Interview & Giveaway: Michael Leonard Jewell ~ Author of the Old Sodus series!

Welcome to Christian Bookshelf Reviews, Michael!! Will you tell us a little about yourself?

I currently live in Sodus, Michigan with my wife Rita. I am a communications specialist for Berrien County and am also an indie publisher under the name First School Press. I attended college in Indiana majoring in pastoral theology. I tend to be a little old fashioned which is reflected in my writing. I have attended one room and two room rural schools, lived in a house that my father built on a sixty acre farm and yes—I did walk three miles per day round trip on a dusty gravel road to school. My father led me to Christ when I was eight years old. He was an amazing man.

Will you tell us about your books?

I am currently working on a series of books called the Old Sodus series. These books center around the life of a rural family in the 1970’s using Sodus, Michigan as a setting. Although I am not Amish and neither are my characters, I think anyone liking that genre (or Laura Ingalls Wilder, Gene Stratton-Porter, etc.) would enjoy these books. I have plans for at least two more in the series.

What is something the average reader wouldn't know about you? 


I have written poetry for years but shied away from prose because it intimidated me. I had a lot of ideas and partial manuscripts written but didn’t know if I had what it takes. Several years ago after the death of my first wife, I was challenged to “fish or cut bait” and try my hand. I soon published my first book—At Home In Old Sodus.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?


I have wanted to be a writer since I was about eight years old. My father had a large library and a love for the classical writers and poets which influenced me greatly. I remember thinking then, that to be an author like Charles Dickens (my favorite), Doyle, Twain, Poe, etc., must be the finest thing in the world.

How many books have you written/published and do you have a favorite?


I have just published book three of my Old Sodus series. I also have several unpublished manuscripts in the hopper that I am working on. I don’t really have a favorite. Each book means something special to me.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?


I will often work through a difficult plot in my head, especially in the early morning hours while in bed. Also, as I am composing, I am able to see the story as it unfolds in my mind as if I was a fly on the wall. I think this is what makes the stories seem real and down home.

Where do you like to write?


I have an office with a desk and wall to wall books but my favorite place to write is in my living room in front of my picture window where I have a view of the woods. I use a laptop with a remote mouse and keyboard. It is comfortable and helps to set the mood I need.

What is the best and/or worst part about being a writer? 


The best part of being a writer is that I simply enjoy the experience and am able to use the gifts that God has given me.

The worst part of being a writer is that I am unable to concentrate on it the way I would like since I must work a full time job.

What do you like to do when you're not writing?


Alas, I must work full time as most self-published writers do but I enjoy doing the research for what I write. I also enjoy teaching on Creation and other subjects for our church youth group and academy.

Is there a place you’d like to visit, but haven’t yet?

I would like to visit more of the Old West and other historical places I have read about. I look at these as opportunities and settings for new books. I fell in love with Montana on my recent visit and plan on visiting there again soon.

Do you have a favorite song and/or movie?


Favorite song:   It Is Well With My Soul by H.G. Spafford
Favorite movie: Gettysburg (1993)

What is your favorite dessert?


German Chocolate Cake (the way my mother made it from scratch, of course!)

Do you have a favorite Bible verse? 


My life verse is Luke 18:1 “And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; . . .”

Here are a few this-or-that questions:

Snowstorms or Thunderstorms?  


I love them both but snowstorms are the best. Living in southwest Michigan and in the lake effect “snow belt”—they can be intense! My favorite was the blizzard of 1967. The only way you could find the street was by the tops of the mailboxes which looked like they were in the middle of an open field. It was a “three days” blizzard and took the county a whole week to dig us out. Great memories!

Tea or Coffee?  


Tea is okay, sometimes, and I like good, strong iced tea, but I am a coffee person. Nothing tastes or smells better in morning.

Movie Theater or DVD? 


The last time I was in a movie theater was 1977. I prefer to rent or purchase what I watch on line through Amazon or some other service.

Early-bird or Night-owl?


I generally become more efficient as the day wears on. I do my best writing from about midmorning to late afternoon.

Cats or Dogs?


I like them both. Dogs are the most loyal and ask nothing of you, whereas with cats, it’s always on their terms. I’ve had some great cats though.

Are you currently working on any new novels? If so, could you give us a hint?


I have just completed an historical fiction novel that takes place in Montana Territory in the late 1890’s. I am in the editing stage now and hope to have it available by late summer or early fall. I just recently spent time in the West and in Canada doing research for it.

Thanks so much for being here! Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers and where can we find you on the web? 

I have a blog: First School Press   www.firstschoolpress.com
My books are available on Amazon and can be accessed through the blog. I also write poetry and some of my favorites are here. In parting, let me say that what I write is always something that anyone from YA on up could read with confidence. I try to portray ordinary people going through the things that ordinary people go through, with a little added spice, suspense, mystery and warmth. My motivation is to honor Christ and He is the ultimate hero of every story.

Giveaway!!

For this giveaway, there will be three winners who will each receive the first three books in Michael's Old Sodus series! (At Home In Old Sodus, Life In Old Sodus, The Big Farm In Old Sodus). Giveaway is open to the US and Canada.

Enter via the Rafflecopter below.

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