55. From struggling writer to urban fantasy author w/ Michelle Summers

In this episode of Parents Who Write, Michelle Summers shares her inspiring journey as an urban fantasy author who brought mythological characters to life through the power of human beliefs.

Listen to her discuss her experience as a mom of three, her background in studio art and martial arts, and how she transformed her writing dreams into a reality.

But here's a delightful twist: Michelle and your host Erin share a long history, going back to their high school days, making this episode a nostalgic journey through decades of friendship.

We're diving into Michelle's journey as a writer, her experiences, and the development of her Guardian series. You'll hear about her early attempts at writing, her struggles with getting started, and the turning point that led her to embrace her passion for storytelling.

And be ready to discover the touching story behind a significant revision in Michelle's book and how real-life inspiration found its way into her fantastical world.

Michelle's story is filled with determination, resilience, and a touch of humor, making it a must-listen for aspiring writers and parents who share her passion for storytelling.

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Michelle Summers writes urban fantasy / paranormal romance with strong female main characters who save the day and their love interests. As an author, she finds catharsis in writing the situations that arise when human characters have to handle fantastical elements in their everyday world. Family dynamics and relationships play a big role in Michelle’s stories, as do sarcasm and humor.

Michelle is a mom of three inspiring (and exhausting) children whom she is raising to be their own superheroes. In addition to having a blue belt in karate, she is PTA president and an avid crocheter, and while technically a stay-at-home mom, she likes to think of herself as a domestic goddess instead.

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Looking for a community of passionate writers who understand your goals and struggles? Join my exclusive Facebook group, Parents Who Write, where you can attend weekly group writing sessions and find writing prompts, writing resources, and free weekly tutorials.


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ABOUT ME

Erin P.T. Canning has worked for 20 years as an editor, encouraging each writer’s individual voice and strengthening their writing goals.

She always planned to write a book, but life had a tendency to distract her. After dedicating six years of her life to motherhood and discovering her ADHD, she started writing again, even though she feared her writing skills had atrophied.

After letting go of her perfectionism, Erin finally finished her own shitty first draft and released her fantasy romance novel, Ruins and Redemption, in 2023. Her current role as a podcaster and book coach enables her to help writers pursue their author dreams.