IT'S NOT ABOUT ME by Michelle Sutton

Oh, but it is all about MY kids, lol.

No, not really. Two of my sons and my daughter-in-law are the lovely cover models!!!

See if you can guess who is who and who is married to who in real life ... Can you guess which one is due to be a daddy any day? (Check back on Friday, October 3rd's post for the real live answer. And maybe, just maybe we can announce the birth of their first child too.)

And so I don't forget--There's an awesome interview with the author, Michelle Sutton, on my Wednesday post over at the F.A.I.T.H. Girls blog http://writingbyfaith.blogspot.com today.

One of the things I like about Michelle's writing is that I recognize her voice. I mean her REAL voice in the work. I know her personality as she is my writing partner on Insanity Rules: Gems of wisdom in long term and mental illness. So I guess I'm cheating a little when I say I really know her voice, lol.

What does voice mean to an author?

It's the personality that comes out in the writing, the words they choose and the view point.

With Michelle's writing, I can literally hear her talking and telling me the story as I read it. I find that quite remarkable. I do like the story, but I have to tell you how hard it is to read about the attack on the lead character Annie. Why? Because the gal on the front is carrying my own grandbaby. It was so close to home. So real in the writing. I actually called Michelle to tell her I cried.

Funny aside: I had to keep looking at the front cover and telling myself they were actors in the story :-) It's easy to do with a book and unfamiliar cover models. A whole new perspective when you know the people. It makes me wonder how the families of Hollywood actors handle it all the time.

So Michelle, if you do get to visit this blog post...Please tell us if you ever had the chance to make this into a movie, would you?

In my opinion, this would make a great movie and Michelle should start writing the screen version.

Angie (who thanks God that her daughter-in-law was just an actress in this book.) Whew! :-D


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michelle Sutton has lived in Arizona and since 1991 and has two sons and a husband of 18 years. She began writing fiction in August 2003 when God inspired her to write a novel with realistic characters that would glorify Him. In 2004 she joined ACFW - American Christian Fiction Writers. In 2006 Michelle ran for Volunteer Officer on the ACFW Operating board and ACFW members elected her to serve a two year term. She sold her first manuscript Then Sings My Soul (now re-titled It's Not About Me) to Sheaf House and her debut novel was released in Sept. 2008. The second book in the Second Glances series - It's Not About Him - will be released the following fall (Sept. 2009.)

Last, Michelle is Editor in Chief of the new Christian Fiction Online Magazine. The debut issue released in July 2008. The magazine is sponsored by the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Annie has it all. She's attractive, graduated with honors, was accepted at the college of her choice, has supportive parents, good friends, and a steady boyfriend who loves her. One night an unexpected visitor appears and Annie's safe world is destroyed by a brutal attack. As she tries to pick up the pieces of her broken life, 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.

"...the exquisitely written spiritual content shows the reader that redemption is available, no matter what the circumstances."
- 4 Stars, Romantic Times!

Instead of dealing with timely issues like alcoholism, premarital sex and pornography in a preachy, oh-so-tired fashion, Michelle Sutton's It's Not About Me gets to the heart of the matter with a shocking dose of realism and poignant storytelling. From the first paragraph, Sutton weaves together a thoroughly entertaining story that'll keep readers intrigued for the long haul as they get to know Annie, Dan, Tony and Susie—young adults that probably don't look and sound all that different from themselves. Now that's a seriously refreshing turn for Christian fiction."
~Christa Ann Banister~, author of Around the World in 80 Dates, (NavPress 2007) and Blessed are the Meddlers (NavPress 2008)

It's Not About Me is a wonderfully entertaining and deliciously suspenseful read that will keep you turning the pages. Sutton doesn't back away from the drama and with all of the twists and turns, It's Not About Me is hard to put down. I cannot wait for the sequel! Bravo!"
~Victoria Christopher Murray~, Essence best-selling author of multiple titles including The Ex Files and the upcoming YA series The Divine Divas

“Annie captured my heart on the first page and kept me enthralled to the very end. This edgy, yet surprisingly poignant story travels the inroads of intimate relationships – man to woman, brother to brother, parent to child, friend to friend. But especially satisfying is the author’s delicate handling of the relationship between a searching soul and the loving Savior who alone possesses the power to work all things out for the good. A terrific debut for Michelle Sutton. I can’t wait to read more from this talented author!”
~Virginia Smith~, author of Just As I Am and Sincerely, Mayla

"Michelle Sutton's gritty writing style will very likely go straight to the hearts of teens, addressing what they deal with every day in what is all too often grim reality for our youth. Sutton is no doubt a refreshing and much needed voice in today's YA fiction."
~Tina Ann Forkner~, Author of Ruby Among Us
Waterbrook Press/Random House