Michele Young-Stone is a writer's writer.  Her debut: The Handbook for Lightning Strike Survivors has been a top Publishers Weekly pick as well as an emerging author pick at Target. Her characters: beloved, tender, flawed and damaged, the overwhelming sense of place and her gift for language that lifts off the page are trademarks of someone who was born to write. All I can say when I think of this marvelous writer is: More, please. Please welcome Michele to the blog -- pick up her book if you haven't already done so -- and, as always, I'll see you in the comments!


Don't judge me.
It's gospel: "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone…" (John 8:7)
I grew up with a mom who, seriously, cast no judgment on anyone.  If I told her that someone was having sex or using drugs, she'd say, "I feel really bad for her."  She'd pray for them and hug them even harder the next time she saw them.  Most of the parents I knew would've said, "Stay away from her," or "It's because her parents are such a mess," or something along those lines.
I know that we all—to some extent—judge other people, but I really try not to do it.  The cliché about walking a mile in someone else's shoes is a cliché because it's true. 
It's so easy to judge others instead of looking at our own quirks and failings.  And even if you take a good hard look at the things in your own life, and you discover that you've done something less than admirable, say, "I'm sorry," and to quote one of my favorite Disney movies, Meet the Robinsons, "Keep Moving Forward." 
Life is too short to wallow and be filled with regret. 
And don't judge your friends.  Hug them even harder the next time you see them.  Say a little prayer for them.  Do something nice!!!  Put some positive vibes out there. 
The characters in my novel have been described as, "endearing losers," and they are.  Whenever someone tells me about how tough they've had it, I say, "I'm right there with you.  Life can be hard."  Yet another cliché:  "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."  Chin up.  Smile.  You'll feel better.  I promise.
Michele Young-Stone is the author of The Handbook for Lightning Strike Survivors, a Target Emerging Author pick and a Publisher's Weekly top-ten debut.  Her next two books are under contract with Simon and Schuster.  She is currently working on her third novel—The Saints of Los Vientos.
Michele lives in Virginia with her husband and son, a very sweet dog and some ornery fish.