03 Mar Happy Double Book Birthday to Michelle Lee! Plus a Giveaway!

El: They say March comes in like a lion, but today, our introduction to March includes someone fierce, but much nicer than heavy winds. I’m excited to introduce you to the amazing Michelle Lee. I know I usually have picture book writers on the blog, but sometimes I can’t help but highlight MG authors I enjoy. Today is one of those days. Michelle’s new book, The Magic of Someday Soon, is one of those books where you wish the characters were your friends. Here’s a sneak peek with a wonderful Kirkus review.

“Lee seamlessly weaves light strands of fabulism into the threads of the story. Events that build Zoe and Teddy’s friendship seem tinged with magic, and it’s possible some of it emanates from the tea shop belonging to Dee September, the great-grandmother who only met Zoe as a baby. Her special teas evoke feelings, memories, and sensations. Sometimes the blends choose their own names, hinting at purpose and meaning. The chapters focus on Zoe and Teddy alternately, evoking sympathy and connection with each girl … Strong, likable heroes, excellent pacing, and gentle humor.” – Kirkus Reviews

Welcome to Writing Outside the Lines, Michelle!  Will you please tell us a little about yourself? What do you do when you’re not writing?

ML: Before taking the massively scary leap into writing kidlit full-time, I was an English professor for 13 years at Daytona State College in central Florida. Before that, I earned my doctorate in English Lit and MA in Creative Writing at the University of Texas at Austin and, rewinding the clock a bit further, I was also a public relations director for non-profit organizations and an editor for various literary publications. Flash all the way back, and you’ll discover a girl scribbling in notebooks and checking out every book in the kid’s section of the library.

I live in Florida with my physics prof husband and high school daughter. When I’m not writing, I’m watching Traitors, Bridgerton, The Witcher, American Idol, and countless other shows, especially while running on the treadmill! You can find me browsing the narrow aisles of Trader Joe’s, making a deep-dish chickpea chocolate chip cookie, and traveling (Hello, Paris!). I envy those who ride bicycles with confidence, as well as those who knit (and not end up with spaghetti).

 EL: The stories of Teddy and Zoe will keep readers totally engaged. Will you tell us a bit about these characters and how you developed them?

ML: Teddy and Zoe are opposites: Teddy reminds me of a puppy with boundless energy, while Zoe spends much of her time alone, reading, attending online school, thinking too much! While Teddy is the word YES, Zoe is always NO. But the girls make perfect Best Friends, a theme at the heart of The Magic of Someday Soon. I would love to be a Teddy, but I’m mostly a Zoe.

Fun fact: When I originally wrote the novel, Teddy didn’t have a point of view, but she wouldn’t let go. Her voice kept hounding me! I just adored developing her relationship with her uncle, Jeremy.

EL:It’s funny how things like that happen.  Did you always write MG? What draws you to writing for that age group?

ML: Actually, I’ve spent my life writing across genres, from press releases and annual reports for non-profit organizations to academic study guides, plays, poems, short stories, a dissertation, and now novels! I eventually landed on MG because I love how the characters still have hope for this world, as well as the belief in the impossible. I love how they’re searching for their identity, trying on new experiences. Some characters might be cynical or sarcastic or snarky, yet they aren’t quite jaded or hardened. In MG fiction, there can be dark themes, but the approach comes from a place of light. I want to write books that feel like a cozy hug.

EL: I love that description. Can you tell us about the road to publication for The Magic of Someday Soon?

ML: Although I was writing on contract, the road was long, windy, and full of learning wonderful lessons in craft. For you writers out there, translation: I rebuilt this book from the ground-up about four or five times. Not simple revision (moving things around, deleting, rewriting). Overhauling. Big elements. Point of view, plot, and structure. My characters – Teddy, Zoe, Jeremy, Morgan, and Dee – as well as the small, charming town of Maravel stayed true, however, during all the construction and reconstruction. My editors were kind, patient, and so supportive of the creative process.

EL: I know you have something else pretty exciting today. Will you share? Also, do you have anything else in the pipeline that you can talk about? 

ML: I’m actually celebrating the paperback release of my debut novel, Between the Lighthouse and You, the same day as The Magic of Someday Soon! But in terms of new work, I’m trying to find a home for a few picture book manuscripts and am working on my third MG novel.

EL: Congrats on both of these wonderful books! Do you have a writing group or groups? How important do you think they are?

ML: I have two MG writing groups currently – and in the past, I’ve belonged to groups that cross genre.  Having someone, a few people, to discuss the writing process and your work is absolutely crucial to developing and finishing projects. Writing friends understand the ups and downs, they have the same vocabulary, they celebrate the big and small wins. Writing, novels especially, can be challenging at any (and every) given stage. It’s encouraging and heartening to have a tribe that gets the struggle, from daily word count to sagging middles.

EL: Do you have any words of advice for aspiring Middle Grade writers? 

ML: Writing a novel isn’t magic. It’s hard work. You’re going to hear and read so much about craft: cobble together a personal process that helps you be creative, organized, and productive. Writing isn’t always about getting “words on a page.” It requires time to think, imagine, plan. Try not to compare your process (and journey) with other writers’. Find critique partners and mentors you can trust and who will support your vision and growth. Take your time telling the story you want to tell.

EL: Great advice! Do you have anything else you’d like readers to know?

ML: As a former editor and professor, as well as a life-long writer, I know the beautiful, bruising journey of creating, writing, revising, submitting, and publishing. I know the delicate relationship between author/agent and author/editors. I know how rewarding (and how difficult) it can be to find that critique group or partner you trust. I have been around the writer’s block (figuratively and literally), and I love to share what I’ve learned with others, particularly with a spark of joy and play. I’ve long contemplated offering one-on-one support as a professional “writing bestie” – if anyone’s interested in affordable, personalized mentoring, I’d love to chat about possibilities!

EL: That sounds great! Thank you so much for stopping by today, Michelle, and congrats on your double book birthday!

You can find Michelle at michelleleewritesmagic.com or on Instagram as michelleleewritesmagic. You can order her books, The Magic of Someday Soon, and the paperback version of her first book, Between the Lighthouse and You, from your local bookshop or on Bookshop.org. Of course, if you do prefer to shop the bigger stores, you can find it on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

And now it’s time for a

Michelle is happy to gift a signed copy of THE MAGIC OF SOMEDAY SOON, as well as a signed copy of the paperback version, BETWEEN THE LIGHTHOUSE AND YOU!  To get in the running, please comment on this post and let me know if you’re a subscriber or if you have shared this post to get an extra chance to win.  

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On a personal note, I’m currently scheduling school author visits for the rest of the 2025-2026 school year as well as the 2026-2027 school year. I’d love to visit YOU or a school near you! Please check out  https://EllenLeventhal.com.   

Here’s a review! 

Ellen Leventhal is an amazing presenter who tailors her presentations to meet the needs of all students and age levels.  I am amazed at how she can talk about her love of writing, how to become a writer, encouraging students to do what they love and how we can all be kind into a 45 minute presentation. A school visit from Ellen Leventhal is a treat for everyone!  Suzanne Ritchey:  Carroll T Welch Elementary School Clint, TX

Until next time,

Ellen