Tell us a bit about yourself. Include a couple of facts that not a lot of people know about you.
I work part-time as a Registered Nurse and have been happily married to my husband, Brian, for nineteen years. We have one son, Jake, who is fifteen. A very spoiled blue-tick hound dog, named Daisy, is also a very important part of our household. I love spending time with my family, including my sister and my dad. I have a wonderful extended family as well. Although I am very fond of ‘girly’ things, I love to ride dirt bikes and four-wheelers, and until recently I’ve always had my own dirt bike. I am getting a little too old now for dirt bike motorcycles, so I decided to sell mine, but I still enjoy riding four-wheelers with Brian and Jake. The rural area of Randolph County, North Carolina where we live is rich in Native American artifacts. While walking I have found many arrowheads and I enjoy searching for them. I am fortunate enough to have a very nice collection!
Tell us a bit about the book that will be published by Anaiah Press.
My book, THE MARITIME CURE, begins with Nurse Practitioner, Sage Patterson, whose father, a trusted physician in her hometown, has been caught up in an uncomfortable scandal. Embarrassed professionally and wounded deeply, Sage finds refuge at the picturesque beach community of Ocean Isle and at her mother’s beloved beach cottage. While there, she enjoys time with a real estate attorney, as she is forced to sell her mother’s beach house. She also has the opportunity to help a young boy with a seizure disorder. But her attention is mostly given to an unseen artist who paints each evening by the waterway. Sage, with her rescue dog, Molly, by her side, is moved by the beautiful watercolor painting of praying hands. When the artist is revealed, she is led to a lesson in forgiveness which she never imagined possible.
When and why did you start writing?
I have enjoyed writing most of my life. My earliest memories are of writing a story about a deer in elementary school. When I start writing a story, I can’t stop!!
Is this your first book? How many have you written? How many have you published?
Yes, this is my first book. About twelve years ago, I won a short story contest sponsored by The Randolph Writers group in the community where I live. It was entitled The Autumn Stroll and was about a girl and the special last walk she is able to share with her older dog. I’ve also had a devotion published in The Upper Room Magazine, and two educational puzzles published in Advance for Nurses Magazine. I also wrote a short tale about the first dog Brian and I had together that was published in Dog World Magazine.
Tell us a bit about your journey to publication.
My journey to publication has honestly been filled with many blessings, and I especially want to give God all the glory. I teach Nursing Assistant (CNA) classes at my local community college. After the holidays, our student census was very low and my class was cancelled. Essentially I was laid off for three months, so to speak- but I finally had the time to write the book I had always wanted to write. Each morning during that time, I took my son to school and came straight home to write, taking thirty minutes each day for lunch. This is when I wrote THE MARITIME CURE. I searched for reputable Christian publishers, and the first name I came across was Anaiah Press. I did some research, sent in my query letter, and was so excited when I got that first response requesting the rest of my manuscript! I couldn’t sleep that night. I never sent my manuscript anywhere else. I am a living testimony that things really do happen for a reason and as part of a much bigger plan. I feel extremely honored and blessed to say the least, and I’ve had the most outstanding experience. I am especially touched with the warm welcome and messages I’ve received since joining Anaiah Press.
What are some of your favorite books/authors?
My favorite books go back in time a bit. I love and have read nearly every historical romance/mystery by both Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney. I lost my mom to Multiple Sclerosis approximately ten years ago and I have all of her Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney books in hardback. I miss my mom so much and these books are a treasure to me. I have read many of them twice over the years.
What are some of your favorite movies/TV shows?
My favorite movie is Turner and Hooch with Tom Hanks. Recently I have really enjoyed watching a new Disney series, The Mandalorian, with Brian and Jake. And I rarely miss a Friday night of LivePD.
Where do you find inspiration for your books?
I love to be outdoors. I am amazed by the beauty God has afforded us through abundant flowers and trees of all colors, shapes, and sizes, all of nature. We live in a heavily wooded area, and this is where I feel most creative, often when sitting outside or walking with my dog. I am also more creative early in the morning, often jotting down ideas while I’m getting ready for the day.
Describe your perfect day of relaxation.
A perfect day of relaxation for me would be sitting outside with a warm cup of coffee, especially in the fall, reading with my dog at my feet. I also love to cook for my family, and often turn my radio on while doing this for dinner. I find listening to my favorite songs, cooking, and being with my loved ones can help to calm the remnants of a hectic day.
Where can readers learn more about you?
Michelle Smith Lowe, RN, BSN, MSCN
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Michell66292631
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.lowe.96930
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-lowe-rn-bsn-mscn-a80465a1/
Anaiah Press 