Meet Michelle Hagood | Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Hagood and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I am very protective of my time. I used to not be. When I was a wedding coordinator, I remember at the beginning of my career I took real pride in working late and putting in the overtime hours. Any passion projects, like writing or art, I had to sneak in between this or that. I often joked that my creative life was my mistress. It wasn’t fun for very long. When I stretched myself in so many directions and then don’t do the things that recharged or filled me with joy, it really impacted my mental health.
When it got really bad– literally laying on the couch whenever I wasn’t at work– I restructured my schedule. I carved out a whole day from my weekend to go nowhere and do nothing that didn’t bring me joy. I would set aside week nights for writing with no distractions. The change in my attitude was dramatic. The balance isn’t perfect, and I don’t think it ever will be. But I just know what is important to me and I do my best to make time for it. Because this is the heart of me, and not doing it isn’t an option.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started writing because there were stories I wanted to read, but I couldn’t find them on book shelves. And from that simple desire, it’s changed my life. I am an artist in my spare time. With all the stories in my head, I’m able to actually draw or create something from those. To see something with your eyes and not just through imagination is the closest form of true magic that I have found.

I am so proud of my book covers. I hand draw every single one of them (for the second book I drew 53 weapons, cut them out and then glued them around a frame to create the cover). Each frame has hidden little images that correspond with the story and the characters. I love that they don’t mean anything at the start of the book, but then when you look back after you’ve finished it all has a meaning behind it.

I decided to self publish because I wanted to do stuff like that. I wanted to be in charge of the whole creative process from cover design, to story details, and future tie ins. I love being the captain of this ship! Is it hard? YES. Oh my goodness, it never ends. I am the writer, the editor, the cover designer, the formatter, the marketing team, the accountant, the driver, the shipping and handling department, and the complaint department. But the love I have for this story and I love being able to see all of that work in the hands of readers.

I think the biggest lesson I have learned through all of this is to bet on myself. I am a perfectionist and self doubt is a constant voice in my head. But every single time I have chosen to bet on myself, to tell myself “No, this is good. And people will see the heart of it,” I haven’t regretted it. It’s so scary, but what’s on the other side is worth it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First, we would have breakfast at Wayfinder, a darling coffee shop in Colorado Springs. The spicy chai and their berry toast is to die for.
After that I would take them to my favorite book store, Poor Richards, and walk downtown. Of course we would get some ice cream at Josh and John’s. There are some really lovely parks around the city that are perfect for putting out a blanket and reading. I grew up going to Fox Run, so I would probably find a quiet, shady place there.
Drink at Allusion, regardless of the theme of the speakeasy, followed by a home cooked dinner. I am lightweight when it comes to alcohol, so it would have to be at home. Or else I am falling asleep in the parking lot.
For the second part of the weekend, we would have to go to Denver. I. Love. Zoos. So we would have to go to the Denver Zoo. Chocolate ice cream by the sea lion enclosure is non-negotiable. Then we’d make a quick stop at Tattered Cover, and by quick I mean at least a couple of hours.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family. Hands down. They come to almost every single one of my book signings. My mom does one of the rounds of edits on my books. My dad helps carry my heavy book boxes everywhere. My older sister, Megan, was one of the loudest voices to encourage me to make writing my sole career. Kimberly and Deanna are my biggest cheerleaders and hype girls. They give me a standing ovation when it works out or a cry fest with a cheese platter when it doesn’t. I am so lucky to have them in my corner.

Website: https://michellenhagood.com

Instagram: michellenhagood

Twitter: MNHagood

Other: TikTok: michellenhagood