Michele Lee Sefton's Blog, page 3

Sweet sound of rain falling

The Valley of the Sun has been a rainy one (two days ago and this morning). Although rain is always welcome, not an ideal situation for carrying my box of books to my car before my book launch that took place Thursday evening. I covered the box with plastic and hustled to my car—no damage done. This morning is more of a downpour and I’m loving it.

Feels like the sweetest reward for having made it through a busy book launch week, following several intense months of moving through the necessary steps of polishing and publishing Jade’s Broken Bridge, my coming-of-age debut novel, now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, available to order through any bookseller, or direct through me.

I had no idea how things would unfold at the start of the year when I made the decision to go “all in” with this project, which included creating the Tumbleweed Spirit Press imprint, but I was determined to give it my all, because I believe in this story’s potential to make a difference. Reflecting on this year’s writing and publishing experiences, I see that everything unfolded in a divine fashion and talented professionals appeared at the right moment to move this project along, including recent angels who’ve stepped up and stepped in to help me deliver the message. I’m grateful and having reached this Saturday affirms my belief that achieving what seems impossible can happen by taking one step at a time, listening to your intuition, staying open to guidance and assistance, and finding the courage to move beyond fear… a subject I was delighted to discuss recently with Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson, hosts of the Heart of the Matter podcast.

From their podcast description:

In this episode of Sharing the Heart of the Matter, hosts Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson engage with author Michele Lee Sefton, discussing her new book ‘Jade’s Broken Bridge’.

The conversation delves into Michele’s personal journey of courage and healing following the loss of her father, her experiences in writing as a therapeutic tool, and her future creative projects.

The episode highlights the importance of storytelling in overcoming personal struggles and the transformative power of writing.

Takeaways

Michele’s book ‘Jade’s Broken Bridge’ is inspired by her personal experiences.
Writing can serve as a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery.
Facing fears can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.
The loss of her father motivated Michele to pursue her writing dreams.
Michele emphasizes the importance of taking small steps towards overcoming fear.
Fictionalizing her story allowed Michele to express herself creatively.
The natural world plays a significant role in Michele’s writing.
Michele’s future projects include republishing her novellas and a poetry collection.
The act of writing can provide clarity and perspective on past experiences.
Michele aims to help others through her storytelling.

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Thank you for viewing and please consider subscribing to their channel. They are doing great work, supporting and highlighting, “authors, storytellers, and creators.”

Thank you for stopping by! I’m just writing, watching birds come and go out my window, listening to the rain fall, and breathing in the beautiful desert scents. Kind regards. Michele

my early morning cloudy photos / book launch photos taken by Kim (table) and the other by my friend Shannon who also helped me at the book signing table. I’ve shared more photos on my IG page (@mlsefton), if that’s your thing.

A shout out to local band Fat Gray Cat for playing an acoustic set and to dear friends who attended, thank you!

© 2019-2025 myinspiredlife

Tumbleweed behind the scenes

Thank you to those who expressed interest in viewing my 12 News live interview. Because you asked, here you go… sharing the clip from the news station’s YouTube channel. Allison Rodriguez, a poised and personable anchorwoman who has been covering Arizona news for several years, was a delight to talk to. The entire experience was positive and well worth losing sleep over. Much gratitude!

Author of ‘Jade’s Broken Bridge’ talks about new book

I’m glad/surprised the mic didn’t pick up my rapid heartbeat. No doubt, I will experience a similar feeling tonight when I speak at the book launch. An event I didn’t want to have initially… that’s just me, but it’s not all about me and my low-key self; it’s about sharing this story—one that ultimately offers hope and connecting with readers who might be helped by my willingness to revisit a difficult time in my personal history, reframe the experience, and write a poignant coming-of-age story. That “one reader” who I held sight of who motivated me to keep writing. Six years later, here we are. A shadow from my past is no longer suppressed under shame, she’s dancing with me, ready to fly free.

Jade’s Broken Bridge is now available as an eBook and paperback. An audiobook will follow (will share when it becomes available).

Turning comments off because I have to step away soon for a day full of booky stuff. If you should have any questions about the news experience, or the release of my debut novel, or how I achieve that silver tumbleweed look (haha – also just me), please feel free to drop a note in yesterday’s post. I’ll be at the computer for most of tomorrow. Thank you for reading and words fall short, but thanks again to the inspiring creatives and readers in this space who’ve followed this book’s journey*. With gratitude, Michele

*For a few years now, I’ve been chronicling the journey of turning a short story into a novel. If you’re interested in learning more about the writing process, including some notes on the query process, please visit my Writing Journal page, which I see needs to be updated. Tomorrow!

© 2019-2025 myinspiredlife

Finding courage, Releasing a book

When I was notified Monday afternoon that 12 News wanted to have me on for a live interview, to talk about my debut novel, Jade’s Broken Bridge, I wanted to say “no,” not this week… I already have so much to do during this book launch week, I need more time to prepare, I’m too nervous…

Those thoughts were rooted in fear. I decided to not listen to self-doubt and fear; I said, “Yes, I’ll be there.” I did it! I gathered my thoughts late day yesterday, steamed my dress, made sure I had plenty of gas in my car, woke up early, meditated with the moon, and off I went. I’m so glad I let courage win; I had a lovely time conversing with 12 News Anchor Allison Rodriguez, and the producer Kailey was helpful and gracious. I’m grateful for the opportunity and the experience and appreciate their interest in a local author.

My debut novel, Jade’s Broken Bridge, is now available for purchase (eBook and paperback). The audio book will follow.

Thank you for stopping by! I have more to share about this morning’s experience and the significance of the 12 News street location (life sure is interesting). First, I need to catch my breath and catch up with some comments and reading. Best to you! Michele

my photos were taken by Kim C. ~ an incredible professional, walking beside me through this journey

© 2019-2025 myinspiredlife

Dusk descends, night begins

Twilight’s tenderness
Cool wind through open windows
Invigorating

This song streaming, mingled with the wind Through My Soul by Enlly Blue

my dusk photos

© 2019-2025 myinspiredlife

Book delivery and dance video 📚🎶

A gorgeous fall has arrived and so have my books! Thank goodness. With a few book events coming up, I was getting a bit nervous that I would be bookless. I can check this task off the list and move on to more important things, like what kind of 80s hair style will I attempt for the events. Teasing aside, I’d like to pause all the publishing to-dos this morning and say thank you to all the fellow bloggers, creatives, and generous souls who have supported me in this space over the last several months as I have focused on this book baby, Jade’s Broken Bridge, which will officially release on October 10th.

It was a special honor to spend time writing the Acknowledgements page for my debut novel, thanking those who’ve helped with this project and in my life, including inspiring teachers. Sharing a preview.

Special deliveries, people, and experiences… all something to dance about! A shout out to teacher/choreographer Jessica and to my dancing girl Rosie, for recording my dance video. We do have a great time, dancing it out on Sunday nights and spinning on poles other times. We’ll be celebrating her 50th this weekend! Thank you for stopping by and a wonderful weekend to you. Michele

For an overview of Jade’s Broken Bridge, please visit the book’s Amazon page. Preorder is available for eBook. Both digital and paperback format will release by the end of next week.

© 2019-2025 myinspiredlife

My first home

Hers was the first heartbeat I heard
A pulse strong and fierce
A blend of Hercules strength and feminine grace
A voice that hummed the lyrics more than it sang
Deep sighs in place of carefree laughter
Walking a path expected, not chosen
Youthful exploration erased
Fast forward the pace, becoming a wife and mother
A story repeated across bloodlines and generations
Born on the cusp of fire and earth
Hers, a lifeforce carrying ancient struggles and fractured worth
Now outside, I sit in stillness
listening, reflecting, looking in
I see her sacrifices
I feel her presence

Good or bad (or the gray that lands between) poets have the luxury (or default) of putting into lines, what sometimes can’t be said aloud. Writing poetry is a way to express; to stir change, to make sense… sometimes it is a safe defense.

Writing poetry can also be a path to healing—revising stories set on repeat and mending fractures that run deep. Within ourselves the healing begins. Giving our poems wings, the rebirth extends. Thank you for stopping by. [image error] Michele

P.S. My beautiful mom, now a great-grandmother, is very much alive, though it’s been a while since she and I have talked. I know… life is too short.

photos of my mom and my selfie (the first is of me and her and the other kiddo is my brother) / featured photo is this morning’s sunrise

© 2019-2025 myinspiredlife

Honoring the Life of Jane Goodall

“Hope is often misunderstood. People tend to think that it is simply passive wishful thinking: I hope something will happen but I’m not going to do anything about it. This is indeed the opposite of real hope, which requires action and engagement.”
― Jane Goodall, The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times

“Only when our clever brain and our human heart work together in harmony can we achieve our true potential.”
― Jane Goodall

“Any little thing that brings us back into communion with the natural world and the spiritual power that permeates all life will help us to move a little further along the path of human moral and spiritual evolution.”
― Jane Goodall, Reason for Hope

“So, let us move forward with faith in ourselves, in our intelligence, in our indomitable spirit. Let us develop respect for all living things. Let us try to replace violence and intolerance with understanding and compassion and love.”
― Jane Goodall

Jane – National Geographic Documentary Film

Jane Goodall (1934–2025) was a pioneering primatologist, ethologist, and conservationist whose groundbreaking work transformed our understanding of chimpanzees and redefined the relationship between humans and the natural world. Born in London, England, she nurtured a childhood dream of studying animals in the wild. In 1960, with the support of anthropologist Louis Leakey, she traveled to Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania, where her patient observations led to revolutionary discoveries—most famously that chimpanzees use tools, a behavior once thought to be uniquely human (Goodall, In the Shadow of Man, 1971).

Goodall’s research challenged scientific assumptions and emphasized the emotional and social lives of animals, influencing generations of scientists and conservationists. Beyond her fieldwork, she became a global advocate for wildlife protection, environmental stewardship, and humanitarian causes. In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute, dedicated to conservation and community-centered development, and later launched Roots & Shoots, a youth-led movement empowering young people to create positive change.

Throughout her life, Goodall received countless honors, authored numerous books, and inspired millions with her message of hope and responsibility. Her legacy endures in the forests she fought to protect, the communities she uplifted, and the countless individuals moved by her unwavering belief that each of us can make a difference.

References:

Goodall, J. (1971). In the Shadow of Man. Houghton Mifflin.Goodall, J. (1999). Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey. Warner Books.Jane Goodall Institute. (n.d.). About Jane. Retrieved from https://janegoodall.orgLeakey, R., & Lewin, R. (1977). Origins. Dutton.

Jane Goodall Google images / my recent sunrise photos and this evening’s Waxing Gibbous moon photo

© 2019-2025 myinspiredlife

Releasing JBB Playlist 🎶

Good morning from the Sonoran Desert. It is feeling like fall with cooler temps, beautiful clouds, and a cool breeze this morning, following a major storm that rolled through the Valley yesterday. More about the storm below my sunrise photo.

Doing something I’ve never done before… I’m sharing a playlist in this post. Last night, I switched my Jade’s Broken Bridge playlist (on youtube) to public. A playlist with 109 songs, that I’ve been building for a few years. Without a doubt this is the most eclectic of my playlists—well over one hundred at this point. The variety of music found in this playlist connects with the novel’s different geographical locations, themes and motifs, mood and tone, era (late 80s), classic rock/club songs, and songs referenced* in my debut novel. Here is the link, if you’d like to explore on your own: Jade’s Broken Bridge Playlist JBB will be released in less than two weeks!

“Music was my refuge. I could crawl into the space between the notes and curl my back to loneliness.”
― Maya Angelou

“After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.”
― Aldous Huxley, Music at Night and Other Essays

“If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music.”
― Albert Einstein

“Life is for the living.
Death is for the dead.
Let life be like music.
And death a note unsaid.”
― Langston Hughes, The Collected Poems

“If being an egomaniac means I believe in what I do and in my art or music, then in that respect you can call me that… I believe in what I do, and I’ll say it.”
― John Lennon

The major storm that rolled through the Valley yesterday, brought golf ball size hail, rain, lightning, thunder, flooding, power outages, a water rescue, airport delays, snapped trees, and according to local news reports, “The highest single-day [rain] total in Phoenix since 2018… The official Phoenix gauge at Sky Harbor recorded 1.64 inches of rain.” It just started raining again!

*It is permissible to reference song titles and the band’s name, but it is not allowable, without permission, to include song lyrics in a published work.

Thank you for stopping by, and if you’re able and inclined, for viewing/listening to my JBB playlist. Please let me know if you have any trouble doing so, as this is a new experience for me. Best to you! Michele

featured photo by Eugenio Marongiu

© 2019-2025 myinspiredlife

Self-Publishing PSA

A few things I’ve learned recently about IngramSpark that might be helpful to others preparing to publish independently…

First, an overview: IngramSpark is a self-publishing platform that allows authors and small publishers to print and distribute print and eBooks globally. It is part of the Ingram Content Group, which supplies books to bookstores, libraries, and online retailers worldwide.

Although, KDP/Amazon offers expanded distribution (for paperbacks), bookstores and libraries do not typically buy from Amazon for stock, so leave that option unclicked (if publishing your paperback on KDP/Amazon) and consider another platform (if this is a goal for you)IngramSpark is one such platform—it can take a few weeks to “process” a new account, so don’t delay if this sounds like a direction for youYou will be required to submit a passport or other form of ID to verify your identityThe book cover specs for Ingram are different than what is required by KDP/Amazon, so you’ll need to modify your (Amazon) cover to meet Ingram’s requirementsPrint copies can also be ordered through Ingram (to sell directly to readers or for say a book launch party… )If your book has an assigned ISBN that you’ve purchased through Bowker, you can use it on both platforms

Other resources that may be of interest:

Bowker.com (for ISBNs) – KDP/Amazon will assign an ISBN for your book, but if you’re looking to take your books elsewhere, you’ll need to purchase separately. Keep in mind there are restrictions with KDP/Amazon depending on how you set up your book.United States Copyright Office (for registering your work and available to authors worldwide)—I’ve registered all my works through this entity (prior to publication). I suggest taking some time to read up on copyright laws, offered through this website.

Although there is always more to do and learn, I hope you’ve found this information useful. Best wishes with your writing and publishing adventures! Kind regards. Michele

featured photo by Billion Photos

© 2019-2025 myinspiredlife

Sacred and Sustainable

Sacred, edible, and sustainable
Its wild is visible; slow its growth
Cool, fresh water above soft, muddy earth
Behold the sun’s love—a treasured oath

My poem, “Sacred and Sustainable,” follows the Toddaid structure: a Welsh poetic form comprised of quatrains (or four-line stanzas). Here are the rules:

Lines one and three have 10 syllables; lines two and four have nine syllablesA syllable near the end of line one rhymes with a syllable in the middle of line twoA syllable near the end of line three rhymes with a syllable in the middle of line fourLines two and four end rhymeComprised of quatrains (or four-line stanzas)Can be as concise as one stanza (like my poem) or run on for multiple stanzas

Thank you for visiting and reading. Hope your week and change of season are off to a pleasing start. Warm regards. Michele

featured photo of woman standing in front of tall grass crop, looking toward a mountain during sunrise by Zolotarevs / my photos: yellow bells (Tecoma stans) / leaves and petals in grass / first fall sunrise / sprinkler in the distance (believe I caught a hummingbird, getting a drink) / early morning owl in flight (focused on a wide shot of the sky, I had the wrong lens. The gorgeous wings surprised me! Incredible to see the owl soar from a tree, holding a critter in its talons.)

2019-2025 myinspiredlife