Buy Now: Purchase Forever Faithful
Buy Now: Purchase Poems and Short Stories, For the Young at Heart


The Interview via AOL Chat
DKP - Hi Michele, thanks for taking the time to talk to us.
Michelle - You're welcome, and thank you for interviewing me.
DKP - It is a very exciting time for both of us. You have not one but two new books out and Diana Kay is gearing up for its first print magazine. I would like to begin today with you telling us a little about yourself. Where are you from?
Michelle - I'm from Jacksonville, Florida.
DKP - Where do you currently live?
Michelle - I currently reside in Crawfordville, Florida with my husband and 2 year old daughter.
DKP - You recently published two books. Tell us about them.
Michelle - My first book, "Forever Faithful," is very special to me. I have a lot of personal thoughts in my poetry in that book. I also added 25 pictures to show the reader who, or what I may be writing about. My second book is geared towards children ages 8 and up. I found a great illustrator who did the drawings to match my stories perfectly. This book is called, "Poems and Short Stories, For the Young at Heart" I'm proud of this book because of all of the wonderful poetry and stories that have value in them. I really worked hard to make both books perfect.
DKP - Did your daughter inspire the children's book?
Michelle - Yes, in fact one of the characters in a story is also her favorite stuffed doll. His name is "Beefy."
DKP - How did you come up with the titles for your books?
Michelle - The first book, "Forever Faithful," is a special saying to my husband and I. Also, the first poem in that book is called, Forever Faithful. The second book, is just what it is. "Poems and Short Stories, For the Young at Heart" and it is geared towards young hearts.
DKP - You seem to really enjoy writing poetry. Who is your favorite poet?
Michelle - Jewel, a lot of people might not realize that Jewel writes poetry as well as sings.
She writes so beautifully.
DKP - She is an amazing writer. What is your favorite style of poetry?
Michelle - Free verse mostly, but I like poems that rhyme sometimes. I mostly enjoy hardship poetry, they are like short stories. I like to feel the soul of the person, while I'm reading.
DKP - When did you start writing?
Michelle - I was age 12 when I started writing in a journal. Then not longer after that, I began writing short stories and poems. Usually I was mad at my mother when I wrote. But, I was young then.
DKP - In addition to your mother, who or what has influenced your writing?
Michelle - Being abused by an ex boyfriend. I wrote a lot of painful poetry. I eventually started writing about healing from that situation. It may not have been a good thing to be abused, but that is what got my writing to come out of me the most.
DKP - What genre are you most comfortable writing?
Michelle - Inspirational poetry is my favorite to write. I love to know that I have inspired at least one person.
DKP - Do you have any favorite authors?
Michelle - Catherine Crier, even though she is a Court Tv host. Jewel, of course. I mostly read unknown authors of poetry.
DKP - What book are you reading now?
Michelle - I know it is an old one, but Uncle Tom's Cabin. I like history and true stories.
DKP - What was the hardest part of writing your books?
Michelle - Making sure the grammar was correct.
DKP - We are excited to announce Diana Kay Publishing's first writing contest. Have you ever entered into a writing contest before and will you be entering the D|K Contest in January?
Michelle - I have never entered a contest before, but yes, I will enter that one.
DKP - Since your books have been published, have you gotten any reviews on them?
Michelle - Just from people I know. I haven't had a real review yet. I was given good praise about both of them.
DKP - What else are you currently working on?
Michelle - A memoir.
DKP - Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Michelle - I have a unique writing technique. I hope everyone enjoys my books, and walks away with a sensational feeling. I'm trying to help fight for literacy in this country. I really hope my second book can help teach younger people to promote literacy. I also want to add, "Never let fear over power your dreams." I was scared, but I wanted to follow my dreams. Now, I couldn't be happier that I didn't let fear get the best of me. DKP - Thanks for your time. We appreciate you talking to us.
Michelle - Thank you