I'm the special guest on Special Guest Saturday at The Writer's Alley!

Check out this interview. If you have ever wondered about why this blog is called the Edgy Inspirational Author blog, this post should answer your questions...

The Writer's Alley interview is here.

The Yummiest Kiss Contest on the Edgy Inspirational Author blog...Win a free book!

Borrowing on several other blogs' concepts (thank you to Abi and others) I have decided to do a contest of my own blog here with different rules and a description that varies according to my blog's theme.

What is the prize you ask? You can win one copy of any of the books I have available right now. They are It's Not About Me, It's Not About Him, or my edgier e-books Danger at the Door and First Impressions...(e-books are open worldwide, but trade paperbacks to US and Canada only. Sorry y'all, but I ain't rich despite what people think of authors and their pay.

Here is how I will pick the winner. The person who writes the best kiss wins their choice of one of my books. Post no more than a page or two, please. Who will be the judge? Me. And you know I love edgy. Anything goes as long as there are no disgusting words or salacious implications. In other words, edgy is good but nasty is not. :)

That said, I will share a yummy kissing scene from each of my books. So in total you will get four yummy kisses to read. These are real, published scenes. I will post the page they are on as well as the book title so you will get four yummy examples of what I am looking for. (Ironically, two of my kissing scenes involve ice cream. Hmmm... is there a theme here?) Then you tell me which scene is your favorite. Then post your own. That's it.

So again... read my kissing scenes and tell me which one you like best and why, then write your own (can be published already or written on the spot.) One entry per writer please. Easy peasy, right? If you post about this contest and refer friends (and say so in your comment) I'll give you an extra entry. I'll choose a winner on Valentine's Day.

So what are you waiting for? Come on, read my heady kissing scenes and then impress me with your stuff!

**** so here is my stunning example from my first book, It's Not About Me, from pages 162-163.

An unmistakable look of longing came into his eyes. It made her skin tingle. She had the distinct impression he wanted to kiss her.

She moved closer and lifted another chunk of frozen banana from his shirt. Holding it in front of his lips, she whispered, “Want a taste?”

As though hypnotized, he opened his mouth, and she popped the morsel in. When he closed his lips and slowly licked them, she followed her impulse and stood on tiptoe, cupping his face with her hands.

She wanted to be his first kiss. God help her, but she couldn’t stand it anymore. She needed to know if the chemistry she felt between them was real.

He gazed back at her, looking startled at first. Then his eyes darkened, but he didn’t move.

Overwhelmed by his scent, his closeness, the need to know what it would be like to kiss him, she leaned into his broad chest. Time froze. She brushed her lips against his mouth, terrified he’d pull away, somehow sensing he wouldn’t.

He didn’t kiss her back at first. Hesitating, she pulled back slightly to gaze deep into his eyes. In their depths she found the same hunger that burned in her heart.

She closed her eyes, her lips seeking his, savored the taste of him as she found his upper lip. Sliding her mouth across his, she tugged on his lower lip, silently teasing his senses, aching for his love.

She sensed that something profound had awakened inside him. With a moan, she kissed him deeply until he responded with like passion. His sudden fervor surprised her, yet pleased her beyond anything she’d imagined.

As she reveled in his kisses, the strength of his arms around her gave her a rush like no other. Passion exuded from him as his mouth met hers kiss for kiss. The unspoken longing that released in their embrace was so intense she thought for certain they’d burst into flame.

****How as that for Yummy, eh? Here is one from It's Not About Him, from pages 104-106.

Stepping back to get a better look at him, Susie met his gaze. Her eyes grew heavy as the masculine scent of him intoxicated her like a drug. She wanted to kiss him and tell him how much she missed him, but her body felt stiff, frozen in place. She could only move her eyes, which were now straying to his lips.

Without saying a word, he wove his fingers into the hair at the nape of her neck. “I’ve really, really missed you,” he whispered.

His gaze lingered on her eyes, her mouth. Straying back and forth. But he held back, as if assessing her reaction before he made a move.

Against her wishes her throat tightened, and again her eyes filled with tears. She struggled to say something meaningful, but all she could do was swallow repeatedly.

When she found her voice, she murmured, “I have a confession to make.”

Her heart flipped at the intense look in his eyes. A lazy smile spread across his handsome face, and his hazel eyes flashed with amusement before darkening.

“Tell me. I’m listening.”

She cringed, averting her gaze. “I lied to you. I’m . . . sorry.” Peering at him through her bangs, she anticipated anger, but found none.

His brow crinkled, and a nervous grin replaced his confident one. “You lied to me? What are you talking about?”

“About your kiss. When I told you that. I didn’t mean what I said.”

Touching her chin, he tilted her face up to meet his gaze. “You didn’t mean what?”

Her pulsed pounded so hard she heard its flow echoing in her ears. “I didn’t mean it when I said . . . ”

His eyes softened further. His voice a throaty whisper, he said, “You lied?”

“Yeah.” She cast her gaze down.

“If you lied, that means you enjoyed it, right?”

She nibbled on her lower lip. “Yeah, I did.”

The tone of his voice deepened. “A lot or a little?”

A bubble of joy bounced around in her stomach and threatened to pop. Jeff hadn’t pushed her away or laughed at her.

With a low chuckle, she responded, “A lot.”

Jeff eased closer. “Mmm. Me too.”

He brushed his warm lips against hers once, then twice.

Curving her arms around his neck, Susie pulled him closer and melted against him, the intensity of his kiss turning her knees
to mush.

“Susie . . . I need you. I want to be with you so much.”

God help her, but she wanted him too. Last year she would’ve laughed if anyone had even suggested that someday she’d have feelings for Jeff. And now seeing him was all she thought about. How quickly things changed.

Once again, he dipped his head and tasted her lips slowly, with an agonizing tenderness that made her forget the extra weight she carried. For a moment she allowed her heart to feel the intense joy welling up inside. To know he wanted her was a heady feeling.


****Now for a scene from Danger at the Door, page 75.

Her nerves tensed when she realized he would be leaving any minute. She didn’t want to see him go. Glancing up, she captured his gaze and licked her lips.

His eyes traveled to her mouth. That stupid habit was going to get her in big trouble one of these days. But she couldn’t help it. The tension in her body caused that automatic response.

"You want bakni before I go?" The soft sound of his voice made her knees weak.

What does a girl say to an offer like that? No? She’d be a fool to turn him down. So instead, she nodded, her eyes never leaving his.

Everything transpired in slow motion as he stepped closer. She could hear the sound of his erratic breathing and held her breath. His lips hovered and met hers in a tentative manner at first. Then he draped his arms around her as he angled his head to caress her lips more fully. He secured the back of her head with one hand as he suckled her, engaging one lip at a time, and exploring her mouth with abandon. The desperate, husky moans emitting from low in his throat made her body hum. His tongue slid against hers in an intimate dance and her body pulsed as she pressed against him. She wanted more, needed more. It didn’t matter that they hadn’t known each other very long. She yearned for intimacy.

To experience things with him she had no business desiring. Not yet.

When he pulled away, an intense, bereft void filled that place, making her throat tighten. She couldn’t say what she really felt. What she wanted to do was beg to go with him. Worse, to make love to him so he wouldn’t forget her.

But that would be too needy, and she realized he wouldn’t want her to come with him. His business was personal, and she had no part in it. The thought saddened her.

"Ah, Laney, your lips are sweet like med. Your eyes remind me of blue lake near hometown. So deep and wonderful." He touched her cheek. "But we must wait.”

She swallowed hard and bit her lip. He was right, of course, but it didn’t make the desire pulsing in her go away. Her body throbbed, and oh, it was a heady feeling.

"I call you soon. I must go now." His large fingers stroked the side of her head, tracing her cheek, her jaw, until his hand touched her chin and slowly slipped away.

She sensed his eyes on her and she nodded, refusing to look at him for fear she’d get tearful again. A sob crept up her throat, and she squelched the pain.

The door clicked shut. She leaned against the frame and sucked in a breath as she tried to keep her tears at bay. "God, help me. The way I feel… This can’t be right."

Trust me. And wait.

****And last, from First Impressions, pages 47-48.

She glanced away, nibbled on the corner of her mouth, and nodded.

"Good. I want you to know you can always trust me, okay?" As he turned her face toward him again, he peered deep into her eyes. He suddenly felt emotionally naked. Exposed. He was sharing his heart with her, and yet he sensed that she wasn't ready to share her heart yet. Not with anyone. That made him indescribably sad.

She laughed nervously and announced, "I don't feel like eating anymore, but my empty stomach still hurts."

His appetite had waned, too. "How about ice cream? It's always good for the soul."

"Now there's a man after my own heart."

Jimmy smiled as warmly as he could and tried to think positively. Things were improving and he didn't want to lose the momentum. He pulled a half-gallon of chocolate chip ice cream out of the freezer and set out two dishes. He sensed her watching him as he filled the bowls and returned the carton to the freezer.

"What do you want to talk about?"

"Let me think." She took a bite of her ice cream and offered him a spoonful.

He grinned and opened his mouth.

She slid the ice cream inside with her spoon. The look on her face was incredibly sensual.

"Yummy, huh?"

He nodded.

She smiled shyly and handed him her spoon. "Feed me now?"

Suppressing a delighted moan, he slid a bite of ice cream into her mouth and waited for her response. The game they were playing was getting him hot enough to squirm. It didn't help that they were alone in his kitchen. It would be so easy to take things further if they didn't slow things down…

Licking her lips as she watched him, she then closed her eyes and swallowed.

That action was all he needed to push him over the edge. He needed to taste her again or he'd go mad just thinking about doing it. Setting his bowl on the counter, he gently grabbed her arms and lowered his mouth to hers. She responded more fervently than he'd anticipated as their cool, sweet tongues engaged. The sensual kiss made his head swim with pleasure.

He moaned. Everything in him tensed and heated as they explored each other like two hungry singles deprived of affection for far too long. He sensed her arm moving and wondered what she intended to do with her hand. He was eager to find out and made a move of his own.

A crash made him jump back.

"Oops. I missed the counter." She giggled.

He sucked in a deep breath. What was he doing kissing her like that? Things were getting way too hot for a weak man like him to be engaged in. In fact, he'd been so into the heat of the moment that everything melted away but the sensation of her mouth on his and his desire to overwhelm her with himself. All thoughts of God and his plans to remain pure had vanished. He had wanted her so much it scared him.

He shook off the thoughts and shifted his attention to the spill. God needed to help him get his self-control back.

"Not a problem. I'll get you another bowl." Glad for the diversion, he quickly cleaned up the mess and dished her up another dessert.

"Now, where were we…?" He popped a spoonful of ice cream into his mouth and tried to suppress a delighted smile as he thought about that awesome kiss. He needed to keep his thoughts pure. Being around her made that tough.

"Sure you want to go there again, mister?"

"I'm fighting it." He swallowed hard. Truth was he wasn't fighting much at all.

She laughed and winked at him. "Maybe we better go outside."

Check out this podcast interview of me on Books A Latte!

This is a written interview as well as a podcast. Enjoy!

It’s Not About Me/It’s Not About Him interview and podcast

Posted using ShareThis

FINALLY tweaked my book video trailer for INAM.

So what do you think? I had to find the right music and it wasn't easy.

Podcast/Pulsecast is now on The Chrisitan Pulse - posted with bonus giveaway.

My podcast was finally posted (I did it back in May or June) so now you can listen and enter to win a free copy of my book. Here it is. Just click on the gray button that looks like a little speaker.

http://www.thechristianpulse.com/index.php/PulseCasts/The-Inkwell/Michelle-Sutton.html

Modeling the tee shirts for INAM and INAH

This is a picture of me with my friend Alexi modeling the tee shirts for my Second Glances series. Alexi is wearing the it's NOT about ME shirt and I am modeling it's NOT about HIM one.



This picture shows you our faces. Don't these tee shirts look great! :)

I designed tee shirts, mugs, and bags for my novels. What do you think?

I plan to order one tee shirt for myself for starters. If you want to get one, too, just click on the page. You can change the size and color and design of any of the products you see. Have fun!

http://www.zazzle.com/joyfulhutch/gifts

Pictures of author Michelle Sutton with teen fan of "It's Not About Me" in Phoenix, Arizona

Last weekend I was in Phoenix, Arizona for a writer's meeting and I detoured to meet a "fan" and autograph a few books. Here is a picture of me with Candice. She's 19 and a freshman in college, which is the perfect age for my series so I was thrilled that she'd read my book several times. She's nice and very pretty, isn't she? I love meeting people in person who have enjoyed the books I've written. The first question I always get, though, is "when's the next book coming out?" To which I answer, "September." So if you enjoyed It's Not About Me, be sure to keep an eye out for It's Not About Him coming this fall.

Whoo hoo - found another great review!

Check this one out! Review of It's Not About Me HERE!

A fresh, new interview with a chance to win...

So you think you've heard it all? Maybe not. Check out this latest interview and if you post a comment you'll be entered to win a copy of It's Not About Me. Even if you have a copy already, it still makes a great gift!

http://rcwriter.wordpress.com/2009/03/09/featured-author-michelle-sutton/

Just posted yesterday. Do I sleep? What do I like? Want to know... or don't really care? Indulge me anyway, pretty please?

New Beach Reads blog! Win a copy of It's NOT About ME here!

Yeah, I know you've already had a bunch of opportunities to win a copy, but for those of you who are still trying, this may just work for you! So here is another chance to win. I'm the featured author on Beach Reads blog. So follow my weekly posts for the month and you could be the winner of my book. And just in time to get it before the next book comes out, too!

Read interview and enter your name to win HERE!

Peace!

Makes a great gift! Win it! How? Post a widget and get a chance to win the last copy of my book!

I'll even autograph it and mail it directly to the friend you want to give it to (or you can keep it for yourself. It's up to you.)

This is the very last giveaway for my debut novel It's Not About Me (that I know of anyway) and it will run through the month of December 2008. In the beginning of January (2009) I'll announce and contact the winner. All you have to do to enter for a chance to win is grab my widget code and post it on your blog, which will link to mine. The widget is on the left side below blog followers and above my Edgy Christian Fiction Lovers ning group. It's called my blog widget. Click on the little gray box that says "get widget" and paste it into your blog. It will say embed code and you need to copy that. (Or you can just get it from the widget in this post.) It should look like the widget below. Then post a comment telling me you did it and include a link to your post. Sound easy? I think so. Have fun with this one!

Here is another author interview

Think you knew all about me? Here is some more stuff you might not know. :) Maybe you don't care to know more about me but stop by anyway. Thanks!


http://www.wordvessel.blogspot.com/

Scroll down until you see my picture. Peace!

Another chance to win a copy of It's Not About Me on two different sites!

About the book:

Annie has it all. She's attractive, graduated with honors, was accepted at the college of her choice, has supportive parents, good friends, and a steady boyfriend who loves her. One night when an unexpected visitor appears, Annie's safe world is destroyed. As she tries to recover the pieces of her broken life, a war ensues between two brothers who both claim to have her best interests at heart. But who will Annie choose? Or will she decide to turn her life in a different direction?



Click here to enter the site to win a copy of INAM on Louise Gouge's site!



Win a copy on Lynette Eason's blog!

It would be cool if you mentioned how you found the site doing the giveaway. And I wish you the best!

For Shoutlife members only!

Here is a link to a review of It's Not About Me done by Lena Nelson Dooley. Check it out and post a comment when you do. Thanks and peace!


Blog post - review of INAM

Pics from Hastings Entertainment book signing today.

Just to summarize, I had a great day! I sold twelve copies and a bunch of people brought in books they had already purchased, about eight or nine copies, so in all I autographed over twenty books. Not everyone wants a picture up, so these are the brave ones shown below.

My first customer today. What a great guy!

She had the right idea! Autographed books make great gifts!

What would I do without my best bud at my signing? I'd be lost!

Here's a great guy with a funny side. This is the serious pose...

Now here is where he lets his excitement out. It's so funny I am caught up in it!

A friend from work. She took her copy on vacation with her. Smart lady, eh?

Now this is truly supportive. My own pastor came to get autographs, too. Aw!

Snagged this reader on his way to the pub, as in where you get drinks--not books. He'll like my story. It's very guy friendly, and as you can see, lots of guys are reading it. Whoo hoo!

A new interview of me on a very cool blog! Check it out!

Here is the latest interview about INAM and it includes a bit about the next book, too!

It's Not About Me by Michelle Sutton is up on CFBA!

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

It's Not About Me

Sheaf House Publishers (September 1, 2008)

by

Michelle Sutton


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michelle Sutton has lived in Arizona and since 1991 and has two sons and a husband of 18 years. She began writing fiction in August 2003 when God inspired her to write a novel with realistic characters that would glorify Him. In 2004 she joined ACFW - American Christian Fiction Writers. In 2006 Michelle ran for Volunteer Officer on the ACFW Operating board and ACFW members elected her to serve a two year term. She sold her first manuscript Then Sings My Soul (now re-titled It's Not About Me) to Sheaf House and her debut novel was released in Sept. 2008. The second book in the Second Glances series - It's Not About Him - will be released the following fall (Sept. 2009.)

Last, Michelle is Editor in Chief of the new Christian Fiction Online Magazine. The debut issue released in July 2008. The magazine is sponsored by the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance.



ABOUT THE BOOK

Annie has it all. She's attractive, graduated with honors, was accepted at the college of her choice, has supportive parents, good friends, and a steady boyfriend who loves her. One night an unexpected visitor appears and Annie's safe world is destroyed by a brutal attack. As she tries to pick up the pieces of her broken life, she is torn between two brothers, both of whom claim to love her. She is attracted to both, but which one does she love? How can she choose when her decision may cause a permanent rift between them? And more important, will she give her heart to the One who will sustain her even when human love fails.

"...the exquisitely written spiritual content shows the reader that redemption is available, no matter what the circumstances."
- 4 Stars, Romantic Times!

Instead of dealing with timely issues like alcoholism, premarital sex and pornography in a preachy, oh-so-tired fashion, Michelle Sutton's It's Not About Me gets to the heart of the matter with a shocking dose of realism and poignant storytelling. From the first paragraph, Sutton weaves together a thoroughly entertaining story that'll keep readers intrigued for the long haul as they get to know Annie, Dan, Tony and Susie—young adults that probably don't look and sound all that different from themselves. Now that's a seriously refreshing turn for Christian fiction."
~Christa Ann Banister~, author of Around the World in 80 Dates, (NavPress 2007) and Blessed are the Meddlers (NavPress 2008)

It's Not About Me is a wonderfully entertaining and deliciously suspenseful read that will keep you turning the pages. Sutton doesn't back away from the drama and with all of the twists and turns, It's Not About Me is hard to put down. I cannot wait for the sequel! Bravo!"
~Victoria Christopher Murray~, Essence best-selling author of multiple titles including The Ex Files and the upcoming YA series The Divine Divas

“Annie captured my heart on the first page and kept me enthralled to the very end. This edgy, yet surprisingly poignant story travels the inroads of intimate relationships – man to woman, brother to brother, parent to child, friend to friend. But especially satisfying is the author’s delicate handling of the relationship between a searching soul and the loving Savior who alone possesses the power to work all things out for the good. A terrific debut for Michelle Sutton. I can’t wait to read more from this talented author!”
~Virginia Smith~, author of Just As I Am and Sincerely, Mayla

"Michelle Sutton's gritty writing style will very likely go straight to the hearts of teens, addressing what they deal with every day in what is all too often grim reality for our youth. Sutton is no doubt a refreshing and much needed voice in today's YA fiction."
~Tina Ann Forkner~, Author of Ruby Among Us
Waterbrook Press/Random House

If you would like to read the Prologue and first Chapter of It's Not About Me, go HERE

My thoughts:

It feels weird to post the blog about my own book on this tour, but fun, too. I am thrilled to be part of CFBA and the editor for CFOM! This organization rocks! Oh, and it would tickle me if y'all liked my book, too. :)

More links to reviews/interviews done over the past two weeks and INAM giveaways

There are many more to come and all are a bit different. Check out the latest interviews of Michelle Sutton regarding her debut novel, "It's Not About Me." Plus, several of these interviews include giveaways but you have to visit the posts to find out which ones. Best wishes to you. :)

http://ambermillerauthor.blogspot.com/2008/09/spotlight-on-michelle-sutton-and-its.html


http://relzreviewz.blogspot.com/2008/09/its-not-about-me-by-michelle-sutton.html


http://carasmusings.blogspot.com/2008/09/interview-with-michelle-sutton-giveaway.html


http://www.shoutlife.com/profile_view.cfm?uid=14249&blog_id=264559&view_mode=blog


http://www.jillelizabethnelson.com/2008/09/ive-got-treat-for-readers-todayan.shtml

That's it for now.

Pictures from my first book signing ever - in Bisbee, Arizona.

First of all let me just say that I had a blast. Not everyone was as brave as my customers photographed below. When I told them I'd post the pics on my website these ladies all said, "okay." They were as excited as I was about my first booksigning.

The first customer I had today happened to be walking by and she was the attorney I thanked in my book for her legal advice. How fun is that? So she bought a book, and I autographed it to her, but I didn't get a picture with her because I didn't think about it when she came by. Next came these lovely ladies. I forgot to ask them where they lived. Since there was an art festival in town today many people came from out of the area. Pictured below are Pamela (left), me (center) and Leoni (right.) Don't we look happy?



My next brave customer's name was Kelly. I think she said she lived in either Tucson or Phoenix. I spoke to so many people that I forgot the details of every conversation.

My last brave customer was Jamie. She bought my book for her niece MacKenzie, but said she planned to read it, too. In all I sold fourteen books, which isn't bad considering the majority of the residents in Bisbee are not interested in inspirational fiction, nor were many of the artisans and people browsing today, but I still had some great discussions with a lot of very nice people as you can see from their smiling faces. I hope some of them will let me know when they finish my book. I'll check my guestbook once a week just to see if they write me.

Pictured below is my youngest son. He's a sophomore in high school and was a great help to me today. Mainly he kept me smiling and joking, and that helped a lot. What a great kid I have, eh?