Michelle Lindo-Rice enjoys crafting women's fiction with themes centered around the four "F" words: Faith, Friendship, Family and Forgiveness. Her first published work, Sing A New Song, was a Black Expressions featured selection. Originally from Jamaica West Indies, Michelle Lindo-Rice calls herself a lifelong learner.
She has earned degrees from New York University, SUNY at Stony Brook, and Teachers College, Columbia University. When she moved to Florida, she enrolled in Argosy University where she completed her Education Specialist degree in Education Leadership. A pastor's kid, Michelle upholds the faith, preaching, teaching and ministering through praise and worship. Feel free to connect with her at michellelindorice.com
BPM: What inspired you to sit down and actually start writing this book? Why now?
After writing Walk A Straight Line, readers wrote me asking questions about Keith and Gina. They felt the love between these two was so powerful. I, too, believed the characters still had more to tell. In Walk A Straight Line, Michael appeared too gullible. I wanted to delve more into his psyche and find out exactly what he would do when he found out about Keith and Gina’s betrayal. Boy, do we find out. Michael Ward evolves in this story.
BPM: Does your upbringing, prior relationships or life experiences inspire your writing?
My upbringing as a Pastor’s daughter inspire my writing because I do feel that since God gave me the gift, I should write to honor Him. Most of my inspiration comes from reading, television, conversations. At any moment, I can be inspired to write a story. I think it was what I was meant to do. My close relationships with family and friends may influence my writing but my work is fiction.
BPM: Where do your book ideas come from? Are your books plot driven or character driven? Why?
My book ideas come from the news, nature, conversations - really anywhere and everywhere. I have learned to carry a post-it note or have a pen handy so I can jot my ideas down. I then save them on my computer and I’ll read through before deciding which character is ready to speak. My books are primarily character driven. The characters shape my story and often take me into unchartered territory. When I’m engulfed in writing, I allow them to speak and lead. Yes, I do plot, but the characters will often throw some curve ball in my plans. I think people relate to character-driven story lines. They really get to know them and root for them.
BPM: Introduce us to your current work. What genre do you consider your book? Is this book available in digital forms like Nook and Kindle?
My current work is My Steps Are Ordered. It is the second in the “On the Right Path” series. Like the series title suggest, each of the characters face situation that may lead them astray, but we soon realize that was the path God meant for them to take. All roads lead to Him. I consider my book Christian fiction, meaning fiction appropriate for Christians to read. It’s not lacking in drama or edge, but does not have profanity or sex scenes. I also consider my work women’s fiction. It is available in Paperback. I’m not exactly sure when Urban Books will release it in digital form.
BPM: Give us some insight into your main characters. What makes each one so special?
Keith Ward goes through some changes. He keeps his distance, but he can’t shake his feelings for Gina. When Keith becomes saved, we see his struggle with pleasing God, being a man of God and just being a man—very much human. Keith is strong-willed and used to getting his own way but we will see him make some tough decisions that are uncharacteristic. Michael transforms in this second novel. He is a smart businessman but too trusting in his personal relationships. When the truth of his brother’s love for his wife hits him, Michael’s fury is unequaled. He is not someone you want as an enemy. Gina bears the guilt of coming between two brothers. She tries to do the right thing but her heart wants Keith. The only thing that trumps her love for him is her devotion to her son, Trey. We will share her joy and pain of motherhood especially when Trey falls ill.
BPM: What topics are primarily discussed? Did you learn anything personal from writing your book?
Topics and themes covered in My Steps Are Ordered are illness of a child; betrayal, unrequited love, family, forgiveness and trusting in God. He knows best. What I’ve learned from writing My Steps Are Ordered is that God has a way of working everything out for our good in His time and in His way. I learned God is able to take us through anything. I’ve learned I need to trust Him more and to be patient. My walk with Christ is stronger because of my writing.
BPM: What defines success for you, as a published author? What are your ambitions for your writing career?
For me, success is being able to bless others because of my work. I love when readers contact me to talk about my characters. I love when they say they’ve made some changes because they’ve read my work. Success is when they recommend it to someone else. Isn’t that a huge compliment? My ambitions are high, but I submit to what God has planned because I have no other choice. I would love to see my book on bestseller list or on the big screen, but honestly my ambitions are to keep writing. I hope I always have a story to tell.
BPM: What are your expectations for this book? What would you like for readers to do after reading this book?
My expectations for My Steps Are Ordered are for readers to laugh, cry and rejoice at God at work in the characters lives. I hope they will sit for hours with eyes wide open until they get to the last page, then regret they’re on the last page, lol. I would like for readers to be drawn closer to God. I would love them to tell five or more friends about it. I want their hearts singing at the love story.
BPM: Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?
I am grateful for the opportunity you provide for authors to reach more readers. Please join my mailing list and tell someone. Also, please keep me in your prayers. I need them.
BPM: How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Readers please reach out to me on social media, I’m everywhere. Please join my mailing list at www.michellelindorice.com to keep up with my latest releases. On my website you’ll learn more about me and can read sample chapters for all the books.
www.michellelindorice.com
https://twitter.com/mlindorice
https://www.facebook.com/michelle.lindorice
My Steps Are Ordered by Michelle Lindo-Rice
What happens when your husband finds out you're in love with his brother?
Team Keith? Team Michael? How about Team God?
Gina Ward has it all: a husband, a child, and all the finer things life have to offer. She doesn't see herself as one of the less fortunate who needs God. But, what happens when her only son, Trey, falls ill? Will she rely on the only one who holds the world in His hands?
Keith Ward is a respected minister, but he cannot shake his inappropriate feelings for his brother's wife. When his nephew falls ill, Keith knows he has to drop everything to be by her side. Will he finally find healing for his broken heart?
Michael Ward is living the dream life, but life as he knows it changes drastically when his son falls ill. Everything he thought to be truth will be brought into question. What will he do when he realizes he is living one big lie?
The Second Installment of the "On the Right Path" series promises to keep you turning the pages until the stunning end.
Michelle Lindo-Rice Amazon Page
http://www.amazon.com/Michelle-Lindo-Rice/e/B009EX7RZA
YouTube Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENikq32SMk4
