Meet My Friend - Michelle Dennis Evans
Today my guest is Australian author Michelle Dennis Evans. Michelle and I have been blog buddies for a couple of years, and I'm thrilled to be part of the blog tour for her debut novel, a YA contemporary titled Spiralling Out of Control.
Here's Michelle!
School is a funny thing. And it happens to be one of the things I have enjoyed writing about in the Spiralling Trilogy. When I was in primary school and I dreamed of becoming an author, my teachers encouraged my writing. I even wrote (hand wrote and illustrated) a book called The Googles V The Manelopes. Then in high school my dreams were crushed. Teachers could see no talent and my English grades were very average. It took me fifteen years to find the courage to enrol in a course and chase after my dream.
Temptation, depression, seduction, betrayal ... Not what Stephanie was expecting at fifteen years of age. Uprooted from her happy, all-girl high school life with a dream filled future and thrown into an unfriendly co-ed school, Stephanie spirals into depression.
Here's Michelle!
First of all let me shout out a huge thank you to Carol for hosing me today.
School is a funny thing. And it happens to be one of the things I have enjoyed writing about in the Spiralling Trilogy. When I was in primary school and I dreamed of becoming an author, my teachers encouraged my writing. I even wrote (hand wrote and illustrated) a book called The Googles V The Manelopes. Then in high school my dreams were crushed. Teachers could see no talent and my English grades were very average. It took me fifteen years to find the courage to enrol in a course and chase after my dream.
It makes me wonder how many people have crushed dreams still inside of them. What would it take to chip away and find some old dreams that need reviving?
Chasing a dream is energising.
Achieving a dream is fulfilling.
I encourage you to encourage someone today to chase their dream.
Temptation, depression, seduction, betrayal ... Not what Stephanie was expecting at fifteen years of age. Uprooted from her happy, all-girl high school life with a dream filled future and thrown into an unfriendly co-ed school, Stephanie spirals into depression.
When
charismatic high school senior, Jason notices her, Stephanie jumps in feet
first and willingly puts all her faith and trust in him, a boy she barely
knows.
Every
choice she makes and turn she takes leads her towards a dangerous path.
Her
best friend is never far away and ready to catch her … but will she push Tabbie
too far away when she needs her most?
This
novel contains adult themes.
Recommended
reading audiences 15+
Available through Amazon
Michelle not only writes to nourish her soul but
also to inspire, take people on a journey and escape their world. She believes
you can find healing or hope when you read about someone else’s story – fiction
or truth.
Michelle is married to an awesome man who works crazy unpredictable
hours yet still finds time to be her best friend and a hands on dad.
Michelle spends her days educating, socialising and sporting her
four children and her nights writing.
Michelle tweets
at @michelledevans
And blogs at www.michelledevans.blogspot.com
Do you ever feel as if you're spiraling out of control?
Sometimes I do.
Wishing you a productive week!
Sometimes I do.
Wishing you a productive week!
Please pardon the wonky formatting. Most of you probably know I've had computer problems for a few weeks, during which time I formatted this post. Nothing worked the way it should. And although I'm adding this note on Sunday, the wonkiness remains. Sigh. But I'm now happily back in business, so things should look way more normal around here next week.
Comments
Carol, you're wonky in a good way though.
Yvonne.
Just came from visiting Lynda, who posted an awesome review of your book.
I think some teachers don't realize what a huge role they play in our lives.
Shelly - I laughed at OE's comment, too :)
Yvonne - So true about never giving up.
Fortunately, I found other ways to express my creativity.
It's great to meet you, Michelle. And sad to think about how often dreams can be crushed like that. There's no excuse for doing that to a child.
Glad you found the courage to go back to writing and are now seeing your dreams coming true. Congratulations and best of luck on your book!!
I still draw and still enjoy it.
Teachers are subjective and yet they don't realize the power of their words to someone in their early teens.
Glad you pursued your dreams!
Sia McKye Over Coffee
Sia - Another teacher horror story. It's a wonder all of us aren't hiding in holes someplace afraid we're not fit for social companionship.
It seems this book conveys some very important messages.
Best of luck to Michelle!
xoRobyn
Welcome Michelle, your book sounds fascinating. And I hope that Carol didn't really hose you - not the act of a gracious host.
And I saw this on Lynda's site too. Sounds like an intense story. :)
Shelly - thank you so much for your encouragement!
Optimistic & LR ... I love wonky!
Yvonne - wow, your experience is interesting too - yes never give up!
Rula - thank you!
JL - thanks for visiting
Southpaw - so true.
Nicole Z - yes! so true :D
Lexa - thank you!
Julie - I think it's a lesson for us to all watch our words and encourage our children to be strong in the dreams. Thank you so much!
Sia - I'm so glad you still enjoy drawing.
Robin - so true and thank you for reading my post here.
Elephant's - sorry about the hosing! LOL made me giggle when I saw my mistake.
LG - hello! yes it's a pretty heavy story :\
Stina - that is so sad - so glad you are writing now. xx
Love,
Janie
Congrats on your trilogy, Michelle,. It sounds awesome! And Carol, I'm delighted to hear the wonkiness is waning. :)
VR Barkowski
Denise
All the best with your book!
Carol, hope you're having a better week.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
And also for my seeming lack of proofreading skills.
Hi Carol. *waving*
Love,
Janie
I felt like I was spiraling out of control today.
Or should I say, gidday Michelle. The more naysayers I have, the more I go find the "yaysayers"! :)
Good on you and I note that Carol was um "hosing" you today. Sorry, couldn't resist.
Thankfully, I have a famous dog that keeps my writing inspiration going.
Gary :)
Mason - thank you so much
Linda - how awesome you had encouraging teachers
Michelle - thank you!
Emily - I hope you aren't too dizzy!
Medeia - I hope your tomorrow is less of a spiral :D
Gary... well the is nothing like a good hosing :D thanks for your comments
I know he was trying to do the right thing, but I can't help but wonder where I would be today if my parents had encouraged my writing.
Great post. Good luck with your book. :)
Hi, Carol. *waves*
Hi Carol!
Nas
and i'll hav some wine w/ya! happy sweet award from last post!
Editors - yes, so true.
Tara - thank you :D
Christine - I think if we are all more encouraging the world will be a better place :D
Helena - I hope you find time to read Spiralling Out of Control. :)
Julie
Empty Nest - I can't actually remember the name of the worst of them... perhaps that's a good thing! Thanks for your encouragement.
Hi Carol!
Great to meet you Michelle! All the best with Spiralling! Take care
x
And thanks to Michelle for blogging with me!