Michelle Medlock Adams is one of those beautiful people whose words touch multiple generations. With books that spark imagination, smiles and genuine inspiration, she has embraced the importance of written words many times over. The opportunity to meet her at a writer’s conference was a blessing right from the get-go. As an author and speaker, her professionalism shines in the forefront of leadership. As a friend, she will touch your heart in the most kindred way. I am honored to feature her on my blog, as I present one of her latest treasures, “Mama‘s Belly.”
You’ve no doubt heard of “American Idol” that appears on the Fox Network and has launched the careers of Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and many others. Well, now there is an “American Idolish” competition for children’s authors called “The ABC Book Competition” sponsored by a publishing company in Houston, Texas. Instead of singing, authors from all over America submit an original picture book manuscript and the publisher picks the top 12 finalists. At that point, the fate of each book is in the hands of America. That’s why I am writing to you today—I am soliciting internet votes for my picture book, “Mama’s Belly.”
Here’s how you can vote for “Mama’s Belly.”
Go to http://www.abcbookcompetition.org/5th_comp/5th_index.html online.
The voting begins September 20 and ends October 4. Only one vote is permitted per 24 hours per computer IP address. So, if you plan to help me get the word out about my book and encourage others to vote for “Mama’s Belly,” (and I REALLY hope you will), please tell everybody to vote from their home computers every day from Sept. 20 through Oct. 4. That way, all of their votes will be counted and this Hoosier author will see her publishing dreams come true. Whoo hoo!
Let me tell you a bit about my story. “Mama’s Belly” features a topic that never goes out of style–welcoming a new baby to the family. In my picture book for 4-8 year olds, a little girl makes observations about her mother’s growing belly. It’s full of fun language and great illustration possibilities.
“Mama’s Belly” by Michelle Medlock AdamsMichelle Medlock Adams has always loved to write. She was bitten by the journalism bug early on, becoming editor of her sixth grade newspaper, The Panther Paw, at age 11. Michelle spent the rest of her middle school and high school years preparing for a career as a news reporter. After graduating high school, she majored in journalism at Indiana Universityand graduated with a B.S. degree in 1991.By February 1992, she had landed her first daily newspaper job as a city government reporter at the Bedford (Indiana) Times-Mail. Over the course of her years at the paper, Michelle’s writing gained recognition, winning awards from the Associated Press, the Hoosier State Press Association, the Society of Professional Journalists and the American Association of Sunday and Feature Editors.
While she loved the thrill of the news game, when Michelle and her husband, Jeff, became parents in 1992 and 1994, Michelle’s priorities drastically changed. Her zest for covering breaking news paled in comparison to the joy she felt while reading “Goodnight Moon” and “Cat in The Hat” to her two baby girls. Eventually, Michelle started writing funny stories of her own to entertain her children. After attending a few children’s writing workshops and joining the SCBWI, Michelle sold her first picture book, “Sister For Sale” to Zonderkidz in 1999. She’s been in love with writing for children ever since.
“Mama’s Belly,” one of Michelle’s most recent stories, was inspired by the enormity of her belly while pregnant with her second daughter, Allyson. Big sister Abby just couldn’t figure out where Mommy’s lap had gone! Abby and Allyson continue to inspire many of Michelle’s stories.
Today, the Adams Family resides in Bedford, IN—the Limestone Capital of the World—where they cheer on the Indiana Hoosiers Basketball team. Go IU!
