January/February 2003
Majestic
Michelle
 It
is my opinion that at more than any time in literary history
African-Americans are reading, purchasing, and writing books
at great levels, carving niches and becoming viable contributors
in the world of books. Seemingly on a level playing field,
if not on the surface, there’s a lot to be said about
how much progress has been made and with whom. This can
be authenticated by the 300 million worth of books purchased
in 2002, and the acclaim that writers of color have achieved
in various genres. I'm using the aforementioned entree to
paint a specific picture for an author who has captured
my imagination and who is destined for much greener pastures
that should be factored in that number.
Michelle
McGriff is a native Californian and a grandmother who have
not only carved a niche, but who wants to have a lasting
impression on who buys her books. Now residing in Portland,
Oregon where she is currently writing full time while awaiting
admittance into Portland University’s MFA writing program.
It is her writing style that first attracted me to her as
I read her first novel. Six years later, I'm able to interact
with her again but under different circumstances.
Writing
since her early teens, Ms McGriff has always had love for
the written word, which came easily and naturally. The early
stages of her first novel, Majestic's Secret was the forerunner
to the highly successful The Majestic Series, a five book
odyssey that offered vivid imagery, rich characters, and
strong prose. Through practice and persistence she continued
her growth from short story writer to novelist and on to
screenwriter. With designs on bettering her craft and teaching
it to others a certain work ethic and mantra for perfection
is at play. Sharing what she learns freely with her students
to 'fly high above oppressive reality, she is thus able
to show them how to dig deep within themselves to find positive
vision and a strong sense of confidence to stay tried and
true. The best way to epitomize this is to use it in a demonstrative
way through her written words.
With
over a dozen short stories under her belt, seven finished
novels (Majestic’s Secret, A Style Of His Own, Destiny's
Song, For Love’s Sake, Rested Memories and the current
new release Temporary Rain), one can readily see perseverance
at work then and now! Other works can further manifest perseverance
in various stages of production. In the works is the screenplay
adaptation of Majestic Secret; a new two-book series entitled
Stone. Temporary Rain, I may add is the last book of the
Majestic Series. Dear to the author’s heart is a short
story collection, The Fourth Floor and Other Short Stories,
other narratives in the works include My Colored Summer,
and an extended version of For Love’s Sake.
 I
chose her as my Feature Author Of The Month for various
reasons. First and foremost her talent for the written word
is understated in the work that has been produced by her.
Secondly, I was more than amazed with the tenacity and energy
she exhibits in crafting novel ideas. It's the unselfish
attitude that I've come to know that has been displayed
toward others that have made a mark on me.
For
years I've admired her work on Amazon.com, and have joined
others in the literary field that answered her call to become
members of an eclectic group of first time writers, reviewers,
publishing agents, and readers who share the love of books.
As the Founder and Moderator, for Mosambasbookshelf.com
she realized early that a separate entity for other authors
and those readers that wanted to give opinionated views,
share knowledge, discuss current and past books, and to
just interact with the mainstream public, showed her management
skills and affability to operate such a site – and
still be viable.
It's
not an easy task trying to make sure others adhere to certain
policy & procedures needed to protract a model for perfection.
Operating an online cyberspace product such as a writing
group takes a lot of patience, ingenuity, and attentiveness
to make the sum a much greater part than any of it's individual
parts. I've been a member since it's inception and have
had ample opportunities 'talking' with her sharing all the
banter witnessing her proficiency to make this writing group
fun and informative to all.
Mosambasbookshelf
is now considered a tangible option for any aspiring author.
It is all of the above, and Ms McGriff's love of writing
that has rendered me a great fan. I bestow this honor on
her with no regrets, for I honestly feel that this talent
should be shared by other readers who may want to discover
a different flavor that is not being promoted among the
30 AOM authors already showcased elsewhere. Here's hoping
that this talent can be recognized and seized as a real
treasure. I caught up with Michelle recently and had an
opportunity to conduct a telephone interview. It gives me
great pleasure in introducing to you.... Michelle McGriff
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INTERVIEW
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