Q and A with Michelle Medlock Adams
Michelle Medlock Adams is an award-winning journalist and best-selling author with a successful freelance writing business. A popular conference teacher, Michelle has taught “Writing for Children” at Taylor University and the University of Wisconsin.
Q: Michelle, where are you from?
A: I was born and reared in Bedford, Indiana—the Hoosier State. My hometown is the Limestone Capital of the world, which is pretty cool, actually. Buildings such as the Empire State Building and the Pentagon feature limestone from Bedford. Also, we have three astronauts from my home county, Lawrence County, Indiana: Virgil “Gus” Grissom, Charles “Charlie” Walker, and Kenneth “Kenny” Bowersox.
Q: What was one of your favorite books as a child?
A: My favorite book as a child was The Secret Garden but I also loved all of the Nancy Drew mysteries.
Q: Have you ever visited the home of a famous writer, and if so, whose was it? Would you recommend such a trip to others?
A: Well, let’s see…actually, I have! I stayed in the home of Eva Marie Everson this past February, and I would highly recommend that trip to Florida. She took me shopping, and we shared French pastries at Le Macaron. It was a great time…and I got to see her office where all the magic happens.
Q: What are you currently reading for pleasure?
A: I am currently reading Attracted to Fire by DiAnn Mills. Also, I’m reading Roland Martin’s 101 Bass-Catching Secrets for pleasure.
Q: What animal do you most identify with as a writer and why?
A: I identify with my dachshund, Mollie, because she wanders from room to room throughout the day, searching for the streams of sunlight pouring into our home. She is constantly searching for the light, and so am I—both physically and spiritually. My favorite place to work is in our sunroom.
Q: Do you consider yourself an introvert, an extrovert, or somewhere in between?
A: I took one of those personality tests and discovered that I am an extrovert with introverted tendencies. For example, I love being with people and I’m not shy at all, but I also need/crave time alone to unwind and recharge.
Q: Can you share a funny or embarrassing story about a day in your writing life?
A: I had just finished signing my latest children’s book, Memories of the Manger at ICRS (International Christian Retail Show) in Atlanta, so my sister and my mom and I decided to grab a quick lunch at a nearby restaurant. As we were awaiting our food, I kept noticing this large group of women at a table across the room because they were smiling and staring at us. Finally, one of the ladies approached our table and said, “I just wanted you to know that your book has changed my life….Would you sign it for me?” “Sure,” I said, smiling back at her. As I grabbed my Sharpie from my purse, I glanced down at the book—Believing God by Beth Moore. Oh no, I thought. I’ve been mistaken for Beth again! (That sometimes happens when I wear my hair up and I’m at an event where she is also speaking.) I quickly grabbed the copy of Memories of the Manger that I had with me and signed it for her and then said, “Beth’s books have changed my life, too,” and winked at her, handing both books back. Now if I could just sell as many books as Beth….
Q: What advice would you give attendees to help them make the most of their time at a writers’ conference?
A: My advice? Go into the writers’ conference with an open mind and heart. It’s great to go prepared with goals in mind, but if you aren’t able to meet with that one particular editor like you’d planned, or your manuscript doesn’t get the rave reviews you’d anticipated, relax and rest in Him. Trust that God has ordered your steps and that He has a plan for your writing. He may have several divine appointments lined up that you never saw coming.
Q: What are you most looking forward to during your faculty stint at St. Davids Christian Writers’ Conference this June?
A: I am looking forward to meeting all of the wonderful writers who attend each year—I’ve heard so much about all of you! I can’t wait to make new friends and “hang out” with like-minded folks. You know, we writers are a strange bunch. We need each other because we “get” each other. Y’all are my tribe. Can’t wait!
Thank you, Michelle. Learn more about Michelle Medlock Adams by visiting her website at www.michellemedlockadams.com.