Interview with Michelle Rahal

Author of Straining Forward

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I’m originally from a small town just outside of Niagara Falls, NY. Now I live 20 miles outside of Washington, DC in Virginia.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

No story really. Just followed jobs.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

God. I know that may sound crazy, but the first words I spoke to Minh Phuong Towner (the subject of my book) were, “I want to write your story.” We were at church, and she had just shared her testimony about finding peace in Christ after a horrific childhood in Vietnam. I stood in line with about 100 other people to say something to her after the service, but I was shocked to hear the words that came out of my mouth. It verified that God does indeed speak in mysterious ways.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

Straining Forward is a powerful first-person account of incredible perseverance against a backdrop of death, abuse, prison, torture, and escape from war-torn Vietnam. We journey with Minh from childhood to adulthood and from oppression to redemption as she struggles to make her way in the world–first as a refugee in France, then Australia, and finally America. Told with raw sincerity, Straining Forward is a story of hope that reminds readers that even in their darkest moments, they are never truly alone.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Because God is at the center of this book, Straining Forward resonates with Christians as well as people who are searching for purpose, meaning, or hope in their lives.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

Personally, I learned that writing a book is not necessarily an art–it is a business! (Writing, editing, marketing, collaborating, advertising, speaking, etc.)
Emotionally, I learned that writing a true story that is full of tragedy can be exhausting, draining. (Straining Forward took 5 years and a lot of prayer to write.)
Professionally, I learned that writers need to be very thoughtful about choosing a publisher. (The third company was the charm!)

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Devise a marketing plan BEFORE publishing the book.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

THOUSANDS, if not MILLIONS! The message of hope and perseverance is significant for everyone.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

The biggest challenge has been making time and securing resources to adequately promote this story. Life gets in the way.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Writing is my greatest strength. Prior to writing Straining Forward, I wrote educational articles and reports. Publishing was relatively painless because I had some experience in this area, and Xulon Press was incredibly supportive.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Marketing is my greatest weakness. I did not have any experience in identifying my audience or promoting my book on social media. I have learned a lot, but I still have a ways to go!

When do you think you will write your next book?

I’ll probably start the next book sometime next year.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

Self-published through Xulon Press.