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It’s A Book Thing Presents: An Interview with Michelle Petties, author of Leaving Large: The Stories of a Food Addict

Author’s Bio: Michelle Petties is an author, speaker, Food Story Finder, experiential eating expert, and recovering food addict. Her debut book, Leaving Large – The Stories of a Food Addict, features personal and powerful stories that chronicle a lifetime of eating for all the wrong reasons. After gaining and losing 700 plus pounds over four decades, Michelle finally discovered the “secret” to ending the battle between her mind, body, and hunger – her Food Stories. By unlocking her own unique Food Stories, Michelle debunked long held misconceptions and misconnections about the purpose of eating. Armed with these insights, she now teaches others how to find their own food truths.  

Michelle studied at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Arlington. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Marshall, she currently resides in Annapolis, Maryland.

Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write your book?

Michelle Petties: My doctor told me to write a cookbook that included my stories. What I wrote was a book of stories that does not include any recipes. 

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

MP: The biggest challenge was my trying to rush the process. I was hyper-focused on finishing the book by a self-imposed deadline. My editor forced me to slow down and allow my stories to grow and mature. He helped me work through my fear and worry that my book would become yet another incomplete “project” on an ever-growing to do list.  

DL: What was the best writing advice you’ve ever been given?

MP: Marita Golden advised me to, “always tell YOUR story.” Whenever I am in doubt, her words show up in my heart. 

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

MP: It would be the superpower I already have, a wild, creative, active, and vivid imagination. Whatever we can imagine, we can create. I believe that with everything that’s in me. Imagination is how we change ourselves and the world. 

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

MP: Figuring out the doing-it balance. How much and what to do myself and what and how much others should do. 

DL: What are three things you can’t live without?

MP: A to-do list, a morning walk, and a good afro wig. 

DL: If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

MP: Reborn. Brand New. 

DL: Would you like to share an excerpt from Leaving Large: The Stories of a Food Addict?

MP:   Sure, here you go: 

From “Food Story #21 Rock Bottom” 

             A day that should have been joyful left me feeling empty, guilty, and ashamed—for way too many years. 

It took a long time to finally confess to my sister that I was the one who ate her fruitcake cookies, not my roommate Jim. I’m so glad that my sister forgave me. We had a big laugh, and she was finally able to release all the resentment she harbored towards Jim. 

As much as I wish the cookie episode was my only rock bottom moment, it was not. There were many others before it and after it. Like when the classical radio station I was working for hosted a costume ball and I was too big to wear any of the period ball gowns they supplied. I had to find fabric and make my own dress for the occasion. 

Or when a few years later I purchased some candy for a client as a gift and she discovered discarded wrappers I had inadvertently left in the bag—evidence that I had taken a few pieces for myself. 

Or the countless times when I looked in the mirror and saw that even with the weekly trips to the nail and hair salon, the jewelry, and whatever designer clothes I had on, I still felt defeated, powerless, and burdened by my body. None of the wrongness I felt inside was healed by my attention to the outward trappings of my appearance. 

Or when I caught a disturbing glimpse of the rolls of fat across my back in a department store dressing room mirror. I stood there feeling beaten down and discouraged by bunches of discarded, ill-fitting garments. 

Or the countless times I’d race to the grocery store to buy a four-pack of giant bran muffins. I’d rip through the plastic and devour all four muffins while still in the parking lot, stopping only when the container lay empty on the seat beside me.     

DL: What new projects are you currently working on?

MP: I am developing a workshop series and program to teach and inspire others to end their food-body battles by uncovering and documenting their own Food Stories. 

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

MP: Reader 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.

MP: Thanks for having me! 





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