Meet Inspirational Author, Michelle Stimpson
that experience, I decided that I'd write a very detailed outline for my second novel (tentatively titled Elephant Women), but as I began working on the novel, I felt extremely restricted and, in fact, began to dislike the novel. So, I pitched the outline and wrote what I wanted to. Soon we'll see how long it takes to edit! I've heard the outline referred to as a grocery list because an outline tells you what you must have - milk, bread, etc.. But if you want to get extra when you get there, that's okay, too. I'll find a happy medium one of these days!
8. SR: You upcoming book, "Boaz Brown", addresses racism, what audience did you have in mind to connect with when you wrote this book?
MS: This novel addresses racism in a different light and looks at how African-Americans perpetuate racism on our side of the fence and how prejudice itself knows no boundaries. I wrote the novel with the African-American female reader in mind. However, my White co-workers have expressed that the message in and of itself is so universal that it would be a shame if the novel wasn't marketed to readers of all ethnicities.
9.SR: Do you see yourself as a "Christian writer" or a female writer or other?
MS: I guess if I had to define myself, I'd start with being a Christian writer, then an African-American writer, and finally a female writer.
10.SR: Can you discuss any upcoming projects?
MS: Well, I recently submitted Elephant Women to my publisher. I'll find out soon! I would like to have someone publish my short stories and donate the proceeds to some kind of a reading organization. I really don't see my short stories as commercial products. As I said on my website, I feel that the schools who need the stories most are often the ones who can least afford it. That's my story and I'm sticking to it! So, if there's anyone out there who'd like to compile them and make a non-profit project out of it all, sent me an email!
11. SR: What is your opinion of book banning that goes on in middle schools and high schools?
MS: No comment - I'm really not up on this debate.
12. SR: Please complete this sentence, "My passion is (are):
MS: Christ, family, writing, reading, learning
Amen, Michelle, Thanks for your inspiration and insight into the world of children's literature as you see it
Latest Articles