and pencil and wrote songs and stories and poems. I went on to write many short stories; I wrote and put on a play in the fifth grade; and I became the editor of our sixth grade newspaper. By the time I was a senior in high school, I had won several more writing contests and decided I would pursue writing as a career, which I did. I ended up majoring in Journalism and graduating from Indiana University, ready to pursue my dream of making it as a full-time writer. I guess you could say I always knew I wanted to be a writer.
Today, I write because I feel called to write. Yes, it’s a job but it’s so much more than a job to me. I feel called to be an encourager through my writing. 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.
I know that you conduct workshops at writer’s conferences. What is the most important advice you give to writers?
Well, I think I give “a word in season” to individual writers at every workshop and conference where I am privileged to teach. I love that one-on-one time that I get with each writer, brainstorming and sharing. I always pray that God will use me in that way, and He does. But, a piece of general advice that I always give is this—don’t let others define you or put you in a box. Just because you haven’t ever written a children’s book doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t! If God has placed that desire in your heart, then He will equip you and open the doors. Our job? Just do what you know to do and be faithful and persistent.
You have published numerous books, won many awards and had much recognition for your writing. What do you consider the highlights of your 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 think one my favorite experiences 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.
Probably, the greatest highlight of my career thus far was winning the Selah “Book of the Year” award for my children’s book, “God Knows You” at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference in 2014. It was so special. Contest Director Eva Marie Everson, who is one of my dear friends, quoted her late mother (Eva and I both lost our mamas around the same time) about the importance of putting the Word in the hearts of our children, and then she said that no children’s book had ever won “Book of the Year” in the history of the Selah Awards but that it was time because what children’s writers do is so important to the Kingdom of God. I was so touched by her words and so humbled by the honor. To look out over the crowd, filled with all of my friends and colleagues who were standing and cheering me on, meant the world to me. I felt like I was accepting the award for children’s writers everywhere. Even as I write this answer, I get emotional all over again.
Let’s talk about your children’s books first. Tell us about some of your favoritesand some of the ones that focus on the holidays?
My children’s books are like my children—they are all my favorites! But, I really love “I Will Not Be Afraid.” You know, I actually got the idea to write this 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. When kids finish reading “I Will Not Be Afraid,” I want them to know that God is way bigger than any fear they have ever had or will ever experience. I want children who read my book to feel a sense of peace deep down on the inside of them and develop a true confidence, knowing that even when life becomes scary and unsure, they have a loving Heavenly Father who is with them every step of the way.
As for my holiday books, I have several for this time of year: “What Is Thanksgiving?” “Happy Birthday, Jesus!” “Memories of the Manger” “What Is Christmas?” and “The Shepherds Shook in Their Shoes.”
I wrote “What Is Christmas?” because I wanted children to know the real reason we celebrate Christmas. I wanted children to know that it’s OK to hang stockings and sit on Santa’s lap and sing “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer,” as long as they know that Jesus is the reason for the season. I hope that all of my holiday books do that—point children to Jesus.
“What Is Thanksgiving?” “What Is Christmas?” and “Happy Birthday, Jesus!” are board books— perfect for little chubby hands. They are hardback books. “The Shepherds Shook in Their Shoes” and “Memories of the Manger” are picture books, great for a little bit older child.
Which of your adult books would make great gifts for the holidays?
Well, I have two books for women that debuted this year that I’m really proud of, “When Chocolate Isn’t Enough: An Inspirational Survival Guide for Moms” and “Love And Care for the One & Only You” (both published by Worthy). Both of those books would make wonderful gifts for the special women on your gift list.
The Chocolate book is specifically for moms—new moms to empty-nesters—and offers several chocolate recipes just for fun. And, “Love And Care for the One & Only You” is an inspirational book for women who are trying to take better care of themselves. It’s not your typical health and fitness book; rather, it’s a book filled with encouragement, humor, fitness tips, healthy recipes and lots of heart.
How can we buy your books?
You can find my books on my website: online, and each book has both an Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com link so you can easily purchase through my website. Also, most of them can be found in Christian and secular bookstores across the nation. And, some of my books can be found in Target, Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart.
Are you working on any upcoming projects that you can tell us about?
Yes, I just finished writing a children’s book specifically for celebrating a child’s birthday. So fun!
Also, I am finishing up a devotional book that’s written especially for cheerleaders, ages 8 to 12. I was a cheerleader back in the day; both of my daughters cheered (Abby cheered in college, even.); I’ve judged cheer tryouts; I’ve written for “American Cheerleader” and “American Cheerleader Jr.”; and I was a cheerleading coach. I love that I now have the opportunity to speak into these cheerleaders’ lives through the written word. I’m excited about it. It’s called, “Get Your Spirit On!”
Michelle as we close the interview, do you have a favorite scripture that you would like to share with us?
Jeremiah 29:11 is my life verse: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
I love this verse because it clearly states that God has a plan for our lives, and that’s comforting to me. Knowing that God has a plan for me makes me just want to fulfill it even more, and it keeps me moving forward—no matter what. See, you have to know that God has a plan and believe that you are called to fulfill that plan, even on the day when you get 13 rejection letters. You have to “know it in your knower.” I finally know, and it makes every day mean so much more.
Thank you, Michelle for talking with us today. Be sure to check out Michelle’s Guidepost blog, Deadlines, Grocery Lines, Laugh Lines
Sue
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