LaSalle author pens grace and gratitude book
Nestled in a small, windowless office in her basement is where Michele Howe likes to write. It's a quiet place where she’s less likely to be distracted.
In 1999, Howe received her first book contract, “Going It Alone,” from a series of articles she had sold to parenting magazines. The book was based on her friends and their experiences as single moms. She estimates 10,000 copies of the book were sold.
Howe worked for a small public relations firm and her boss was the PR manager for major trucking companies throughout the U.S. She edited his work and the magazines he produced. It’s from that experience, she became interested in developing her own writing.
Her inspiration for writing follow the chapters in her life. She’s been a writer for nearly 40 years.
“As I move through parenting, then the empty nest seasons to grandparenting, for example, these titles all reflect what I’m experiencing in my life,” she said.
Using a pen and paper, she’ll often jot down ideas about a book concept or chapter ideas before sitting down at her computer.
“I'm a fast typist when I’m writing but I’m not so fast when I’m transcribing,” she said.
Inspired by her faith, Howe estimates it takes four months to develop and write a book. Three months to write the content and another month for editing and to make changes.
“As a Christian, I know that my hope and help comes from my personal relationship with Christ,” she said. “I know that the Bible is the guidebook for all of life’s struggles, challenges, and problems. I write to share this practical hope with others.”
Howe’s books reveal her Christian worldview and what she values most in life.
“I believe authors reveal what they treasure as they have to pour themselves into every article, every book they compose,” Howe said.
The LaSalle author posts, writes, and promotes her work on a variety of social media sites including radio interviews and television. She also writes articles for magazines as part of the promotional work.
Howe said the most rewarding aspect of being an author is having a reader share with her that something she had written helped draw them closer to Christ during a hopeless season of their life.
“That’s the very best benefit of being a writer,” she said. “Knowing you’ve come alongside another hurting person and your words provided hope and help.”
For new writers, Howe recommends being persistent and not getting discouraged by rejection letters or emails.
“Keep writing. Write every day. Keep an idea journal. Buy a writer’s market guide. Connect with other writers online,” she said. “And don’t give up!”
This month, Howe is releasing her latest book, “Grace & Gratitude for Everyday Life.”
“It’s all about honing a grateful, thankful attitude and when we do so, everything changes. Our circumstances may be challenging, our days may be exhausting, our relationships may be difficult, but we can find joy and gratitude every day,” Howe said. “This book is both inspirational and practical as it is filled with real life stories and how they met and overcame life’s hurdles.”
Howe’s latest book, “Grace & Gratitude for Everyday Life,” is available on Amazon in both paperback and kindle eBooks.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: LaSalle author pens grace and gratitude
