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It’s A Book Thing Presents: An Interview with Michelle Morgan Spady, author of I AM Christian, but what is The Trinity?

Author’s Bio: Michelle Morgan Spady is a multi-genre author, entrepreneur, and former middle and high school English and Business teacher. Her passion is writing children’s and women’s contemporary fiction and non-fiction. Mrs. Spady is known to empower others by encouraging them to participate in her writing projects. Teens gain invaluable education in the process of illustrating, publishing and writing books. At this writing, she is enrolled at Dallas Theological Seminary pursuing a Master of Arts Degree in Christian Education with a focus in Women’s Studies. 

When not studying or writing, she loves spending time with her husband and artist, son in Reston, VA. She also can’t live without God, family and something to write with or on!

Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write your book?

Michelle Morgan Spady: My current release was inspired by a seminary class titled, “Trinitarianism”. I had to do a class project. I created a PowerPoint and from the research (and good grade) came the idea for a children’s book on the topic. 

DL: How do you handle writer’s block?

MMS: I just go with the flow. I don’t force it. When it happens, I just wait until I’m inspired and motivated again to start writing. 

DL: What is your writing process?

MMS: I’m not sure I even have one. Usually, an idea will come to me. I jot down what’s in my head. I write or type everything that’s going on in my head at that moment. I call it a framework to get started when I come back to it. Sometimes that may be a month or more. When I do come back, I write until I’m empty! Sometimes it may be the end of a story, or the middle of the story, or just a character or two. When I write children’s books, sometimes it’s a character that my son has drawn and I think it’s cute and can see a story around it. 

DL: What do you think makes a good story?

MMS: A good story for me is a plot that is engaging and will hold my interest till the end. Sometimes I may like just one character and he or she will carry me to the end because I want to see what happens to him or her. 

DL: What were some of the challenges when writing this book?

MMS: The little book was challenging because the subject matter is all new to me. I’m in seminary school learning all about God and the 66 books of the Bible. I was a little skeptical writing about the Trinity - God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Especially after “one” class in Trinitarianism. The challenge was to decide from what perspective I could explain/write the concept of “One in three”, so that a child might understand it.

To make sure I had met the mark I asked my Pastor and Professor that gave me the “A+” to read it over before I published it. Also, a lot of research finding the right scriptures. 

DL: If you could choose a super power, what would it be and why?

MMS: Wow! If I could choose a super-power, I think I would choose one that would allow me to make exciting things happen for talented individuals who just happen to have a few limiting abilities that have nothing to do with their God given talents. I pray for this for my son who is on the Autism Spectrum. 

He is a very talented artist who yearns for a job with a “team” of folks who have the same interest. (Like Pixar, Disney, Warner Bros. etc.) He does not like to be labeled as someone who has disabilities. He is very high functioning, but just has challenges with basic “life skills” that keep him from traveling alone or living alone, i.e., needing someone to handle his financial affairs. I’d give him a friend, some money and send him on his way! 😊 

DL: If you were hosting a dinner party which three authors would be your dream guests and why?

MMS: Langston Hughes, Richard Wright, Terry McMillan. For their “blackness” and “don’t give a damn” personalities. Terry more for the laughs I get from her writings. There are many others; however, you asked for three. 

DL: What are the keys to success in marketing your book(s)?

MMS: I’m not sure if I’ve found any yet. I do a lot of merchandising with my books. Like the latest release, I’ve created a coloring book, stickers, and offering handmade no sew “reading mats” for children. I try to post on social media. Before Covid, like everyone else, I did in person events, now I’m dependent on Zooms and the likes. 

For Christmas, I am offering a package/bundle with the book, bookmarks, stickers, a post card with a space to write a personal note to the child. Great stocking stuffers! And I will mail. 

DL: Would you like to share an excerpt from I AM CHRISTIAN, but what is THE TRINITY?

MMS: Well, because it is a children’s book there are more pictures than story. The story is about a little boy named Terrance who learned a little about the Holy Trinity in Sunday school and he wanted to know more. He asked his mother, and she suggested that they have a Zoom with their Pastor. The Pastor proceeds to explain what it means to be a Christian. 

The book is filled with beautiful, vivid colorful illustrations done by 17-year-old Morgyn Childs. Her first time. The book is also filled with images of characters of color. I wanted to write a book that African American children could look at and see images of themselves AND God with some color. I added a couple of activities in the book. 

I have published the book in Spanish and I will be publishing a matching coloring book next week. The story is written so that all age groups can learn from it. The Foreword was written by my Pastor and a BIG endorsement on the back of the book is from the Trinitarian Professor at the Seminary. 

DL: Where can readers learn more about you and purchase your book(s)?

MMS: Readers can get more information here:

DL: Thanks so much for being here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.

MMS: Thank you!



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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