Learning To Bend by Michelle Davis

Please welcome Michelle Davis author of Learning To Bend

The author will be awarding a $50 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to one randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter during the tour.

Learning To Bend

by Michelle Davis

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GENRE: Women’s Fiction

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INTERVIEW:

Any weird things you do when you’re alone?

Hmmm. That’s an interesting question. When I’m alone I enjoy listening to motivational podcasts. Oprah’s Super Soul Conversationsis probably my favorite. I also like playing music like Earth, Wind, and Fire, Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers… somehow hearing these artists always puts me in a better mood.

What is your favorite quote and why?

“When you know better, you do better.” – Maya Angelou

This quote perfectly depicts what it’s like to be human. We’re constantly learning, evolving, and becoming better. But it requires experiences and lessons from those encounters. Sometimes we regret past actions and cast blame on ourselves. However, if we were trying our best with the tools that we had, then that was all we could do. But now that we know betterand are aware of different ways, it is our responsibility to do better.The same applies to others and how they’ve impacted our lives. To me, this quote epitomizes how we can all elevate to our higher selves.

Who is your favorite author and why?

There are so many amazing authors that it is very difficult to pick one. But if I had to, I would say that my favorite author of books that I’ve read recently is Amor Towles. I’ve yet to read Eve in Hollywood, but I absolutely adored A Gentleman in Moscowand Rules of Civility.

What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

Probably the first thing that pops into my mind is authenticity. For me, if the writing isn’t authentic to the writer – meaning that it is contrived or designed to sell book/please audiences – then something about it makes me wonder if this is the author’s best work.

Another important element of writing is whether or not the characters are believable. Can I relate to them, are they multi-dimensional?

Finally, I like to be able to visualize the scene and put myself right there, next to the characters. Does the author provide clear descriptions? Is there movement during the scenes? Does he or she employ language which taps into my senses?

Where did you get the idea for this book?

Part of me has always struggled with tight muscles. I still cannot touch the floor during yoga class. Yet, it wasn’t just my body that was tight – I also lived in my mind more than in my heart. It was easier to think than feel. But by digging deep within and embracing my own shadows, I’ve learned how to soften and become more flexible – both mentally and physically. It made me curious – maybe if I wove this theme into a book, others may also learn how to bend.Simultaneously, I began blogging – elevateis the name of the blog at michellemdavis.net.The goal of this site is to help others elevate to their higher selves by sharing thought provoking blogs. I think that Learning to Bendblends nicely into this philosophy.

BLURB:

Jenna Moore’s flawlessly orchestrated life and engagement to Ben Kelly, “the perfect man,” vanish when she discovers a controlling side of her fiancé. Confused and unsure of who she is without Ben, Jenna decides to uproot from her safe, predictable life in Boston and move to Bend, Oregon, hoping to find her answers there. It’s when she meets Jackson, a former Navy SEAL who battles demons of his own, that Jenna finds the courage to let go of being perfect and embrace uncomfortable risks, transforming her life through forgiveness, compassion, surrender and acceptance. Yet the rewards from discovering her true self exceed Jenna’s expectations – not only does she find the greatest love of her life, but she also understands what’s kept her from learning to bend.

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EXCERPT:

Yet, at that moment, there is a subtle shift in my being. As devastated and lost as I feel, a small part of me unfolds, almost releases. I can’t describe the feeling as it’s something I’ve never before experienced. I breathe, inhaling Ben’s scent, knowing it’s most likely the last time I am going to be this close to him. Then Ben moves his hand to the back of my head, pulling me towards him, passionately kissing me as we momentarily return to who we were. My body instinctively takes over as I languish in his taste, surrendering to him, if only for a few seconds. But I come to my senses and pull away. We are no longer the Jenna and Ben who are about to be married in two months. No, that couple is gone. It’s then that I do the unavoidable – I slowly remove the ring from my left finger and press it into Ben’s hand. After all, this is a family antique. It no longer belongs to me. I call for Sam, give Ben a final goodbye kiss on the cheek, and leave.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Michelle Davis, whose career path includes banking, teaching, and college admissions consulting, holds a B.S. in Finance from Lehigh University and a M.S. in Education from St. Joseph’s University. Through her blog, elevate, Michelle’s goal is to inspire others to shift their perspectives and welcome change as they realize their life purpose. A Pennsylvania native, Michelle and her husband enjoy visiting their sons in Boston and spending time in Bend, Oregon, the settings of her debut novel, Learning to Bend. To learn more about Michelle and how to elevate your life, visit www.michellemdavis.net.

https://www.michellemdavis.net

https://www.learningtobend.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/LearningtoBend/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/michellemillerdavis/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Michelle-Davis/e/B083ZLXBXS/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Bend-Michelle-Davis-ebook/dp/B083L5HM7G/

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/learning-to-bend-michelle-m-davis/1136004857

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

The author will be awarding a $50 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to one randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter during the tour.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f3305