Questions
for Michelle Lindo-Rice
Tell us a
little about yourself – Where you grew up, your spiritual background, family.
I am
originally from the island of Jamaica, and I migrated to America at eleven
years of age. I lived in New York City most of my life before relocating to
Florida about 10 years ago. My family is close-knit and most of my siblings
live in the same town. My father is a minister, so I am highly involved in
ministry from a child.
Are you
single, married or engaged? Children?
I am a single mother of two teenaged boys.
What
inspired you to become a writer?
I have
always enjoyed writing, and began writing songs from a teen. I love words, and
telling stories. I was inspired to become a writer because I love to read. I
also know that this is a ministry that God has given me to draw others to HIm
and His word.
What
hurdles did you have to overcome through this process?
I have
overcome 12 years of rejections to get here, but God sent me on a trip to a
Faith & Fiction retreat in Florida where I learned, pitched my work and was
offered a book deal.
I also had low self-confidence, though I was
capable. Because I realized that I needed to write, and that writing was my
passion, I have begun learning to self-promote, to believe in myself and to am
learning how to market myself.
Who are
your favorite authors and why?
Michelle
Lindo-Rice: I have so many, and the lists are growing LOL. I have read every
single Victoria Christopher Murray book because her books were the first I read
that showed characters I could relate to. She has amazing writing skills. I
also love work by Shana Johnson Burton, and Rhonda McKnight because their
characters never fail to make me laugh and root for them.
Tell us a
little about your upcoming novel. Who is the protagonist and what is the
premise?
WALK A
STRAIGHT LINE looks at the lives of two best friends and how the dynamic of
their friendship changes in the course of a year. Colleen, a newlywed, is the
protagonist who has rededicated her life to the Lord and learns how much God is
needed to sustain her marriage. She has to fight some serious battles,
including an interfering mother-in-law. It also has a juicy storyline, of her
best friend, Gina who is dating one brother while falling for another, which makes
for a delicious, entertaining read.
What do you
believe is the take away message?
I believe
the take-away message is that friendships are to be valued and treasured and a
good friend will stand in your corner. I want readers to see God as the main
ingredient for a successful marriage. Colleen and Terence are flawed, human,
but they have a perfect God who will help them overcome even the most trying
circumstances.
What advice
would you give to those who have a desire to write a book?
My advice
is one I am taking now, which is to continuously work on improving your craft.
If you want to write, it requires learning from the best. I also urge someone
who wants to write a book to believe in yourself and work consistently everyday
on writing, and developing your writing. I also strongly recommend working with
an editor - one who has been working with authors in the genre you desire to
write.
What is your
greatest challenge as a writer?
Michelle
Lindo-Rice: So far, my greatest challenge as a writer is time management.
Making the time to write and juggling that with other commitments - having a
full-time job and being a mother. So balancing priorities
What was
the best advice you ever received?
My best
advice was to attend writer’s retreats and workshops. My second best was to
hire an editor.
What is the greatest lesson you’re learning
from your experience as a new author?
The
greatest lesson I am learning is the importance of promoting your work and
having a sharp, quick answer to “What is your book about?” That is a work in
progress. Someone once said that if no one knows you, they won’t purchase your
book. I am learning marketing skills.
From my actual book, I have learned that
my words do impact others. I have had people cry and share their stories with
me because of my book.
Are you
working on any other books? If so, can you share any details?
I am
working on third novel, MY STEPS ARE ORDERED which is the second installment of
what I call the On the Right Path series. It is in the revision process and is
scheduled to publish next August 2014. It continues with the lives of Keith,
Gina and Michael over several years chronicling Keith’s and Gina’s path to
salvation.
Tell our audience how to purchase your book
and share any upcoming information.
Michelle
Lindo-Rice: WALK A STRAIGHT LINE is
available THIS Tuesday, Dec. 31st online through Amazon as a paperback, Kindle. It is also on Nook, Kobo, Google + and
ebooks. Barnes and Noble and Books-A-Million as well as many local bookstores
have it in stock.
