About Me

 

I tell this story to anyone who will listen, because a) I think it’s mystical b) I’m very vain. My writing career began with a case of mistaken identity. I was a shy, fifth-grader, who never misbehaved (well, at least not at school). For the life of me, I couldn’t figure out how the name “Michelle C” ended up on the blackboard with the other ne’er-do-wells who were to miss recess for bad behavior. It had to be another “Michelle C,” however, I was far too awkward to speak up for myself. So, there I was during recess with the other offenders — the gum chewer, the hair puller, and the … well, I don’t know what the other kid had done, but he kept picking his scabs and grinning at me. To occupy the time, I pulled out a sheet of paper and wrote a story. I even drew a picture to go along with it. I called it The Horse, a tale about a young girl who runs away from home and befriends a wild horse in the woods. I liked writing it so much that I expanded the tale to a lengthy ten pages, front and back, which is a lot for a fifth-grader. The longer version also included several drawings. I was so pleased with the whole package that I rolled up the papers and wrapped it in a red ribbon. I still have it today.　

That was the first time I realized how much I enjoyed writing. Now I can’t stop typing.

I have written three published novels: From a Vine (2007), Faith Orion’s Field (2008), and Rosabelle, believe (2010), all released by Mulberry Bark. I have a fancy-smancy degree in journalism (the “powers that be” tell me this type of thing makes me sound important-like), and I have published several articles (mostly inane ramblings). Aside from my novels, I collaborate on screenplays with my sister, writer/director Christie XT Cushing (The Mask of Aubrey Clover). Due to a great case of pure nepotism, I co-produced and starred in the 2010 Cannes Film Festival “Short Film Corner” Official Selection, Scars at the Spook House, which my sister wrote and directed.

My goal is to tell stories that inspire people to love and to dream. I’m a hopeless romantic and love old-fashioned courting. Each of my novels are character-driven. I love “building” people, putting them in a situation, and watching them come to life, learn, and grow. All of my stories have a hint of the mystical, as well.

My writing influences include Tennessee Williams, Richard Bach, and Eudora Welty. I also enjoy the music of Michael Jackson, Brian Setzer, and Van Morrison. I’m a big fan of magic and silent films too. All this, apparently, inspired me and is reflected in my work. I really like donuts, too … but I can’t say their doughy goodness ”inspired” me per se, although they have helped me get through many long nights of endless writing. 

All this “about me” stuff is suppose to make me sound knowledgeable and worldly, but I know nothing about anything (you shouldn’t even be reading this blog!). Mostly, I like spending time with my pug dogs, eating large quantities of chocolate (mmmmm ….Godiva), and playing Sims. To sum me up, I’m a hint of nerd and a pinch of silly for taste. And, apparently, if you’ve read my books, I know much about horticulture metaphors.

You can learn more about me, and my novels, at my publisher’s website (which is waaaay professional-like): http://www.mulberrybark.com/michellecushing

P.S.  In case you were wondering, my teacher did eventually realize her mistake (it was a different Michelle C.) and gave me a piece of hard candy for having to miss recess.  Even as a child, I thought that seemed a little lame.  It was recess, for pete’s sake!  I should have gotten a whole chocolate bar!

Love and groovy vibes,

Michelle C (the right one)

Even my Sim character is a writer