Official Apex Reviews Interview: Michelle Larks (Keeping Misery Company)

Apex Reviews: Michelle, thanks so much for allowing us to review Keeping Misery Company, as well as for joining us for this interview. We greatly appreciate it.

We're sure you hear this alot, but how much of an influence did the Church play in your own upbringing, and how much of that is reflected in the book?

Michelle Larks: I grew up in a tradional Bapist Church which later became a Church of God In Christ, and being a member of the church from ages 11-30 played a great part in my spiritual growth and parts of my experiences are reflected in the book.

AR: One of the most touching moments in the book is when Bishop cradles his dying, estranged son Ezra during a health scare. This moment, of course, lays the foundation for possible reconciliation between the two. How hard was it for you to capture the raw emotion of that moment?

ML: For that particular scene when Ezra was having a medical emergency, I drew on probably the most painful experiences in life. Six of my relatives died within months of each other the same year. The deaths began in January and continued through November. The second death was that one of my beloved grandmother, and I transformed the feelings I felt to the those scenes that were especially emotional.

AR: Our reviewer commented on the skillful way that you portray your characters as flawed humans, not sinister demons in the flesh. How were you able to so successfully depict them as whole beings and not simplistic caricatures?

ML: I think as people have experienced chapters in their lives that cause them to make bad choices or not to do the right thing. Sometimes, they don't share those circumstances for fear or being perceived as weak or flawed. I hope by delving into the characters backgrounds and sharing those painful experiences, it helps the reader to see why good people sometime make mistakes.

AR: One major complaint about religion - specifically Christianity - is the hypocritical stance that some "saintly sinners" sometimes take in judging or condemning others for wrongs that they themselves are guilty of, and this is a major recurring theme in the book. How do you personally address both those guilty of taking such a position, as well as those angered by it?

ML: I know this answer may be a simplification of your question, but it applies for both sides, Jesus forgave us and died for our sins. And we as Christians should remember that simple fact when we feel compelled to judge or condemn another person, as well as the person being judged or condemned, they too have to forgive.

AR: Another recurring theme is that of forgiveness, which reappears often throughout the entire book. How big a role has forgiveness played in your own life?

ML: Being older, I've seen circumstances of how holding grudges damages relationships, sometimes beyond repair, so I try very hard not to hold grudges and forgive as our Father does.

AR: By the same token, many of us would agree that forgiveness still remains elusive for even the most avid, Bible-toting Christians among us. What advice would you give to those still struggling to let go of the past wrongs that have been done to them?

ML: To those struggling with past wrongs, I'd say let it go. Life is too short to hold grudges. Another overlooked fact is if something unexpected were to happen to a person you were holding a grudge against, for example a family member, passed before the situation could be rectified, then the surviving person will feel such guilt, which is as negative emotion as a grudge. I suggest that one tries to talk to or write that person and try to get the situation resolved. It may take time, but don't give up.

AR: In the book, Ezra contracts AIDS as the result of a homosexual lifestyle that he adopted at a relatively young age. He even goes so far as to claim that he's "always been that way." Do you personally believe that homosexuality is a born trait, or that it's a personal choice?

ML: I personally believe so are born that way and other's have made it a personal choice due to circumstances in their lives.

AR: What is the main message that you want readers to take from Keeping Misery Company?

ML: Several of my books have a recurrent theme, the importance of cherishing family members, flaws and all. And the importance of forgiveness beause tomorrow is not promised.

AR: With the explosion of digital printing and do-it-yourself publishing, many authors are now finding it increasingly easier to get their works into print; with all the new benefits, though, also comes increased risk for traps that they could fall into. As both a self-published and now traditionally-published author, what advice can you give those just starting out?

ML: To authors just starting out, and I do tell them this personally, if you have drive and determination to write a book, then pursue your dream. Doing so is a lot of hard work, but I think the finished product is worth the sacrifice.

AR: You've already accomplished so much in your literary career, so what could possibly be next for Michelle Larks?

ML: I'd plan to continue to write. My second book with Urban Christian Books will be released next August, and it's tentatively titled The Legacies.

AR: Sounds great, Michelle. Thanks for your time, and keep up the great work!

ML: Genevieve, I'd like to thank you and Marcus. I plan to do some promoting with you soon.