I'd like to welcome to Shelf Full of Books today, Michael Walker, author of Her Special Day Shoes. This is a special book for Michael, his friend Kristen and for the National Breast Cancer Foundation because the profits from this book will be split equally between them. Michael, let's start out with a little information about yourself, and then move on to your book and the proceeds from your book.
Where were you born and where do you call home?
I was born in Hawthorne, CA, but I call Pikeville, TN my home. Both my
parents were born and raised in that small town mountain area. They went to the
same one room school house (still standing to this day), complete with an
outhouse. Just before my father passed away he took me back there and we walked
around the grounds and inside the school building. He shared stories of his
school days and how he would get in trouble from my mother passing love notes
to him in class. I will never forget it. Currently I live in Hutto, Tx.
Any pets that you would like to tell us about, share a pic?
Reba. My daughters and I rescued Reba when she was about 10 months old.
Since then she has been an integral part of our family, and has emotionally
rescued me on more than one occasion. Reba is a Texas Lacy and is the sweetest
and most lovable dog you could ever want.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Hug your Momma more; you will only
have 19 years with her. Also, your father was right about a lot of things,
listen to him. Stop procrastinating and just write.
Do you recall how your interest in writing
originated?
When I was in junior high, my father got
laid off from work. By day he would beat the
streets trying to find work. By night he started writing a book he titled “Murder Incomplete,” about a hardnosed private detective named Dan Swagger – a character that he modeled after himself. I was particularly moved and inspired by this, mostly because my father had a hard childhood. He was forced to quit school when he was in the seventh grade, and then forced to work sunup to sundown on his uncle’s farm. The lack of formal or basic training on how to write did not deter my father one bit. He didn’t live long enough to see it published, but I hope to remedy that one day.
streets trying to find work. By night he started writing a book he titled “Murder Incomplete,” about a hardnosed private detective named Dan Swagger – a character that he modeled after himself. I was particularly moved and inspired by this, mostly because my father had a hard childhood. He was forced to quit school when he was in the seventh grade, and then forced to work sunup to sundown on his uncle’s farm. The lack of formal or basic training on how to write did not deter my father one bit. He didn’t live long enough to see it published, but I hope to remedy that one day.
Is there anything you find particularly
challenging in your writing?
Spelling, and when to use a comma. Mrs.
Walton did her best, so please don’t blame her.
Please tell us a little bit about your book.
“Her Special Day Shoes” is a short story
about a young woman who overcomes insurmountable odds during the height of the
Industrial Revolution – a time when child labor is common place, when both the
quality of life and life expectancy for the average person are morbidly low.
Yet despite being homeless and having to care for her little brother, Rachael
finds inspiration and love in the most unlikely of places.
I understand that all of the profits from your book are
going to charity, can you tell us more about this, and why?
Right around the
time when I first launched “Her Special Day Shoes,” I learned that a dear
friend of mine was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. Stage 3 means that the
cancer has spread beyond the breast tissue and has invaded other nearby
tissues, like lymph nodes and the skin of the chest walls. As with all families
that have been stricken by this dreadful disease, Kristin and her family were
devastated by the news. As a bystander I felt helpless. Of course I gave her my
full support, love, and encouragement, but I was compelled to do more.
Every penny of
profit from the sale of “Her Special Day Shoes” will equally go towards helping
Kristin with her personal battle with breast cancer, and to a National Breast
Cancer Foundation fund raiser account established in Kristin’s honor.
YouTube video dedicated to Kristin: click here
Kristin’s National Breast Cancer Foundation page: click here
Do you
have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
The Second Edition
of “Her Special Day Shoes,” which is the one available now, includes some additional
stories of my chance encounters with Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers,
Sylvester Stallone, Brigitte Nielsen, and Zsa Zsa Gabor. As well as, a copy of
an essay I wrote in college that won first place in a regional writing
competition. I hope the readers will enjoy getting a little peek inside my
adolescent years, but mostly I hope it warms their heart knowing that their
contribution will go to a good cause.
Do you have any works in progress that
you can tell us about?
Many people who have read “Her
Special Day Shoes” have commented on wanting to see it illustrated and how they
wanted to read more about Rachael. I’m working on a special edition hardback
version of “Her Special Day Shoes” that will include illustrations, and
possibly more of Rachael and her story. The sales of this book will also be
donated to charity.
Aside from that, I’m working with
some other authors on a few anthology books that will include a compilation of
short stories all focused on a central theme – pirates and music. Right now we
are looking at a Dec 2013 publishing date, but I will have more details
available on my blog as more details become available to me.
Art Auction
I am hosting an art auction for Kristin (and the National Breast Cancer Foundation) starting today and running through the 21st. Click here to go to the auction.
Art Auction
I am hosting an art auction for Kristin (and the National Breast Cancer Foundation) starting today and running through the 21st. Click here to go to the auction.
Connect with Michael:
Thank you for taking the time to do
this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your writing work and letting us
get to know you a little better.
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