For our 30th author interview posted on our blog, we interviewed Sally Michael, author of God’s Names, God’s Promise, God’s Providence, God’s Wisdom, and upcoming titles: Jesus Is Most Special (available September 22), and God’s Battle (available October 27).

• Question #1 – Tell us a little bit about yourself: where you’re from, family, job, personal interests, unique hobbies, what do you do in your spare time, etc.

Answering where I am from has always been a difficult question. My father was in the US Navy so we moved quite a bit when I was young—however most of my growing up years were spent in Virginia, Rhode Island, and Ecuador, South America.

I met my husband, David, in college. Our older sisters were roommates and think they were responsible for our relationship. But actually, God in His providence gets the credit for this match! After our wedding, we moved to Minnesota so David could attend Bethel Seminary… and forgot to leave until 38 years later. I guess that make up for the many moves during my younger years! We recently moved to Indiana where my husband is a pastor (children/youth/family) at College Park Church after serving at Bethlehem Baptist Church for 27 years. We have two daughters, Amy, who is married to Gary and has three lovely children; and Kristi who is a nurse midwife.

I can’t say that I have “unique” hobbies but I do enjoy handcrafts—mostly cross stitch embroidery, quilting, and sewing. Of course, I love to read. When I was growing up, a Friday night treat was that we could read in bed as long as we could stay awake! (Among other books, that meant I read most of the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books!) I also enjoy playing games—it is a great bonding activity for family and friends.

• Question #2 – Which writers inspire you?

Hmmm, this will sound strange, but I am inspired by Dr. Seuss. I love the creativity in his books. So many children’s books tap the imagination, such as A House is a House for Me by Mary Ann Hoberman. I also love The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant because of the creative way in which she describes ordinary life and family love. How could the imagination not be stretched by reading the Borrowers series by Mary Norton? The borrowers are little people living in the walls and floorboards of the houses of big people. They survive by borrowing from the “human beans.” Their “borrowings” of postage stamps for pictures, glove fingers refashioned into pants, and match box dressers is a delightful use of imagination all cleverly recorded through rich vocabulary. These enchanting children’s books are a sheer delight as I find creativity and imagination an inspiring reflection of our Creator God.

• Question #3 – Did you always enjoy writing?

This will sound strange, but I really don’t enjoy writing. I am a teacher at heart and most specifically a Bible teacher. I have a passion that children know Jesus and His Word…and writing is just the medium in which I can duplicate my teaching and reach a wider audience of children.

• Question #4 – Do you have a favorite author? Who is it and why?

I couldn’t possibly pick a “favorite” author so I will just mention one author I have found very helpful for encouraging me to see the bigness of God and to grow as a Christian– Jerry Bridges. Two of my favorite books of his are Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts and The Joy of Fearing God. I find his books theologically sound and very practical. His love for God is obvious and somewhat contagious.

• Question #5 – How do you deal with writer’s block?

This may sound obvious, but I pray. I remind God that He has endless creativity and never runs out of ideas and I ask Him to give me an idea. He is always faithful…though not always quick!