Michelle Medlock Adams
13 min read ⭑
“I get to transport children to far-off lands and make-believe worlds. I get to encourage children to dream a little bigger, laugh a little harder, feel a little deeper, and care a little more. And, most importantly, as a writer of inspirational children’s books, I get to introduce them to my Jesus and show them just how much he loves them. That’s what gets me up in the morning.”
QUESTION #1: ACQUAINT
There's much more to food than palate and preference. How does a go-to meal at your favorite hometown restaurant reveal the true you behind the web bio?
We live in a small town in Southern Indiana, the rolling-hills part of the Hoosier State. I married my high school sweetheart, Jeff, so we have lived near our families for most of our lives (except for our 10-year stint in Fort Worth, Texas). One of the many benefits is getting to have Sunday afternoon dinners with our people. From the time Jeff and I got married, we would go to church on Sunday morning and then alternate where we went for Sunday dinners—one Sunday with his parents and the next Sunday with my parents. We loved it so much!
Because we live in a small town, we didn't have a lot of restaurants to choose from, so home cooking was always the best alternative. And boy, could Jeff's mama cook! Meat, potatoes, and—because she knew how much we loved it—persimmon pudding. That's a midwestern favorite, and if you've never had it, you've missed out. It’s so good. Her persimmon pudding is legendary!
The Sunday meals at my parents' home usually consisted of comfort food—Fritos pie casserole (yes, it's a real thing—Google it!), homemade veggie soup with cornbread, or my mom's famous beef stew with crescent rolls. Of course, none of these dishes were keto-friendly, but we weren't too worried about that stuff back then.
All of our parents are in heaven now, and I would give almost anything to share just one more meal with them. I'm sure my husband would like that, too, because I think that "good cook gene" must've skipped me! I am, however, really good at ordering in.
Christin Hume; Unsplash
QUESTION #2: REVEAL
We’ve all got quirky proclivities and out-of-the-way interests. So, what are yours? What so-called "nonspiritual" activities do you love and help you find spiritual renewal?
I love going bass fishing with my handsome hubby. (Now, before anyone gets salty with me over this, we practice catch-and-release!) I love being out on the lake where it's beautiful, often tranquil, and disconnected from social media. We usually fish in places where no one can reach us by cell phone, so it’s truly a time to just disconnect with the world and reconnect with each other. Jeff and I have such a great time on the lake. For our 25th wedding anniversary, we bought a bass boat, and we've been traveling the country fishing ever since. My favorite fishing memory is going to Lake Ida in Florida and catching Peacock Bass. It was so much fun!
I also love walking our dogs (a longhaired miniature dachshund, Mollie Mae, and a rescue mutt that's part Greyhound and part Lab named Bella Marie). We walk them around our small town and on the Milwaukee Trail, which is a trail that used to be railroad tracks here in Southern Indiana. Every time we're on the trail, we see deer, turtles, squirrels, foxes, and the occasional snake. And when we see the latter, the dogs and I enjoy a good run!
QUESTION #3: CONFESS
Every superhero has a weakness. Every human, too. We're just good at faking it. But who are we kidding? We’re broken and in this thing together. So, what’s your kryptonite and how do you hide it?
My kryptonite is being addicted to the approval of others. From the time I was a little girl, it has always been so important to me that people like me. And often, I would do whatever it took to make people like me. That's so unhealthy and, at times, even crippling.
As I've grown older, I have learned to deal with this better, but I'd be lying if I said it doesn't affect me anymore. No matter how many times I give this to God, it seems I still battle it a little.
In my line of work, as a writer, you are always putting yourself out there. So when I have a new book out, and I receive 20 favorable reviews and one bad one, guess which one I focus on. Yep—the bad one. It will eat at me for days.
But a few years ago, I heard a sermon by one of my favorite preachers. He quoted James Altucher, who says in his book Choose Yourself that 30% of people will never like you. No matter what you do, 30% of people will have an immediate "dislike" toward you. I thought, "Geesh, that's 3 in 10, right? That's a lot of people!"
Somehow, I found that bit of information freeing—to know that there's nothing I can do to make some people like me. They just won't like me. Period. That gave me permission to quit trying to please them and get them to like me, and it allowed me to just focus on those who do like me, those who are in my corner no matter what.
QUESTION #4: FIRE UP
Tell us about your toil. How are you investing your professional time right now? What’s your obsession? And why should it be ours?
I've been a writer for as long as I can remember—since first grade, actually. It's more than a job for me. I feel called to write. Sure, I get paid for what I do, but that's not why I write.
Sometimes, however, that calling can feel heavy. The good news is this: God never calls us without equipping us. But he also wants us to have dreams that are way bigger than we feel qualified to fulfill. If we could handle it all on our own without God, that wouldn’t take any faith at all. But as we grow in our faith and learn his voice and follow after him, we can accomplish much for the kingdom.
Of course, sometimes it takes a while to discover what that calling is—at least it did for me. When I graduated from Indiana University with a journalism degree, I couldn’t wait to tackle those hard news stories and make a difference in the world. I had lots of confidence and curiosity—both personality traits needed to become an ace reporter—and so I got my chance to write for a daily newspaper in Southern Indiana. I started working the Police Beat, which was just one step above the obituary writer, and eventually secured a position covering city government and education.
I spent five years in those news reporter trenches before God led our family to Texas, and I began writing features and personality proles for an international ministry magazine. Little did I know that move would change my life forever.
After a little while on the job, my boss came to me asked, “You have kids, right?”
“Yes,” I answered.
“Great, then you can write some kids stories for our children’s page.”
I remember thinking, “Just because I have kids doesn’t mean I know how to write for them.”
But, I was a journalist, so I began researching the world of children’s literature and the craft of writing children’s books. The more I researched, the more I fell in love with this whimsical, enchanting genre.
That was more than 20 years and 100 books ago, but I’ve been lovesick ever since.
Creating stories for children—stories that teach, entertain, encourage and inspire—it’s a noble calling. It’s a privilege that I don’t take for granted, one I cherish in my heart. You see, I also write for adults, but my heart only pounds with enthusiasm when I am writing board books, picture books, middle-grade stories, and young adult (YA) manuscripts.
Why? Because I get to transport children to far-off lands and make-believe worlds. I get to encourage children to dream a little bigger, laugh a little harder, feel a little deeper, and care a little more. And, most importantly, as a writer of inspirational children’s books, I get to introduce them to my Jesus and show them just how much he loves them. That's what gets me up in the morning.
Not all of my children's books are for the Christian market, though. Some are for the general market, too. My latest book, Dachshund Through the Snow, is a Christmas picture book that is definitely a general market book, though many in the Christian world have embraced it because of its positive message—that you can do big things no matter your size or limitations.
Also, I've recently been given the awesome opportunity to have my own children's book imprint with End Game Press. It's called Wren & Bear Books (named after both my daughters’ oldest children). I am so excited for this chance to choose manuscripts from writers I believe in and stories that make my heart sing, to see these stories through until they are amazing books on bookstore shelves. I feel as though everything I've done in my career up until this point has prepared me for "such a time as this," and I couldn't be more thrilled. I'm just starting this new journey, so it's all a bit overwhelming and yet so exciting at the same time.
I also have five of my own books releasing next year:
Fly High, a picture book, published by End Game Press, that I co-authored with grief specialist Jan Johnson about coping with grief)
Springtime for Your Spirit, a devotional book, published by Skyhorse Press, that I co-authored with Andy Clapp about new beginnings and growth
I Love You to the Sun and Beyond, a picture book, published by Skypony Press, that I co-authored with Cecil Stokes about the love between a parent and a child
All-in Faith book and Bible study, co-authored with Bethany Jett and published by End Game Press. These are books for women who wish to grow in their faith.
Our God is Bigger Than That! This is a picture book co-authored with Eva Marie Everson about facing our fears, also published by End Game Press.
I am equally jazzed about all of these books and can't wait to see what God does with them.
QUESTION #5: BOOST
Cashiers, CEOs, contractors, or customer service reps, we all need grace flowing into us and back out into the world. How does the Holy Spirit invigorate your work? And how do you know it's God when it happens?
I'll never forget one Sunday morning when, as we were singing during the praise and worship portion of the church service, I could hardly participate. I was on a very tight book deadline, and I was really struggling. Although I've always loved to write, this particular devotional book was truly causing me anxiety. I didn't feel like I had the skill to complete the kind of manuscript the editor expected, and I was running out of ideas and time. I felt unqualified. I felt overwhelmed. And I felt out of breath. It was a difficult season.
As I struggled to fake my way through the church service, smiling and holding in all of my doubts and insecurities, our pastor stopped the service and said, "I feel like we just need a time of prayer up here at the front. If you are struggling right now, and you'd like someone to pray for you, come down now."
I wanted to go to the front, but my pride kept me in my seat for a few minutes. Then I thought, "What have I got to lose? I need prayer!" I almost ran to the front and knelt to one side of the stairs leading up to the platform.
I prayed by myself for a bit, and then a visiting minister came over to me and said these words, which changed everything: "I was praying for you, and I saw a vision of
an angel standing behind you, his wings wrapped around you, as you typed at a laptop. Then I heard the Lord say, 'You are never alone in this journey. I am covering you every step of the way. You are called and covered. I've got you.'"
What’s so amazing is that this visiting minister didn't know I was a writer. He was visiting from out of town, so I knew what he said to me had to have been from God. From that point on, anytime I reached a moment in my writing that seemed too hard or caused me to feel I was in over my head, I'd say out loud, "Thank you, God, for calling me and covering me. Help me to finish strong."
I finished that devotional book, and it went on to sell several hundred thousand copies and win a Golden Scroll award. That whole experience taught me that we can't go by feelings; we have to go by faith. We have to walk out our callings, knowing that God has got us covered.
QUESTION #6: inspire
Scripture and tradition beckon us into the rich and varied actions that open our hearts to the presence of God. So, spill it, which spiritual practice is workin' best for you right now?
One thing that has helped me connect with God in my very busy life is simply taking advantage of every minute. Here's what I mean by that—I listen to encouraging podcasts by some of my favorite Bible teachers as I get ready for the day, and I listen to "Jesus music" when I'm driving somewhere. I always joke that I have the most sanctified SUV in Indiana!
Lately, I've also been working out to songs by Mandisa and TobyMac simply because they get me going! When listening to their music, I can jog longer and push myself harder. These practices certainly don't replace a quiet time in God's Word and praying to him, but they certainly enhance that time. I've noticed that my attitude is much better if I sing Mandisa’s "Overcomer" at the top of my lungs as I'm driving somewhere as opposed to belting out the lyrics to "Thriller.” (Yes, I love ’80s music and listen to it often—but not until I've had my daily dose of "Jesus music.")
Something else that I love is utilizing a Faith Planner. (I prefer the Happy Planner ones!) Because I'm a writer, I love to journal insights and write down things the Lord is showing me through studying his Word. I also love to write down prayer requests and provide updates as God answers those prayers. It's so encouraging to look back over my entries and see how much God has done! I think we often forget to pause and praise him for all that he has done, but the Faith Planner makes me more conscious of his goodness and attention to detail in my life and the lives of my loved ones. I know a Faith Planner might not be for everyone, but I love it so much!
QUESTION #7: FOCUS
We all have things we cling to to survive (or thrive) in tough times. Name one resource you’ve found indispensable in this current season—and tell us what it's done for you.
I guess because I'm a writer, I'm a bit of a word nerd, so I love books that dissect language and teach me something. And if that "something" can make God's Word even richer for me, that's a win-win. For those reasons, I love pastor and Bible scholar Rick Renner's books Sparkling Gems from the Greek Vol 1: 365 Greek Word Studies for Every Day of the Year to Sharpen Your Understanding of God's Word and Sparkling Gems from the Greek Vol. 2: 365 New Gems to Equip and Empower You for Victory Every Day of the Year.
These books take a Scripture and break it down for you, showing you the context of that passage in history, where certain words in each Scripture are found throughout the Bible and the significance of the word choice, and how those new insights apply to your daily Christian life. It's so rich and deep and wonderful! I am learning so much. I feel like I am getting a Bible degree as I read and re-read these wonderful books. I highly recommend them. Pretty much any book by Rick Renner is worth your time.
My sister and I lead a Bible study at her church, and we went through Rick Renner's Last Days Survival Guide with our online group. It was amazing and educational for the times we are living in right now.
QUESTION #8: dream
God is continually stirring new things in each of us. So give us the scoop! What’s beginning to stir in you but not yet fully awakened? What can we expect from you in the future?
I've already shared about my new venture as an acquisitions editor for End Game Press with my new children's book imprint, Wren & Bear Books. But let me share a bit more. My first list will debut in Spring 2023. I am using these months leading up to my first release to learn the rest of the business—the part that we writers might not ever see after we turn in our manuscripts. I’m talking about the business side of publishing and market trends. I’m spending a lot of time investigating all the latest information available on those publishing topics. But I am also really leaning into the Holy Spirit, asking for guidance as I choose the right books for this time in history.
The tagline for my imprint is "Faith, Fun, and Fascination.” By that, I mean I want to publish books that encourage a child's faith, provide fun within its pages, and cause a child to look at a subject with new eyes, with wonder and awe. Now, I know not every book will check off all three of those categories, but those are my goals.
No matter if I’m writing for adults or for children, I always weave a thread of encouragement throughout the text. I feel that's part of my calling. Why is that? Perhaps partially because I was a cheerleader from grade school through college, so it's in me to cheer others on! I love it! But also, the books I loved as a child, and the books that my daughters loved when they were young, had one thing in common—they made us feel. Sometimes the books left us feeling happy, silly, and giggly. Other times, they made us feel encouraged and motivated. Still other times, they made us feel empowered. I want the readers of Wren & Bear Books to feel those same emotions as they delve into each title.
“So… what do you do?”
Has anyone ever asked you that question? Chances are, lots of people have asked you that over the years. In this culture of ours, we tend to define who we are based on what we do for a living.
But what we do for a living doesn’t always get at the core of who we are—or what truly drives us.
A better question might be: What gets you up in the morning? As Michelle mentioned earlier, her reason for getting up and writing for hours each day is the desire to take her readers on new adventures—and to introduce them to her beloved Jesus.
That might not be your reason, and that’s okay.
For some of us, it’s our sense of responsibility to care for those who depend on us. Or the drive to accomplish our dream. Or simply the joy of walking with Jesus in everyday life.
Whatever our life motivation is, let’s allow ourselves to be honest about it and give Jesus the freedom to mold it as he sees fit.
Michelle Medlock Adams is an award-winning author whose 100-plus books have sold around 4 million copies. Her most recent releases include Cuddle-Up Prayers, Puppy Dog Devotions, and Dachshund Through the Snow. Throughout her career, Michelle has earned over 80 industry accolades, helped pen a New York Times bestseller, blogged for Guideposts, and hosted TBN’s Joy in Our Town. Today, she co-owns Platinum Literary and serves as an acquisitions editor for Wren & Bear Books. Michelle is married to her high school sweetheart, Jeff, and they have two married daughters and five grandchildren. Learn more at michellemedlockadams.com.
