Michelle Shocklee: Nashville, a Winning Dachshund, a Giveaway & More
What a thrill to host Michelle Shocklee on the blog this week! Enjoy getting to know her and learn more about her new historical release, Count the Nights by Stars. Be sure to comment on the interview by March 29 for chance to win a print copy of Michelle’s new book!
Welcome Michelle! Tell us a little about yourself and your family.
I’ve been married to my college sweetheart for 34 years and we have two grown sons. Ten years ago, my husband and I began working as Estate Caretakers, which means we live and work on large properties and help the owners take care of everything. We’ve lived on a 400-acre llama & sheep ranch in Texas and currently live on a 250-acre gentleman’s farm outside of Nashville. We love what we do!
That is so cool! As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I honestly don’t recall dreaming about a future career as a child. My mom was an elementary school teacher, so when I went to college, I chose elementary education as my major. What I didn’t factor in was passion. My mom’s passion was working with children but mine wasn’t. I loved reading and writing but it didn’t occur to me until I was in my late twenties to begin pursuing that as a career.
Readers are blessed you came to that conclusion! How and when did you start writing?
I’ve always enjoyed writing stories, but it wasn’t until I was married with children that I decided to work on a novel. Home computers were just getting popular, so when my husband brought one home, I got to work. However, I had a LOT to learn about writing a novel. I began attending writers’ conferences and eventually signed with my first agent. It would still be quite a few years before my first book was published, but God is faithful and used those early years to teach me about myself and about writing.
Thanks for sharing that. Your story offers hope for pre-published writers. What genre do you write and what inspired you to write that particular genre?
I love history! When choosing books to read or movies to watch, I always gravitate toward historical stories. As an author, I very much enjoy researching historical events and bringing them to life for readers. My most recent books have been dual-timeline stories, which involves two different historical time periods.
I really enjoy dual-timeline stories! Speaking of research, how long do you spend on it before you begin writing a book?
Too long! I adore research, so there usually comes a point that I have to make myself stop researching and start writing the story. But I also do research as I write, because little things will come up that I need to fact-check or whatnot to ensure I’m on the right track.
Fun stuff! Do you have any pets? If so, do they find their way into any of your stories?
We’ve had many pets through the years, and several have found their way into my books. In my new release, Count the Nights by Stars, our beloved Dachshund, Copper, makes several appearances. Our Copper was not only the best dog we’ve ever owned, he was also the most famous. While in his prime, he was a champion racer, winning eleven national wiener dog races. He was even featured (along with his human, my husband) on CBS’s Sunday Morning show.
Wow, that’s awesome. Tell us about the setting of your current novel. If it’s a real location, have you visited?
My new release, Count the Nights by Stars, is set in Nashville, Tennessee, where I currently live. Although the story is set in 1961 & 1897, I enjoyed visiting Centennial Park and the Parthenon, which make appearances in both timelines. Much of downtown Nashville has changed since 1961, but readers can still see the Noel Hotel (or Noelle, as it’s now called) which stood across the street from the Maxwell House Hotel, the prime setting in the book.
Interesting. Nashville’s a great setting for a novel. How do you incorporate Christ and hope into your writing?
As an author who is also a Christian, I believe everything I write should point people to Jesus Christ. That doesn’t mean I preach, quote scripture, or have conversion scenes on every page, but it does mean that the characters in the story will be on a journey—spiritual and physical—that ultimately ends with a deeper understanding of who they are in Christ.
That’s a great goal. What do you hope your readers take away from Count the Nights by Stars?
I hope readers will be reminded to be more aware of the people around them. “I see you” is the theme at the heart of the story. Each of the main characters—Priscilla and Audrey—encounter people and circumstances that open their eyes to the world around them. Both have lived somewhat sheltered, selfish lives, so coming face to face with the harsh realities of our broken world sets them on a journey of looking deep within themselves and how they can become part of the solution.
That sounds like a wonderful takeaway for everyone. What advice would you give an aspiring author?
Don’t give up. Learning the craft of writing a novel takes time, as does publication. Do go to conferences and workshops. Do join writers’ groups. Don’t compare your journey to that of another author. Don’t compare your skills to anyone else’s. The writer of the Book of Hebrews reminds us in chapter twelve, verse one to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” No one else can run your race or win your prize. No one else can write the books God has placed in your heart and mind.
Excellent advice! What’s next from you?
Count the Nights by Stars is the only book I’ll release in 2022, but I’m working on a new novel that will release sometime in 2023. It too is a dual timeline, but instead of taking place in Nashville, we’re moving over to the beautiful hills of East Tennessee. I’m loving the research (of course!) and am learning all kinds of new and interesting things about…OH, wait! I can’t tell you yet, but I think readers will really enjoy these new characters and their fascinating lives.
I can’t wait to hear more about your next novel! Thanks so much for sharing on the blog this week, Michelle. I’m looking forward to reading your new book! Blessings to you.
Join the conversation. Do you enjoy reading historical fiction? What about dual-timeline stories? Have you ever visited Nashville? Do you have any questions for Michelle?
Be sure to comment by March 29 for a chance to win a paperback copy of Count the Nights by Stars! (Keep scrolling to find the comments section)
Count the Nights by Stars by Michelle Shocklee
Click the book cover for purchase link
Count your nights by stars, not shadows. Count your life with smiles, not tears.
1961. After a longtime resident at Nashville’s historic Maxwell House Hotel suffers a debilitating stroke, Audrey Whitfield is tasked with cleaning out the reclusive woman’s room. There, she discovers an elaborate scrapbook filled with memorabilia from the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. Love notes on the backs of unmailed postcards inside capture Audrey’s imagination with hints of a forbidden romance . . . and troubling revelations about the disappearance of young women at the exposition. Audrey enlists the help of a handsome hotel guest as she tracks down clues and information about the mysterious “Peaches” and her regrets over one fateful day, nearly sixty-five years earlier.
1897. Outspoken and forward-thinking Priscilla Nichols isn’t willing to settle for just any man. She’s still holding out hope for love when she meets Luca Moretti on the eve of the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. Charmed by the Italian immigrant’s boldness, Priscilla spends time exploring the wonderous sights of the expo with Luca―until a darkness overshadows the monthslong event. Haunted by a terrible truth, Priscilla and Luca are sent down separate paths as the night’s stars fade into dawn.
Michelle Shocklee is the author of several historical novels, including Under the Tulip Tree, a Christy Awards finalist. Her work has been included in numerous Chicken Soup for the Soul books, magazines, and blogs. Married to her college sweetheart and the mother of two grown sons, she makes her home in Tennessee, not far from the historical sites she writes about.
Connect with Michelle: Website / Facebook / Goodreads / Twitter / Instagram
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If you missed last week’s interview with debut author, Crystal Caudill, find it here.
Deena Adams
As a Jesus girl for more than thirty years, Deena Adams understands how important hope is to daily life, which fuels her passion to inspire others through hope-filled fiction based on true to life stories. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency and is a multi-award-winning writer, an active ACFW member, and ACFW Virginia president. Connect with Deena through her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
27 Comments
Deena Adams
Congratulations to Maryann S., you’re the winner of Michelle’s book! I tried to contact you using the email you provided but it’s not valid. I made a guess at which character was wrong, so if you see this comment, please message me with your correct email address.
If I’m unable to track down Maryann this week, I’ll choose a new winner. Stay tuned!
Maryann S.
I love reading dual time stories. This story sounds interesting. I have visited Nashville and have been to Centennial Park. I enjoy the AVID group.
Deena Adams
Hi, Maryann. I love dual timeline stories, too. And the avid readers group is great! Thanks so much for reading Michelle’s interview and commenting.
Heidi Mitchell
I enjoy historical fiction and can see how easy it would be to fall into the rabbit research hole! It’s interesting that you and your husband are estate caretakers. I’d never met anyone who actually did that before until last week when I met a couple who are caretakers on their third “assignment”, and now I know that you do it too. My guess is that an adventurous spirit is a plus! Congratulations on your upcoming release!
Deena Adams
Thanks for stopping by and joining the conversation, Heidi! I’ve never met estate caretakers. It’s so interesting and seems like a grand adventure.
Linda Shenton Matchett
Hi Michelle! Congratulations on the new book, it sounds fantastic. I’ve been tempted to write a dual time novel, but it seems too hard! I’m looking forward to the book set in East TN, that’s my old stomping grounds and a beautiful area of the country. (author, don’t enter me in the giveaway, I just wanted to stop by to say hello!)
Deena Adams
Hi, Linda. Thanks so much for reading and commenting. I’d love to write a dual timeline novel someday, too. I suppose I need to finish editing the contemporary I’ve been working on for a couple of years. LOL
Michelle Shocklee
Hi Linda, glad you stopped by and left a comment! If you’ve got a dual-time story in you, go for it! Under the Tulip Tree was my first attempt at a dual-time story (as well as writing in first person) and I was surprised as how easily I got into the groove of writing it. My editor helped tweak the areas where I slipped up, but all in all I really enjoyed it. So when the story for Count the Nights by Stars starting to develop, another dual-timeline seemed perfect for Priscilla and Audrey’s stories. My next book set in East TN will also be a dual time. I think I’m hooked! Ha!
Best wishes!
Roxanne C.
Historical fiction is my favorite genre. I have enjoyed reading a few dual timelines, but they all had one historical storyline and one contemporary storyline. Reading a dual timeline with two historical storylines will be even better.
Deena Adams
Hi, Roxanne. Thanks so much for stopping by. I’ve really enjoyed dual timeline stories over the past few years. It doesn’t seem to matter to me whether they are both historical or one is historical and one contemporary. I admire author’s who can pull this off seamlessly, and Michelle certainly can!
Michelle Shocklee
Hi Roxanne,
I’m a bit of history nut (and just a nut-nut! ha!) so the more history in a story, the better, in my humble opinion! 😀 Thanks for stopping by the blog.
Penny McGinnis
This book sounds wonderful. I’ll have to add it to my tbr pile.
Deena Adams
Thanks so much for stopping by, Penny. Hope you get a chance to read Michelle’s book!
Michelle Shocklee
Hi Roxanne,
I’m a bit of history nut (and just a nut-nut! ha!) so the more history in a story, the better, in my humble opinion! 😀 Thanks for stopping by the blog.
Carol James
Michelle, what a great interview. I love the theme “I see you.” Definitely a timely message. Blessings to you.
Deena Adams
Thanks so much for reading and joining the conversation, Carol! I’m so glad you enjoyed Michelle’s interview.
Michelle Shocklee
Carol, thank you so much! Yes, we all need to see one another with eyes! Have a great day!
Traci
Excellent interview. I adore historical fiction. Not a huge fan of the duel timeline, but will give this book a read! I have never been to Nashville, but it is on my bucket list. We are going to Tennessee in June, but won’t get near Nashville.
Looking forward to reading your book!
Deena Adams
Hi, Traci. Hope you can get to Nashville one of these days. Where in TN are you going?
I’ve come to love the dual timeline stories because I can enjoy historical and contemporary all in one book. If you haven’t read Michelle’s book, Under the Tulip Tree, you must! It’s a favorite of mine.
Michelle Shocklee
Hi Traci, thanks for popping in to the blog. I try very hard to make sure my dual-time books aren’t confusing and the transitions are smooth. I hope you enjoy the book if you choose to read it. Have a wonderful trip to TN!
Connie
Great interview, thank you for sharing! I love your theme “I see you”. I’ve been to Nashville once, and hope to visit again someday. It is a wonderful area! I’ve always struggled with interest in history but find myself learning to appreciate it more as I get older. I’m looking forward to reading some of your books!
Deena Adams
Thanks so much for reading and joining the conversation, Connie. I always hated history as a child but I’ve learned to love it more and more, too. Maybe I didn’t have the right teachers. Fiction does a great job of teaching history while entertaining.
Janet Morris Grimes
This sounds fascinating. I’m also from Nashville, and it changes every day. Can’t wait to read your story!
Deena Adams
Thanks so much for reading and joining the conversation, Janet!
Michelle Shocklee
Hi Janet, we’ve only lived in the Nashville area since 2017, but it’s grown in those short years! My novel Under the Tulip Tree is also set in Nashville. Thanks for coming by the blog!
Michelle Shocklee
Deena, thank you for having me on the blog! It was fun!
Deena Adams
It was my pleasure, Michelle. Congratulations again on your new book!