Michelle Griep
https://michellegriep.com
Author of: Of Gold and Shadows
T4JYM: Tell our readers about Of Gold and Shadows, releasing this month (September 24, 2024). What can they expect from it?
MG: Expect an intriguing tale of danger and romance with a sassy heroine and a dashing hero. And if that’s not enough, add in an Egyptology and a cursed artifact just to ramp up the action.
T4JYM: How long does it generally take for you to write a book?
MG: Usually 9 months – assuming, that is, that I’m not procrastinating out in the garden.
T4JYM: Where do you come up with the ideas for your books?
MG: Here, there, and everywhere. Literally. It can be a snippet of overheard conversation, a kids’ movie, or just an atmospheric home that I’m visiting.
T4JYM: What’s next? Do you have any new books in the works?
MG: I always have new books in the works. Currently I am editing the sequel to Of Gold and Shadows. The next book in the Time’s Lost Treasure series is Of Silver and Secrets. Here’s a blurb:
England, 1889.
Eva Inman made a promise to her dying father – to protect the family estate and care for her blind sister. But when financial ruin looms, she uncovers a mystery buried in their land: a relic that could change everything.
Professor Bram Webb is desperate to prove his uncle’s controversial theories before he loses his career and reputation. When Eva arrives with a silver ring and a story of buried treasures, Bram sees a glimmer of hope. But their collaboration is fraught with secrets, past wounds, and a ruthless enemy who will stop at nothing to control the estate’s fate.
As Bram and Eva dig deeper, both in the ground and within their own hearts, they unearth truths more valuable than any treasure. But can they trust each other when trust itself feels as fragile as ancient pottery?
With danger closing in and time running out, they must decide: will they risk everything for a future they never imagined – or lose all they hold dear?
T4JYM: Besides writing books, tell our readers a little about you and the things that keep you busy.
MG: Recently I moved from the city to the middle of nowhere… which is a challenge, but one that I wholly embrace. I now have a huge garden and chickens, and I’m currently learning about natural apothecary techniques from local plants.
T4JYM: Are there any characters from books you have written who hold a special place in your heart?
MG: They are all dear to me, but one who is particularly quirky holds a special place in my heart. Lucius Nutbrown is a side character in The Innkeeper’s Daughter. He only speaks through a puppet and refers to himself only in third person. Is he a bad guy or not? Yes and yes is the answer.
T4JYM: Who are some of the authors you enjoy reading? What authors have inspired you as a writer?
MG: There are sooooo many to name, but a few must-buys are Joanna Davidson Politano and Jaime Jo Wright. Julie Klassen and Laura Frantz inspire me and Erica Vetsch blows me away with her vocabulary.
T4JYM: Please share a short testimony of how you came to accept Christ as your Savior.
MG: Long story short, I did not grow up in a Christian home. One Sunday morning I was out playing in the front yard when an old school bus pulled up and the driver asked me if I wanted to go to Sunday School. I had no idea what that was, but since there were other kids on the bus, I was game. The Sunday School teacher (I’ve forgotten her name) told me about Jesus and I believed every word she said.
T4JYM: If you could have 20 minutes with Jesus, what would it look like?
MG: I would be an ugly weeping mess because wow… standing before my Savior? Unless He held me together, I would be totally undone.
T4JYM: If you could pick any character from one of your books or another author’s, who would you want to spend an afternoon with?
MG: Mr. Rochester from Jane Eyre. That man has always intrigued me with his brusk yet romantic ways.
T4JYM: What is your favorite book of the Bible and your favorite verse? Why?
MG: Favorite book is Psalms. There is ALWAYS something to be found in Psalms. But my favorite verse is Nahum 1:9 … The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who trust in Him.
T4JYM: I love that you have a book specifically addressing the writing process. In a shorter summary, what advice would you give to someone interested in publishing?
MG: The big secret to becoming a successful writer is to write. I know. That sounds ridiculously simple – but it isn’t. Getting published takes perseverance even when you get rejected and rejected and rejected. You have to keep writing. Finish a project and start another one.
T4JYM: What advice would you give to the youth of this world?
MG: There is nothing more important than your relationship with Jesus. Pursue that.
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