Episode 125: “Jade’s Broken Bridge” with Michele Lee Sefton

Posted on by Wynne Leon

One of my favorite quotes about the power of autobiographical fiction comes from humorist Kevin Kling, “We need to rewrite our story sometimes just so we can get some sleep.”

In this episode of the Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcast, Vicki Atkinson and I were fortunate to talk with blogger, poet and author Michele Lee Sefton about the power of auto fiction. Michele’s powerful debut novel Jade’s Broken Bridge launched this week. In it, Michele draws from events of her past and tells a story that she hopes will help others in similar situations.

She gives us the elevator pitch for her book and tells us about what inspired her to move through fear and find her courage. In the wake of her father’s death in 2019, she realized that life is fleeting. With her shoulders squared, she faced her fears and redefined her future. She started blogging, flying on trans-Atlantic trips and in the past few years, even took up pole-dancing.

Michele tells us about the 50 stories project she did that was the genesis of Jade’s Broken Bridge.

We talk about writing as a tool for healing and perspective. Michele encourages everyone to give ourselves the time and grace to write.

She tells us about her other projects in the works including republishing the novellas she’s written and a publishing a book of her beautiful photography and poetry.

This is a great episode full of heart and courage. We know you’ll love it.

Takeaways

  • Michele’s book ‘Jade’s Broken Bridge’ is inspired by her personal experiences.
  • Writing can serve as a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery.
  • Facing fears can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.
  • The loss of her father motivated Michele to pursue her writing dreams.
  • Michele emphasizes the importance of taking small steps towards overcoming fear.
  • Fictionalizing her story allowed Michele to express herself creatively.
  • The natural world plays a significant role in Michele’s writing.
  • Michele’s future projects include republishing her novellas and a poetry collection.
  • The act of writing can provide clarity and perspective on past experiences.
  • Michele aims to help others through her storytelling.

Here’s a taste of Michele’s incredible ability to use writing to reframe her personal experiences:

Here are some ways you can listen and watch to conversation with this incredible author:

Episode 134: Perfect with P.J. Gudka – Sharing the Heart of the Matter

Looking for a compelling author interview and a great newpsychological thriller to add to your reading list? In this episode of Sharing the Heart of the Matter, P. J. Gudka joins us to discuss her debut novel, Perfect, a psychological domestic thriller centered on family secrets, generationaltrauma, perfectionism, and moral complexity. We talk about her transition from poetry to fiction, how she built layered and relatable characters, and why empathy matters so much in storytelling. P. J. also shares insights into the writing process, self-publishing, the power of the writing community, and what she’s working on next.If you enjoy book podcasts, author interviews, psychological thrillers, and conversations about creativity, this episode isone you won’t want to miss.Links for this episode:Transcript: Episode 134: Perfect with P.J. Gudka transcriptPurchase "Perfect": Amazon.com: Perfect eBook : Gudka, P. J. : Kindle StorePooja's Blog: Lifesfinewhine – The Life & Ramblings Of A ZillennialFrom the hosts:Vicki’s new book – a ghost story, Slivers. Her book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne's blog: Surprised by Joy and podcast: The Life of Try
  1. Episode 134: Perfect with P.J. Gudka
  2. Episode 133: Shadow of the Deceiver with Dr. Wayne Runde
  3. Episode 132: South Side Memories with Gloria Golec
  4. Episode 131: Attacking the Dragon with Marc Ross
  5. Episode 130: Take Me Back to Chicago with Doug E. Jones

Episode 125 Transcript

Links for this Episode:

Jade’s Broken Bridge on Barnes & Noble and Amazon

A poet’s pivotal post on my inspired life

We did it! on my inspired life

From the Hosts:

Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/

Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

34 thoughts on “Episode 125: “Jade’s Broken Bridge” with Michele Lee Sefton”

  3. “Epiphany.” Perhaps there is a child who will be given that name. It sounds better than giving someone the name “Reframing,” at least to me.

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  6. Wynne and Victoria,

    Thank you so much for this inspiring interview with Michele! Her story touched my heart more than I can say. I admire her courage, both in how she lived her life and in sharing her life story with such openness and honesty. ❤️

    Listeners who feel regret about aspects of their past (And who among us doesn’t have a few regrets?) will look back over their lives with greater empathy and understanding. They will find closure and be empowered to move forward. Michele’s book, Jade’s Broken Bridge, is on my short list of books to read. 💐

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  7. As you know, Vicki, I just referenced survival yesterday and how I became attracted to it for most of my adult life, and still turn to books and movies that explore the theme. And then today, BAM. That’s some crazy kizmet. Survival is a lonely business….indeed. I really liked Michele’s concept of 50 short stories – no agenda, just stories which came out; one after another. Although it’s not exactly the same as blogging, it has overlaps. I liked Michele. I like her bravery in her subject matter, and the weight that was lifted as she finished each page. Writing 100% has the power to heal (one’s self and readers.) Thanks Wynne and Vicki for a fascinating listen!

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    1. I always love your takeaways, Melanie. You know how to get right to the heart of it. Yes, 100% – writing has the power to heal. And that you brought forward that point she made of feeling lighter with every page. Isn’t that amazing? So glad that even though survival might be a lonely business – podcasting is not because we get to read comments like this. Thanks for tuning in, my friend!

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  10. Thank you for your generosity and for the opportunity to talk about my debut novel and a bit about the six-year writing process. Meeting both of you was an incredible experience for me and your readers are considerate and encouraging. 🙏🏻 With great gratitude, Michele

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  11. I just watched the first few minutes of the podcast. I related very much to Michele’s thoughts about reaching a certain age and wanting to offer guidance and wisdom without telling others how to live their lives. Experience is the best teacher, as we recall those life-changing moments in our lives.

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  13. What a great opening quote! After listening to this short clip, I loved the idea of 50 stories and reframing. Congrats to Michele, and I look forward to listening to the full podcast (and to reading her book). Thanks to the three of you for another entertaining and informational experience.
    Hugs ❤️

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  15. I love stories about finding courage and healing through writing and this was another inspiring story.

    How tragic to lose a parent on Valentine’s Day of all days but to be able to channel the grief into writing and art! Finding inspiration in pole dancing at 53 is also quite inspiring and entertaining. Gives me and my aching bones hope! 😂😊

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  16. Such a great interview. I listened to it twice because I really wanted to grasp her discussion about her epiphany. It was profound and needs to be said more often. I received her book, and I’m looking forward to reading it.

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