Michelle Ayon Navajas is a Best-Selling international Poet known for her books reaching the #1 spot within days of their release. Her 8th poetry book, “I Am In Itself Poetry In The Dark,” went straight to the top of both the best-sellers list and new releases on Amazon on short notice. Her 7th poetry book, “It Ain’t Winning If Without You,” went straight to the best-sellers list on Amazon in less than 24 hours of release by pre-orders alone and became the number Poetry Book on all Amazon markets worldwide on its actual release day.
Michelle holds the title of having 5 books published in a row to have made it to Amazon’s Best-Sellers List “I Will Love You Forever, Too,” “After Rain Skies, 2nd Edition,” “It Ain’t Winning If Without You,” “I Am In Itself Poetry In The Dark”, and her latest venture on fiction “Locker” that made her the Multinational Bestselling Author. “Locker” became a #1bestseller in three countries by pre-orders alone.
Her poetry appeared in several international literary magazines such as Spillwords (with two poems voted as Publication of the Month), Masticadores U.S.A, and India. She is Spillwords’ Press (NYC), Author of the Month for March 2023. She is currently the Editor of Hotel Masticadores House, an online Literary Magazine part of the Masticadores Publishing House, translated into Spanish, and published in 19 countries.
We recently caught up with Michelle Ayon Navajas, who won Bestseller Of The Year Award for her book Locker recently. Here are a few excerpts from our conversation:
1. Your literary journey as a Best-selling author/poet has reached remarkable heights. Could you share a pivotal moment or experience that ignited your passion for writing and set you on this path?
Michelle Ayon Navajas – I’ve always said that my papa was my “writing inspiration” as a little girl. The 10-year-old me claimed that one day, people will see my name in a newspaper or magazine. I didn’t realize that God had laid a better plan for me. Three decades later, I published 10 books and became a Multiple Amazon Bestselling Author.
In 2019, I published my first book “After Rain Skies”. It is a collection of inspiring stories of abuse and violence in prose and poetry. My sole purpose then was to provide a voice to all the victims of abuse and violence, while helping the Perak Women for Women Society, a foundation that helps victims of abuse and violence. The book became a success and that’s when I realized I could write and publish more books.
2. As an award-winning literary star, your work often resonates deeply with readers. How do you approach the creation of poetry that captivates audiences and stays with them long after they’ve finished your book?
Michelle Ayon Navajas – My poetry is most often written in free verse (unrhymed lines). My lines follow the natural rhythms of the language and not the strict five stresses per line in iambic pentameter.
My poetry is written in language that is accessible to the common reader, it suggests ideas rather than overtly stating ideas. The meaning of my poems exists more in the mind of my reader than in accessing my mind as a poet.
3. Your book “Locker” has been hailed as a remarkable work of literature and received glowing reviews. What inspired the theme of this particular work, and how do you navigate the creative process while aiming for such high acclaim?
Michelle Ayon Navajas – “Locker” was born when my editor and creative consultant challenged me to venture into fiction writing since I have never published a fiction book yet. It was a very daunting process simply because fiction is not my cup of tea, but as someone who always pushes her creative boundaries, I head on to the challenge and the rest they say is history.
I have a solid base of followers/readers from India, the USA, Japan, Australia, the UK, and the Philippines, so when “Locker” was released for pre-orders, it automatically became number 1 in three countries: India, Japan, and the USA.
4. The titles of your books are so captivating! How do you come up with such creatively engaging names for your books? Is there a story behind the intriguing titles of your works?
Michelle Ayon Navajas – Most of my books’ titles were taken from the banner poem. I am fond of creating truly intriguing titles. Each of my book’s titles has a story of its own.
5. Being an Amazon bestselling author of multiple books must be satisfying. How does it feel to get so much love from the readers?
Michelle Ayon Navajas – I am truly blessed to have readers and followers who never failed to support me in my publication journey. They are a blessing and a gift.
6. Share a list of your books so that we can share it with our readers.
Michelle Ayon Navajas –
- After Rain Skies
- What If Snowflakes Don’t Fall in Winter?
- Oh! Dear One
- I Would Fly to Where You Are
- I Will Love You Forever, Too
- After Rain Skies, 2nd Edition
- It Ain’t Winning If Without You
- I Am In Itself Poetry In The Dark
- Locker
7. Critics often praise your writing style as unique and compelling. How do you balance staying true to your voice while also evolving as a Literature maestro, especially when facing critique or differing opinions?
Michelle Ayon Navajas – I read reviews (good or bad) and I take in the ones that I feel would make me a better poet/writer. I also stay true to my advocacy as a writer that is to empower women and help them reach their full potential.
8. Many aspiring writers look up to you as a mentor. What advice would you give to those trying to find their voice or breakthrough in the literary world, especially when faced with obstacles or self-doubt?
Michelle Ayon Navajas – I always say this and I will say it again, never rush anything. As much as I believe that dreams do come true, I also would like to point out that it happens when you are truly prepared and deserving of it.
Writing is not an overnight process. It takes a lot of training and practice. Having said that, budding writers should and need to practice a lot.
9. It would be great if you could share your collection of literary achievements up to now that you cherish.
Michelle Ayon Navajas – Five of my 10 books are #1 Amazon bestsellers, and I am truly proud of this.
10. Being recognized as the ‘Best Bestseller Of The Year’ carries immense weight in contemporary literature. How do you navigate the pressure that comes with surpassing the expectations set by your successful work?
Michelle Ayon Navajas – I am honored and thrilled to be named the “Best Bestseller of the Year”, while at the same time recognizing the responsibility attached to it. I assure my readers and my followers that they will read more quality prose and fiction from me as I prepare for the release of my first Novel.
11. Could you shed light on the key elements you believe contribute to the success and longevity of your career in a competitive writing landscape?
Michelle Ayon Navajas – I think my success was driven by the fact that I am part of a supportive and brilliant community of writers worldwide, who never failed to support me in any way they can. Apart from that I also established a solid base of followers and readers worldwide are always excited to get a copy of my books. I also write a new poem every day. So if you follow me on my social media accounts you will see that there is always a new piece published/posted every day.
12. Receiving criticism is part and parcel of being an author. How do you utilize feedback, whether positive or negative, to grow and refine your craft?
Michelle Ayon Navajas – In terms of criticisms, what I usually do is, take the good and helpful and leave the ones that do not serve me well.
13. It would be nice to know your agenda as an author. Can you share any upcoming projects or aspirations that will continue to diversify and expand your literary repertoire?
Michelle Ayon Navajas – I will be part of poetry anthologies this 2024, while at the same time writing my first Novel. I am currently the editor of Hotel Masticadores, an online Literary Magazine part of the Masticadores Publishing House, translated into Spanish, and published in 19 countries.
14. What is your life like outside the literary field?
Michelle Ayon Navajas – Apart from being a published author, I am an entrepreneur, and an advocate of women’s rights. If I am not writing you will see me reading, doing yoga, or doing strength training exercises.
