Michele Lee Sefton's Blog, page 4

We did it! 📖 (w/audio)

“Taking on the perspective of ‘Jade,’ a young woman struggling to navigate adulthood in 1980s Arizona, the author invites readers into a visceral, memory-laden interior landscape. Chapters move fluidly between present-tense narration and past recollections. As a high-achieving teenager with dreams of studying journalism, Jade appeared poised for success. But her home life—marked by divorce, neglect, and instability—eroded her footing. Financial desperation eventually drove her to respond to a classified ad for dancers, leading to a humiliating first experience on a Phoenix strip-club stage. Afterward, she signed a contract to work at a remote Alaskan club for two months, lured by the promise of fast money and escape. The core of the narrative unfolds in Fairbanks (“bone-chilling cold and dimly lit at best”), where the brutal weather and psychological isolation mirror the protagonist’s internal state. She shared a dorm with other dancers—each with her own story—and navigated a nightly routine of performance, emotional detachment, and intoxication. Interactions with customers and co-workers offered moments of connection, but rarely comfort. A brief, tender rapport with a young Army recruit hinted at what might have been in another life, but reality would intrude. The writing is raw and lyrical, frequently poetic without sacrificing clarity (A dying grandmother’s unmet final request becomes a powerful metaphor for guilt, lost innocence, and emotional paralysis). Vivid descriptions of frozen sidewalks, smoky clubs, sticky bar floors, and the ache of unspoken shame create an immersive reading experience. While the tone can be emotionally heavy, the work rarely veers into melodrama; the author maintains control over the narrative voice, even as Jade loses control over her life. A harrowing yet beautifully rendered chronicle of loss, self-destruction, and the long road to self-acceptance.” ~ Kirkus Reviews

Audio note: the audio is Kirkus Review read by my daughter. Thank you, artist Sammi Lee!

Jade’s Broken Bridge is now available for preorder (eBook). Both paperback and eBook will be released October 10th, if not sooner. Clicking on the book’s cover will take you to the preorder page or click here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/ B0FRBY4BD2

At the start of my three-day blog break, author and blogger, Lauren Scott, shared a review of my second novella, Honeysuckle Heat. A treasure to receive and to revisit those characters.[image error]I want to properly thank Lauren, for her ongoing commitment to supporting independent authors and for always leading with warmth and generosity. I greatly admire her ability to maintain dedication to her own writing practice and publications, while supporting others. Thank you so much, Lauren! Thank you for stopping by my blog and best to you! Kind regards.Michele

P.S. To my fellow bloggers… thank you for understanding my absence and/or slowness in reading your posts and replying to comments. This book project has demanded a lot of me. I am grateful for the learning experience and for the angels who’ve supported me through this challenging process. As many of you know, the publishing tasks are ongoing, however, I’m pleased we’ve made it to this point. My book team is tiny but mighty! That includes the character, Jade, the shadow from my past, who kept pushing me to write this story—to shine a light on a dark and difficult time—to discover healing and hope. I am glad I listened instead of letting fear or doubt win.

featured photo of a content young woman by Nina Buday / JBB book design by Treehouse Studio / photo of me visiting my elementary school yesterday, taken by teacher Santana

2019-2025 myinspiredlife

Stillness Between Seasons

I’m stepping away from bloggyland for a few days…

            not to venture outward to foreign lands,
            but to draw myself in,
            to tend to my inner flame,

            to focus on the final details of a book project before the story is set free,
                        including paying reverence to all that this writing journey has revealed to me

            to celebrate the end of one season and prepare for the next,
            to show up fully for those I have the honor of working with,

            and to give my mind some space to notice subtle shifts—
            like how the trunk of the tree outside my window
            is supporting bright green life,
                        while the leaves above are preparing to fly

Thank you for joining me, for supporting my creative endeavors, and for giving breath to your own. Warm regards. Michele

my morning shots / screenshots from Sunday night’s dance

2019-2025 myinspiredlife

JBB Setting and a Meaningful Evening

“We kept watching. Each of us dreaming our own private dreams. I thought about how I would never forget this moment and how it might be the highlight of my time here. I was happy to be here, not falling into an eternal sleep under the trees, but looking up at that amazing sky. A gateway that cracked open hope—well, gave it a nudge, anyway.” ~ Jade’s Broken Bridge, Chapter 9

The Setting (overview)

Both “intimate and cinematic” my debut novel, featuring Jade, a nineteen-year-old loner, is set “against the gritty backdrop of [the late] 1980s Phoenix and the frozen landscape of Fairbanks, Alaska… One moment, she’s reminiscing about a childhood filled with hope and innocence; the next, she’s applying glittery makeup in a smoky dressing room or navigating icy sidewalks after a long night of dancing. The juxtaposition of idealism and harsh reality is striking and recurring.” San Francisco Book Review

“The core of the narrative unfolds in Fairbanks (“bone-chilling cold and dimly lit at best”), where the brutal weather and psychological isolation mirror the protagonist’s internal state. She shared a dorm with other dancers—each with her own story—and navigated a nightly routine of performance, emotional detachment, and intoxication. Interactions with customers and co-workers offered moments of connection, but rarely comfort.” Kirkus Reviews

The protagonist’s decision to chase cash ultimately descends her into a dark world and takes the reader on a journey from the scorching Sonoran Desert in Arizona to the frozen tundra in Fairbanks, Alaska, and back again. Two extreme climates provide the backdrop for a woman who is also a blend of extremes and who almost loses herself trying to better herself. Excerpt from my query letter

The author copy of JBB arrived last night while I was attending a fundraising event. A long and late night for me but also one of significant meaning that I was honored to attend. Funds raised will benefit local agencies, including a domestic violence shelter.

About my dancer/chair photo… a few weeks ago I began attending a newly formed dance class led by one of my former pole instructors, Jessica. No poles in our lovely dance space, but plenty of beautiful, sensual, and jazz-infused choreography. I will get around to sharing a few dance clips on my blog, but for now I want to express gratitude for sharing Sunday evenings with Jessica and other fiery free spirits! Thanks for reading and a wonderful weekend to you. Michele

P.S. Jade’s Broken Bridge will be released on Friday, October 10th.

Northern Lights video and photo by hyojin park / photo of author copy / Phoenix city & sunset photo by jdross75 / screenshot from video, of me dancing

2019-2025 myinspiredlife

A Hopeful and Musical Reflection (1st posted 9/11/2021)

The framed featured photograph of the Twin Towers (above) had a place of prominence in my current* office for over eight years. Hanging on the wall directly across from my office door and to the right of my computer, I have gazed at this photo countless times for a total of seventeen years. Even though the photo reminds me of the most tragic and violent day in recent American history, the remembering has been my way of honoring the memory of those who perished that day. I decided to take down the framed photo eight months ago, not out of disrespect but out of my need to bring beauty, color, and hope into my space. I replaced the Twin Tower photo with one of Sammi Lee’s prints (below) and it did not occur to me until writing these words, while looking up at her vibrant print, that the images share a commonality of twins – mirrored reflections.

Before writing this post, I saw color, life, and Sammi’s talent when looking at her print. Going forward, I will continue to see those details, and I will be reminded to look inward and hold reverence for those who died tragically on 9/11, and for the countless many who have and continue to fall victim to violent and senseless acts. I am not so naïve to believe that these acts will end during my lifetime, but I am aware enough to know that the world is a beautiful place full of loving, creative, and compassionate people. In that knowing, there is hope.

For several years after 9/11 I had my students write about the day on or near the anniversary. At some point I stopped doing this because the details of the day became less relevant to my students, who, even though they were the oldest on campus, were either too young when the tragic event happened or were not born yet. It is hard to believe twenty years have passed.

One activity I never stopped doing was adding student creativity to my lesson planning. One of the ways I did this was incorporating art-inspired literary projects into my planning; this allowed me to see who the artists were, and it gave my students an opportunity to practice visual/spatial intelligence in a reading and writing classroom. Creating art is also a healing experience, and it transformed my classroom into a vibrant student-created art gallery that changed each semester.

Matisyahu’s 2009 song, “One Day” is on my get-me-going-in-the-morning play list. The lyrics and tone seem a fitting share for today, the twenty-year anniversary of 9/11. The song’s message is still relevant.

Twin Tower photograph: Framed print (photographer unknown) Image 1: “Flashover” print by Sammi Lee – photo taken when print was displayed in an art gallery – now in my office

*2025 Update: new office, same Sammi print is displayed

Thank you for visiting and reading. Be well. Michele

One Day
Matisyahu

Sometimes I lay under the moon
And thank God I’m breathin’
Then I pray, “Don’t take me soon
‘Cause I am here for a reason.”

Sometimes in my tears I drown
But I never let it get me down
So when negativity surrounds
I know some day it’ll all turn around because

All my life I’ve been waitin’ for
I’ve been prayin’ for
For the people to say
That we don’t wanna fight no more
There’ll be no more war
And our children will play

One day, one day, one day, oh
One day, one day, one day, oh

It’s not about win or lose, ’cause we all lose
When they feed on the souls of the innocent
Blood-drenched pavement
Keep on movin’ though the waters stay ragin’

In this maze
You can lose your way, your way
It might drive you crazy but
Don’t let it faze you, no way, no way!

Sometimes in my tears I drown
But I never let it get me down
So when negativity surrounds
I know some day it’ll all turn around because

All my life I’ve been waitin’ for
I’ve been prayin’ for
For the people to say
That we don’t wanna fight no more
There’ll be no more war
And our children will play

One day, one day, one day, oh
One day, one day, one day, oh

One day this all will change, treat people the same
Stop with the violence, down with the hate
One day we’ll all be free, and proud to be
Under the same sun, singin’ songs of freedom like

Why-ohh! (One day, one day) why-oh, oh, oh!
Why-ohh! (One day, one day) why-oh, oh, oh!

All my life I’ve been waitin’ for
I’ve been prayin’ for
For the people to say
That we don’t wanna fight no more
There’ll be no more war
And our children will play

One day, one day, one day, oh
One day, one day, one day, oh

*”One Day” Songwriters: Peter Gene Hernandez, Ari Levine, Matthew Miller, Philip Martin Ii Lawrence

2019-2025 myinspiredlife

Sipping by a warm window

Noticing the light
hues and beauty enriched with
the passing of time

Thank you for stopping by. I’m submitting this post, with photos taken at the Royal Delft Museum in The Netherlands, to Monday Window – 8 September 2025. It’s been on my mind to do this for a long while—finally making it happen this morning. Yay! Thank you to the folks over at Monday Window for the opportunity to join and share.

I also want to share a sidenote… after six years of writing, editing, revising, and editing some more, my debut novel, Jade’s Broken Bridge, is now sitting in the wings, ready for its October 10th release. I received notification this morning that the paperback “is scheduled for release on 10/10/2025.” Although determined to reach this point, I can hardly believe it. I’m catching my breath—sipping a cup of tea and revisiting a place of incredible beauty. Abundant gratitude for all the kindness and support shared in this space and beyond. Warm regards. Michele

2019-2025 myinspiredlife

Creative collaboration w/poet David B. 🙏🏻

Healing Currents, or: A rengay

David, over at The Skeptic’s Kaddish, recently invited me to join him in writing a rengay poem. Happy to join him and pleased by our collaborative results! I admire his ongoing efforts to invite, include, and encourage others. I’m sure other creatives would agree. Thank you, David! Please give his site a visit to read our poem, “Healing Currents.” Thanks for stopping by and best to you! Michele

my Sonoran sunset photo (September 7)

2019-2025 myinspiredlife

A celebration of creative expression (w/audio)

“If you get stuck, get away from your desk. Take a walk, take a bath, go to sleep, make a pie, draw, listen to ­music, meditate, exercise; whatever you do, don’t just stick there scowling at the problem. But don’t make telephone calls or go to a party; if you do, other people’s words will pour in where your lost words should be. Open a gap for them, create a space. Be patient.”
― Hilary Mantel

Thanks to Sammi Lee for reading my five-star advanced review from San Francisco Book Review. In the process of opening her own painting/tattoo/design studio in the Pacific Northwest, I greatly appreciate her pausing to read and record my review.

“Michele Lee Sefton’s Jade’s Broken Bridge is a powerful and unfiltered story that chronicles a young woman’s descent into hardship and her determined journey back to herself. Set against the gritty backdrop of 1980s Phoenix and the frozen landscape of Fairbanks, Alaska, this book is both intimate and cinematic, offering a raw glimpse into the choices we make and the consequences that follow… ” ~ Samantha Olsen, San Francisco Book Review

(Intro of text provided. Click SFBR link for full review, read by Sammi.)

A shout out to author and blogger, Mia Winhertt for her debut novel, Does Love Die With You? Please visit her book page to read my full review, to read a sample of her novel, and to learn more about the author. Congratulations, Mia!

“What stood out to me in this tale of love and (abrupt) loss, is the invitation to ponder how precious life is and how a “normal” day can yield life-changing consequences. The plight of two characters searching for truth and closure, and an emotional ending in this bittersweet story, will stay with me. I highly encourage readers to support this emerging author.” ~ Michele Lee

Thanks for stopping by! Wishing you the very best in life and on your own creative journey! Michele

SFBR note: just noticed book info went missing from their review page. Will inquire with them and hopefully get that sorted out.

featured photo by Zastolskiy Victor / my sunrise shot from this morning’s ride

 2019-2025 myinspiredlife

Feels like a good day to crack it open 📖

“Painting Is the Sky” by Eileen Myles
from A “Working Life”

That’s not a new thought
& every single thing u
Built is a perch
6 black crow
And one tiny bird
On a wire says whatever
We own the sky
And half of us
Cat our blackness
Over there
The orange & pink
& yellow where the road
Ends and it doesn’t
End. Mountains
Fill the view & disappear
When night falls
What’s that word
About gathering the future
It means this

A few years ago, I went to a poetry reading at Arizona State University and met American poet and writer, Eileen Myles, born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was a small gathering of people with chatting and cookies after. I believe the month was November. For whatever reason, today’s lunch break felt like the right time to crack open Myles’ book and read a few poems. I’m glad I did. I enjoy reading the voices and perspectives of others as much as I enjoy writing, and that’s saying something. Thanks for reading! Michele

“Myles is the recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship, an Andy Warhol/Creative Capital Arts Writers grant, four Lambda Book Awards, the Shelley Prize from the Poetry Society of America, and a poetry award from the Foundation for Contemporary Arts. In 2011, Myles was a featured writer on Harriet. In 2016, they received a Creative Capital grant and the Clark Prize for excellence in art writing. They have taught at New York University and Naropa University. Myles’s film, The Trip, can be seen on YouTube. They live in New York City and Marfa, Texas.” The Poetry Foundation

Poem note: I did my best to maintain the structure and format, when typing “Painting Is the Sky”

my photos from daybreak and lunch break

© 2019-2025 myinspiredlife

“Pink Poodle” by Pisturino now available!

When I read Dawn Pisturino’s blog post announcing her upcoming book release and her friendly offering to join her blog tour, I responded with a, “I’d be interested in joining your blog tour…” It is the first time I have participated in this type of community book promotion, so thanks to the author for her patience with me.

What drew me instantly to Dawn’s request to host her book is the association of her children’s mystery novel, The Mystery of the Pink Poodle, to many books I read as a young person—books that became the foundation of my reading journey, with characters who taught me about life and myself, and who have remained with me. Titles like, Pippi Longstocking, The Box Car Children, Nancy Drew Mysteries, The Hardy Boys, Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret, Blubber, Escape to Witch Mountain, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Murder on the Orient Express, The Secret Garden…

Thank you, Dawn, for the opportunity to join your blog tour and for writing a middle-grade book that will surely inspire a child (of any age) and contribute to their learning library.

Now presenting, The Mystery of the Pink Poodle by Dawn Pisturino:Amazon Blurb

Alina has a big problem. Her father is a popular mystery writer. Her mother is a glamorous movie star. Left in the care of the housekeeper, Alina feels neglected and unloved. But a summer trip to a living ghost town in Arizona turns a hot, boring summer into an exciting, intriguing mystery.

Who’s the crazy old lady upstairs? Why is she always crying about a missing pink poodle? Why is she a prisoner in her own home? And why won’t anybody help her? When Hollywood meets the Wild, Wild West, a mystery unfolds that will change Alina’s life forever. With the aid of two wannabe cowgirls, Alina follows the trail of an ancient puzzle to discover the answer to the mystery of the pink poodle.

Author’s Note

Although this was written as a mystery novel, the story involves so much more. The larger themes center around friendship, the meaning of family, and intergenerational relationships. The book, above all else, is about people and our care and concern for them, no matter who they might be.

Prologue

The old woman tried to climb out of bed, but she was old, so dreadfully old.

She should’ve died long ago, like the rest of her family, but the memory of her husband, Henri, nourished her, giving her life. And there was something else—the pink poodle. She had to find it! It was the key to the whole story.

Could she get herself up? Could she find it? She had to try. “Help me,” she wailed. “Oh, please, can’t someone help me find my pink poodle?”

Click to order Author BIO

Dawn Pisturino is a retired registered nurse in Arizona whose international publishing credits include poems, short stories, and articles. She has published five poetry collections, including her most recent release, Ancient Voices: Poems About Ancient Egypt, which achieved #1 Amazon New Release status in African Poetry, History of Egypt, History of Africa, and History of North Africa. She is a member of the Mystery Writers of America and the Arizona Authors Association. Dawn’s Blog

Thank you for visiting and best wishes to the author with her pink publication! Please consider her book for the young readers in your life, or as a gift for another (teacher, neighbor, friend, little library… ). Kind regards. [image error] Michele

Blurb, Author’s Note, & Prologue provided by Dawn Pisturino

featured photo of girl reading on park bench by Anna Chinaroglu

© 2019-2025 myinspiredlife

“Pink Poodle” by Pisturino releases tomorrow!

When I read Dawn Pisturino’s blog post announcing her upcoming book release and her friendly offering to join her blog tour, I responded with a, “I’d be interested in joining your blog tour…” It is the first time I have participated in this type of community book promotion, so thanks to the author for her patience with me.

What drew me instantly to Dawn’s request to host her book is the association of her children’s mystery novel, The Mystery of the Pink Poodle, to many books I read as a young person—books that became the foundation of my reading journey, with characters who taught me about life and myself, and who have remained with me. Titles like, Pippi Longstocking, The Box Car Children, Nancy Drew Mysteries, The Hardy Boys, Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret, Blubber, Escape to Witch Mountain, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Murder on the Orient Express, The Secret Garden…

Thank you, Dawn, for the opportunity to join your blog tour and for writing a middle-grade book that will surely inspire a child (of any age) and contribute to their learning library.

Now presenting, The Mystery of the Pink Poodle by Dawn Pisturino:Amazon Blurb

Alina has a big problem. Her father is a popular mystery writer. Her mother is a glamorous movie star. Left in the care of the housekeeper, Alina feels neglected and unloved. But a summer trip to a living ghost town in Arizona turns a hot, boring summer into an exciting, intriguing mystery.

Who’s the crazy old lady upstairs? Why is she always crying about a missing pink poodle? Why is she a prisoner in her own home? And why won’t anybody help her? When Hollywood meets the Wild, Wild West, a mystery unfolds that will change Alina’s life forever. With the aid of two wannabe cowgirls, Alina follows the trail of an ancient puzzle to discover the answer to the mystery of the pink poodle.

Author’s Note

Although this was written as a mystery novel, the story involves so much more. The larger themes center around friendship, the meaning of family, and intergenerational relationships. The book, above all else, is about people and our care and concern for them, no matter who they might be.

Prologue

The old woman tried to climb out of bed, but she was old, so dreadfully old.

She should’ve died long ago, like the rest of her family, but the memory of her husband, Henri, nourished her, giving her life. And there was something else—the pink poodle. She had to find it! It was the key to the whole story.

Could she get herself up? Could she find it? She had to try. “Help me,” she wailed. “Oh, please, can’t someone help me find my pink poodle?”

Goes live tomorrow (September 1)! Pre-Order Here Author BIO

Dawn Pisturino is a retired registered nurse in Arizona whose international publishing credits include poems, short stories, and articles. She has published five poetry collections, including her most recent release, Ancient Voices: Poems About Ancient Egypt, which achieved #1 Amazon New Release status in African Poetry, History of Egypt, History of Africa, and History of North Africa. She is a member of the Mystery Writers of America and the Arizona Authors Association. Dawn’s Blog

Thank you for visiting and best wishes to the author with her pink publication! Please consider her book for the young readers in your life, or as a gift for another (teacher, neighbor, friend, little library… ). Kind regards. [image error] Michele

Blurb, Author’s Note, & Prologue provided by Dawn Pisturino

featured photo of girl reading on park bench by Anna Chinaroglu / young reader me

© 2019-2025 myinspiredlife