Overcomer – Michelle Pillow
What do you do?
I’m a NYT and USAT published fiction author writing in various romance and cozy mystery genres. I’m also a photographer, mother and wife, general adventurer, wannabe foodie who can’t cook, and coffee addict.
Growing up, did you always dream that you would be doing what you’re doing now?
I knew I always wanted to tell a story, whether it was with pictures or words. For the longest time I thought I’d be doing that with my photography, but then I scored my first publishing contract and the camera took a back seat to the pen.
What made you decide to “go for it” in terms of your career goals/ambitions?
I’m very blessed to have a supportive family. My parents always told me that I could be anything I wanted. It’s not easy making a career in a creative field and I couldn’t have done it without the support of family and friends.
Did you face adversity? How did you overcome that?
Whenever you put something creative out into the world, it’s going to be judged. Some people love it, some will want to tear it down. It’s hard, but you can’t let the negativity get into your head.
A lot of women have these big goals & big ideas that they’d like to bring to life, what advice would you give them in terms of how they can make that happen?
I can give all the advice in the world, but the best piece when it comes to the creative fields is to just do it. You have to take that first step, write that first book or create that first painting, and then keep doing it, always aiming to make yourself better. You also have to define your goals. Is this your hobby or your career? There is no wrong answer, but you need to decide and treat it as such.
What’s the biggest regret you have when it comes to your blog/shop/business?
I wish I would have had more focus in the beginning of my career and would have had the tools to sit down and define my goals and chart my path. It’s all been a learning process. But, better late than never.
What’s been your proudest moment so far?
I’ve been honored to received national awards for my writing, lifetime achievement nominations, New York Times and USA Today rankings, but beyond that, I think it’s been setting an example for my daughter that hard work and determination can help you achieve your goals.
And, just because we like our coffee around here, how do you take yours?
Skinny soy vanilla latte. Hot and by the vat-full.
I believe in the story of the overcomer. That has been my story and I believe that is your story too. We want your journey here on the blog to help encourage others just like you and me. If you’d like to share that with us, please come over and share your story with us!
