JANET'S TREASURES: Welcome Michelle Sutton, Christian Romance Author

Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to visit!

How long have you been writing and when was your first book published?

I started writing in August 2003, then I became serious about writing (and to find out more about how to get published.) I attended the Sept 2004 ACRW conference in Denver. I sold my first book in 2007, and it released in 2008.

What advice or tips do you have for writers who are just getting started?

Don't get discouraged when things seem to take forever to go anywhere, and keep learning and applying what you learn.

Where do you get ideas for stories?

Usually from real life and people or situations I've become familiar with through work (I'm a social worker,) or from friendships I've had over the years.

Has anything surprised you about being an author?

Mainly how much work is involved once the book is sold and in going into print. It's not like you just hand it in and move on to the next project. You need to be actively involved in the promotion of your books, too.

Tell us how you come up with characters.

The characters from most of my books are completely made up and spring from other books I've written based on actual people I know or situations I've been involved in through work or church.

What is a typical writing day like for you?

Nothing is typical about me or my day. I write when I'm inspired to write. When I am not feeling up to it, I don't write. That way I never burn out. Fortunately I write fast and always hand my stuff in early. I've not missed a deadline yet.

How long does it normally take you to write a book?

The quickest I've written a 60,000 word book was about two and a half months just writing after work and on the weekends.

Where is your favorite place to write?

The back room when it's the right temperature in there. I don't like it when it's a bit too hot or cold as it breaks my concentration.

What is your favorite genre of Christian fiction?

I love to read historical fiction, and mostly inspirational historical romance.

What are you reading right now?

I am reading a book that is okay, but not great, so I'll pass on naming it right now. The last amazing book I read was Her Daughter's Dream by Francine Rivers. I finished that a few days ago.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax?

Read, of course.

What is your favorite movie?

Probably Charlotte Gray. I'm a sucker for WWII romances.

What 3 things would you rather not be without?

Books, coffee and chocolate. I've always got the Lord with me, so that's not an option. The other three, however, are essentials "in the flesh."

If you had the time and the money, what would you like to do?

I would love to tour the USA promoting Christian fiction and visiting bookstores. That's up to God when the situation becomes a reality for me.

How can readers and fans contact you?

http://www.michellesutton.net/

http://healingheartsseries.blogspot.com/

http://edgyinspirationalauthor.blogspot.com/

http://neverwithouthopethenovel.blogspot.com/

http://edgychristianfictionlovers.blogspot.com/
and I'm also on goodreads, shelfari, shoutlife, librarything, facebook and twitter. You can find links to facebook, twitter, and goodreads on some of my blogs and my website.

My Review of "First Love":

First Love, the second in the Tombstone Treasures series, is a wonderfully, edgy romance. I liked this one even better than the first one. If the trend continues, the third one should be a blockbuster! Michelle has written an edgy, Christian, romantic story that has a little bit of suspense thrown in.

Tara Hinkson has had a tough time since graduating from high school. Her mother was involved in a horrible car wreck that has left her with the mind of a 5 year old and severely disabled. Tara and her mother share a small house just down the street from the beauty shop where Tara works. Since her mother can not be left along, she has had to hire someone to be able to sit with her mom while she works. Can you imagine having to be the “parent” to your mom or dad? Wanting to be able to sit down and share your thoughts and feelings with them or even just to sit and hold each other and not being able to. That would be a very hard adjustment to make.

Josiah Reardon was Tara’s long time boyfriend in high school. Things got very heated in their relationship and they spent most of their time in bed. He broke off the relationship when he was getting ready to go off to college. Tara had not heard from him since then, several years, when he walks into her hair salon for a haircut. To say she was shocked would be an understatement. She didn’t really like the way she felt when she saw him. The old flame was still there, at least on her part. How did he feel?

The story takes us on Tara & Josiah’s journey of trying to build on the past relationship to make a future. But can that be? Every time they get near each other the old feelings take over. The ones that led to the bedroom. Since high school both of them have become Christians. They both know what they are doing is not right in God’s eyes but the flesh is weak and they don’t seem to be trying too awfully hard to be strong.

I really loved this book! I loved the characters! Michelle did an awesome job of developing them so that the reader can feel their emotions and know what they are going through. I could picture every place that Josiah and Tara were. I felt so bad for Tara’s mom and for Tara having to put her own life on hold all these years to take care of her mother. Michelle has written several good bible truths into her story without being “preachy”. Way to go, Michelle! You’ve done it again!