CFBA Blog Tour - Michelle Sutton and It's Not About Him

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
It's Not About Him
Sheaf House - September 1, 2009)
by Michelle Sutton

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MICHELLE SUTTON otherwise known as the Edgy Inspirational Author, is Editor-in-chief of Christian Fiction Online Magazine, a member of ACFW, a social worker by trade, and a prolific reader/book reviewer/blogger the rest of the time.

She lives in Arizona with her husband of nineteen years and her two teenaged sons. Michelle is also the author of It's Not about Me (2008) and It's Not About Him (Sheaf House 2009). She has nine other titles releasing over the next three years.

IT'S NOT ABOUT HIM
by Michelle Sutton
Published by Sheaf House

ABOUT THE BOOK

Susie passed out while drinking at Jeff’s party and later discovered she’s pregnant. She has no idea who the father is and considers having an abortion, but instead decides to place her baby for adoption. Following through ends up being more wrenching than she imagined, but she’s determined to do the right thing for her baby.

Jeff feels guilty that Susie was taken advantage of at his party and offers to marry her so she won’t have to give up her baby, like his birth mother did with him. But Susie refuses, insisting he should he marry someone he loves. Can he convince her that his love is genuine before it’s too late? Can she make him understand that it’s not about him—it’s about what’s best for her child?

If you would like to read the prologue and first chapter of It's Not About Him, go HERE.

Readers, buy your copy of It's Not About Him today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

My inspiration came from a secondary character's plight in the first book. It just naturally worked into a sequel. Then I thought about all of the beautiful open adoptions I've been involved in and decided to show how good it can be for everyone involved if done properly.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

My experience regarding this book came mostly from my social work background and experience in both closed and open adoptions. I also have adopted cousins and friends who have adopted children. What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone? The whole dynamic between Jeff and Susie is their own issue. It's not modeled after anything in particular. However, the issue with Jeff does reflect a real life adoption issue I have dealt with before.

3. Are there any themes in It's Not About Him that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the stories progressed?

Sacrificing your own desires for the benefit of another person (who is innocent) is the practical demonstration of real love. Also, your poor choices or mistakes don't have to define who you are. Also, just because you are not ready to be a mother doesn't mean your only alternatives are abortion or being a parent. Open adoptions are something many people are not familiar with but they are legal and beautiful when they are done the right way. Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as your family's story unfolded? Trying to do the right thing for the wrong reasons can be disastrous.

4. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

When Susie hands the family her newborn baby. Makes me sob every time I read it. Your favorite? The first kiss. I love to write first kisses. They have to make your toes curl or they aren't good enough. :)

5. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

Here is a convoluted answer. If you mean the next book in the series, then it's Sept 2010. If you mean my next book period, then I can tell you I have four books coming out next year.

6. Is there anything additional that you'd like to share with my readers?

Nope. Just that I appreciate the chance to chat with your fans. :)

* * * * *

Thank you, Michelle, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE copy of It's Not About Him.

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

Spotlight on Michelle Sutton and It's Not About Me

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MICHELLE SUTTON is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, is Volunteer Officer on the ACFW Operating Board, the Editor-in-chief for Christian Fiction Online Magazine, and Sheaf House's Marketing Director. She is also an edgy fiction writer, book reviewer, avid blogger/alliance member, mother of two teenagers, wife, pet owner, social worker by trade, and follower of Jesus Christ.

IT'S NOT ABOUT ME
A Second Glances Novel #1
by Michelle Sutton
Published by Sheaf House Publishers

ABOUT THE BOOK

Annie has it all. But one night her safe world is destroyed. As she fights to put the pieces of her shattered life back together, she is caught in a war between two brothers who both claim to have her best interests at heart.

Who will Annie choose? And will she finally come to know the One whose love will never fail, even in her darkest hour? Will she learn the truth about life—that it's not about "me"?

* * *

When a young woman's life is shattered by a brutal attack, she is torn between two brothers, both of whom claim to love her. She is attracted to both, but which one does she love? How can she choose when her decision may cause a permanent rift between them? And more important, will she give her heart to the One who will sustain her even when human love fails?

MY REVIEW

Michelle often claims to write "edgy" fiction. With this debut novel, she fits the bill! In her story, she explores the deep and often heartwrenching aspects of relationships from a wide variety of perspectives while hitting on the major issues facing today's teens. Her characters are true-to-life, multi-faceted and avoid the "cookie-cutter" label in their ups and downs, their struggles and triumphs. Many kudos to Michelle for tackling tough issues like premarital sex, abuse, alcoholism and the doubts about where God is during the dark times. She effectively conveys that He's right there, waiting to forgive and welcome us with open arms. Great job, Michelle!

Buy Your Copy of It's Not About Me Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I had a friend who was attacked in a similar way as Annie. I thought it would make for an interesting scenario, and then to have the boyfriend unable to handle the guilt made it all the more interesting. Bring in older brother and you have a love triangle. I love those types of stories and I love romantic tension in novels.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone?

My faith journey was very similar to Annie's, but I wasn't a "good girl" like she was. My childhood was tougher and so my experiences were different. Most of my characters' traits were uniquely theirs. I don't really have any characters in any of my books that are just like me. Similar in some ways, maybe, but not that much.

3. If one of your characters were an ice cream flavor, what he/she be and why?

My hero would probably Maple Walnut ice cream. He's sweet, but wholesome. Annie would be Rocky Road. Poor girl had it rough in so many ways.

4. What themes exist in It's Not About Me that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

Real love sticks with you through the hard times and doesn't abandon you in your time of need. Compromising never pays off. Friendship is essential to making it work. And God is a key ingredient to lasting love. Oh, and never shove a spoon in a blender when it's operating. (LOL!)

As for ones that weren't overt...hmmm...maybe that people aren't always what they seem and that you can never lose when you do things God's way.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

The hardest part to write? Probably the attack scene. It even scared me! And my favorite involves a botched banana milkshake. It's a yummy scene. :)

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

The next story is It's Not About Him, which is Jeff and Susie's story. Jeff and Susie are essentially characters you'd love to dislike, but are still redeemable people.

* * * * *

Thank you, Michelle, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE copy of It's Not About Me.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada only.

* * * * *