Michele Abshire is a housewife, mother, grandmother, and full time legal assistant. She has been published in Lake Charles, Louisiana publications, Christian Star Newspaper and Gumbeaux Magazine and most recently is published with her own column in “The Wordsmith Journal.”
1) How did you develop an interest in writing? I started sending out notes of encouragement to people in our church that were sick or going through difficult circumstances. I found that it was a blessing to so many and I wanted to encourage others as well. I would “see” or “hear” things that would remind me of truths in God’s Word and this led to writing short stories, essays or analogies which I would use to encourage people.
2) What other styles do you write? I write mostly short Christian or inspirational stories. I also love history and love to research so enjoy doing genealogy. I have prepared family history books for my family and individuals. I have written a very short bio for a man, Harold LeBleu, who wanted to share his story and hope with others called “From Cancer to Christ.” I have written some poetry and Cinquain poems for (and about) family members. Cinquain poems are fun!
3) Is this a hobby or do you plan to make a career from writing? I write to encourage others. It has become a ministry to write and hopefully I am able to touch lives that need to be lifted in some way.
4) What music, places, people inspire you? I listen to Christian music of which Worship music is my favorite. I am inspired by all kinds of places and things. Every day there is something that will probably amaze and inspire me and an idea will start swirling around in my mind. The people that inspire me are all around me every day. My family, friends, co-workers and church family. On a bigger scale I think those that I admire most are those that make a difference or have made a difference in the world. I love stories of heroic deeds, small and big, being done in the face of fear, adversity and trials. I am reading a wonderful book now about one such person: Life in a Jar, The Irena Sendler Project by Jack Mayer.
5) What do you do when you have writer's block? I usually write when I am inspired or amazed by something but when I can’t express a thought I usually pray to find the right words.
6) Have you submitted anything yet? Yes, I have. I have had “nice” rejections and I have also been privileged to be published.
7) Are you part of a critique group or writer's guild? I am a member of the Bayou Writer’s Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana for almost two years now.
8) Have you ever attended a writer's conference? Yes, I attended the Bayou Writer’s Group conference in 2011.
9) Where do you live? I live in Sweet Lake, Louisiana.
10) Do you have an editor or agent? I do not have an agent. I do have someone that edits for me and also two people that proofread after editing has been done. I am very thankful for those that help me in my writing endeavors.
Michele,
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have a lot of inspiration from above. Don't know that we've met at the BWG meetings but keep up the good work. I have also experienced some 'kind' rejections. Didn't much care for them.
What a wonderful way to have started out writing! Best of luck with your books.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful interview, Michele. And great picture.
ReplyDelete