Michelle Sumrall – Author Spotlight
Michelle Sumrall is originally from Columbus, Georgia and now resides in Macon, Georgia with her daughter Aleisha. She attended the University of Georgia and Columbus State University, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree. She furthered her education at Troy University, where she obtained a Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology, with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health. Michelle has spent over thirty years working in corporate America, primarily in Human Resources.
Michelle is a Certified Life Coach, and the Founder, CEO and Chief Journey Coach of TLC – Total Life Coaching, L.L.C. An avid reader, Michelle realizes how people identify with books and the life lessons that can be learned through this art form. Through stories, Michelle connects with individuals at various stages of life’s journey and offers life coaching services to help navigate them to achieve goals and balance. While every journey is not addressed in story-form, Michelle’s life coaching and extensive corporate experience have included many hours of coaching individuals, groups and families to tap into their source within to overcome challenges.
Michelle is the author of Scattered: A Caregiver’s Journey Through Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. For more information about this journey and upcoming projects, visit the author’s website at https://www.michellesumrall.com.
Author Interview
I asked Michelle a few questions about herself and her writing. Here’s what she said!
What do you love most about writing?
Writing is my release, it’s cathartic. I also enjoy the creativity around the
written word. I have voices in my head all the time – sometimes it’s thinking
of how I want situations in my life to play out. Other times it’s the voice of
characters I’m developing.
When did you realize you wanted to be an author?
I was seven years old when I decided I wanted to be an author. I loved
reading stories and books. Even moreso, I enjoyed creating characters. It
has taken me a long time to realize that dream but I never gave up on it.
What do you think readers will love about your books?
There is a certain rawness in my books. I rip the bandaid off and remove
the gentle way of crafting the story. Let’s face it, in real life, most situations
aren’t sugar-coated. I think readers will pick up my books and be able to
identify with the story being told. I also want readers to learn something
from my books, whether they are fiction or non-fiction, I write with the
purpose of helping others through situations.
What inspired you to write this book(s)?
Scattered: A Caregiver’s Journey Through Alzheimer’s Disease and
Dementia was written out of necessity. I was going through a lot; stumbling
my way through from discovering that things were different with my parents,
to figuring out how to help them. I journaled the emotional impact to me and
my family, and realized that what I was experiencing and the steps I was
taking could really help others. Statistics indicate that many will experience
a similar journey.
Life is so different than when I was growing up. At that time, most issues
were resolved on the playground, maybe some name-calling or a fist-fight.
Now, not only do our youth have to deal with the tussling at school, but with
social media, it follows them home to compound whatever personal
challenges they may be facing at home. In The Bullied, The Bully, and The
Bystander, I show characters with all of their personal baggage that’s hard
for youth and some adults to understand and deal with, along with the
shenanigans at school. For some, it’s too much and they make decisions
that are too final to escape. I want our youth to know that if you just keep
living, that’s something my mother always said, things will get brighter.
What question do you wish someone would ask about your book, but
nobody has?
I wish someone would ask how they can help anyone who may be in a
similar situation. I wish we all would stop turning a blind eye. Ask how to do
that, I share ways to help in my stories.
For Scattered: A Caregiver’s Journey Through Alzheimer’s Disease and
Dementia, I took so many clues as just the normal aging process. I wanted
things to still be ok with my parents, but they weren’t. I wish I would’ve
acted sooner. In writing the book, which began as journal entries, I am
saying speak up for your loved ones, advocate for them early so that you
can avoid scrambling later.
The Bullied, The Bully, and The Bystander is a work of fiction but it was
inspired by so many stories from the children and teens around me and my
daughter. Our children are learning life’s difficult lessons, sometimes
without the support of someone who can help them get through. Some of
them just wish to not be here any longer because they see no way out of
their environment. And, so they resort to such finality as suicide. This is a
hard topic, but it very much needs voice.
Are you currently working on any new books or writing projects?
I am working on a couple of fiction projects, which I don’t recommend,
writing two at once. I’m improving my skills, so maybe that is ok in the
future. But I did mention the voices I hear. Characters from both projects
keep speaking, so I’m taking notes and trying to keep up with them all. It’s
fun.
Where can people follow you online to learn more?
Learn more about me as a Life Coach and author at MichelleSumrall.com.
Join my mailing list.
Do you have a favorite book or author?
I love to read. This is a tough question. I love Toni Morrison, Alice Walker,
Bebe Moore Campbell and Nikki Giovanni. One is too hard to claim.
Among my favorite books, The Color Purple, of course, The Bluest Eye,
Sula, Your Blues Ain’t Like Mine and 72-Hour Hold. I enjoy crime mysteries,
as well. A good whodunit is hard to put down.