Michelle Lazurek and I have never met, but we’ve both been in the publishing industry together and been members of the same professional organizations for years (she even works for the literary agency that represents me). I was so excited when she agreed to this interview so I could get to know her better as you get to know her too. I won’t delay this any longer–let’s talk to Michelle, then stick around for info on her new book (just released this week!)

Thank you so much for being here today! What was your favorite picture book as a child?
I loved the Berenstain bear books series. Whether it was Brother and Sister’s room being too messy, or Sister crying after having too much birthday cake, I could always relate to the family. I loved the illustrations and the family and house felt so warm and cozy to me.

What was the first chapter book you read?
I loved the Babysitters Club! I dreamed I could create my own business just like Kristy. It is outdated now and most kids couldn’t do what she did then, but making money while watching kids sounded great. Plus, each book featured a different character which was genius. So, if, for example, you liked Stacey (who was my favorite), I had to wait until book five to learn more about her story. I’d walk into my local Waldenbooks and go straight to the back section to see the newest book had been released.

Mary Anne and Logan were my favorite! But back to your favorites: if you could turn any of your books into a movie, which would you pick? Who would you cast as the main characters?
I co-wrote a novel called Between Combat and the Cross with a pastor friend. It is the story of his time in the military and how forgiveness is the key for those stuck in the bondage of guilt and shame for what they have had to do to defend their country. I’d cast Chris Pratt as Jack and Candace Cameron Bure as his wife.

If you could be part of any fictional family, which would you pick?
I’d join the cast of King of Queens or Everybody Loves Raymond. No matter how many times I watch those shows, I laugh just as much each time. Their jokes are so universal. They portray a typical dysfunctional Italian family in Connecticut or an average delivery truck driver in Queens living with his wife and father-in-law.

Who’s your favorite author?
As a part of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA), I have met so many wonderful authors. Although it is tough to pick one, I’d choose Erica Wiggenhorn for nonfiction and Lynette Eason for fiction. Lynette’s stories are current, relevant, and have a compelling plot that keeps me turning pages from beginning to end. It is apparent Erica does so much research for her bible studies, and I love that a woman uses common language to explain hard bible concepts so her readers can better understand. She is also vulnerable with her own struggles in the faith.

If you could change the ending of any story, what would you change? Why?
I know it isn’t a book, but when the last scene of the television show Lost aired, I was so disappointed! I couldn’t believe they ended it with no closure on so many of the show’s questions. I’d change it so it actually synced with the scenes and allusions made throughout the show’s five seasons.

Thank you so much for giving us a peek at your favorite books (and shows). Can you tell us a bit about your newest book?

I Surrender All (Sort Of): Laying Down Your plans So God Can Do the Impossible (released on March 1!)

We all known the hymn “I Surrender All” and proudly sing it in church on Sunday. But do we really want to surrender all, or are there areas of our lives we are hesitant to release to God?

Want to experience full surrender as God intended, but not sure how to start?

Through real stories and based on Exodus 14:13-14, I Surrender All will show you how to lay down every area of your life you hold most dear, in order to watch God do the impossible.

This book is designed to help you:

  • Identify areas of struggle in surrendering to God
  • Utilize practical tips and strategies to incorporate surrender into your everyday life
  • Learn how to trust God with every area of your life
  • Practically live out the truths you discover in Scripture

In I Surrender All, my years of experience as a pastor’s wife, along with my passion to help others along in their spiritual journey, come together in a unique reading experience.

Michelle S. Lazurek is a multi-genre award winning author, speaker, pastor’s wife and mother. She is a regular contributor for ibelieve.com and crosswalk.com and is a literary agent for Wordwise Media Services and a certified writing coach. When not working, she enjoys sipping a Starbucks latte, collecting 80s memorabilia and spending time with her family and her crazy dog, Cookie. For more info, please visit her website www.michellelazurek.com.

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