BIO:
Bestselling veteran author Michelle Stimpson has penned more than fifty books including traditional bestseller Boaz Brown, the beloved Mama B series, and Deacon Brown’s Daughters, for which she produced an award-winning independent film. Additionally, she has published more than fifty short stories for teens that are read throughout classrooms worldwide.
Michelle holds an English degree from Jarvis Christian College and a master’s degree in education from the University of Texas at Arlington. She loves combining her passion for writing with her gift of teaching, and training adults on various topics.
Michelle is also an avid journaler who believes journaling is a gift from God and a vital component of her success. She regularly hosts journaling sessions so that others can experience the therapeutic and spiritual benefits of writing in all its many forms.
When she’s not writing, Michelle can be found coaching educators, listening to audiobooks, or eating chocolate. She lives just outside Dallas, TX, where she enjoys an intentionally slow-paced life.
Visit Michelle online at www.MichelleStimpson.com.
Awards & Accolades
Essence® Bestselling Author
Emma Award Winner
Best Feature Film – Capital City Black Film Festival
2x Christian Literary Award Winner
Romance Writers of America Vivian Award Finalist
Athletic Hall of Fame – Jarvis Christian College
At what age did you know you wanted to become a writer?
I think from the time I was a little girl (I’d say 8 or so), I knew I wanted to tell stories. That morphed from writing plays in 6th grade to my first endeavor to write an actual book in middle school. I think by the time I was in high school, I knew I wanted to write “a” book – but I don’t think I imagined it would be my full-time career.
Was your first book published or is it still lurking in a drawer somewhere?
My first book was called “The Bratty Bunch” and it was about a blended family with a lot of drama. I wrote it out by hand in a spiral notebook when I was in middle school, but I don’t know where it is now (sadly).
Who or what have been your most important influences?
I’ve been watching the careers of Victoria Christopher Murray and enjoy reading the works of the late J. California Cooper and bell hooks, as well as the Bible. Lately, these works have begun to converge in my mind and truly paint a picture of great works for me as well.
If you weren’t a writer, what would you be doing?
I would probably be miserable because I’d want to be a writer! I’d probably also be working full-time in education, which is also in my professional expertise.
What’s your favorite a) film; b) album; c) artist?
a) The Lion King
b) & c) – I’m not really a music chick, but my favorite genre is definitely gospel. I like the Clark Sisters a lot because my family has a history with them and the Church of God in Christ.
If you could spend time with any character from your books, who would it be and what would you do?
Definitely Mama B. She makes me laugh so much when I write her! I think fans of Mama B will also love the characters in my next novel – Sisters with a Side of Greens. They are hilarious together, too.
What is your biggest fear?
I don’t like physical pain, so I have become more aware of doing all I can to build a stronger body. But I wouldn’t necessarily say I “fear” it.
Do you have a day job when you are not writing? If so, what do you do?
I do some part-time consulting as an educator, something I’ve enjoyed throughout my writing career. It has been a blessing in many ways.
List five things that make you happy.
Massages, Sitting on my back porch with my granddaughter, Books that make me laugh, Talking to my husband, dancing
What’s the title of the last book you read?
I’m currently reading Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi and The Top Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware.
Favorites:
Favorite scent?
Lavender
Favorite singer?
Luther Vandross
Favorite meal to cook at home?
Cheese-shelled tacos
Favorite ice cream flavor?
Vanilla with caramel and Heath bar
Favorite season?
Fall
