Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Farrell.
Hi Michele, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
M.L. Farrell is a cancer survivor, a faith-driven storyteller, and a firm believer in embracing every moment life has to offer. After facing some of life’s toughest battles, she emerged with a renewed perspective and a passion for finding joy in the small things—whether that’s indulging in tacos on a Tuesday, blasting Taylor Swift while cleaning, or getting lost in a smutty romance or an epic fantasy adventure.
With a heart rooted in gratitude and a deep love for God, M.L. Farrell writes stories that inspire, uplift, and encourage readers to embrace their own journey. She knows life isn’t about striving for perfection but about finding those moments of light and laughter, even when things get messy. Her books reflect that spirit—a mix of hope, humor, faith, and the courage to live authentically.
When she’s not crafting her next story, you’ll find M.L. Farrell enjoying a well-deserved margarita, growing her ever-expanding book collection, or singing her heart out to her favorite pop anthems. Her writing is a celebration of life’s blessings—both big and small—and a gentle nudge to everyone to find beauty and grace in the everyday.
Join M.L. Farrell on her journey of resilience, faith, and the pursuit of joy through her captivating stories that speak to the heart and soul.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Surviving cancer is often seen as a remarkable achievement, a testament to strength and resilience. Yet, for me, it has always felt like a victory that didn’t entirely belong to me. The glory for that survival rests with the skilled team of doctors who fought alongside me and with God, who held me through it all. Surviving cancer at a young age, however, shaped my life in ways I am only now discovering as an adult. Physically, my immune system remains compromised, making me susceptible to illness and prolonged recoveries. This vulnerability has affected my mental and emotional health over the years, creating an aching desire for love and acceptance. Instead, I often found myself feeling like an outsider. This sense of being different has shaped my empathy, inspiring me to ensure that no one around me ever feels the same way.
In 2014, I spent several months in the hospital, facing one of the most challenging periods of my life. The days stretched into weeks, and the weeks into months, with every moment feeling like a battle for survival. While my mom and a few close friends were there for me, the lack of presence from others—especially family—cut deep. Lying there, on what felt like my deathbed, I was struck by the painful realization that most of my family never came to see me. When I was finally discharged in April, after being admitted in January, I was left with a deep bitterness and a profound sense of isolation.
During that time, it was my best friend who traveled from Arkansas and stayed with me for about a month who helped pull me back from the brink of emotional shutdown. Her consistent presence and unwavering support reminded me of what genuine care looked like. It was in this painful but clarifying season that I learned a critical lesson: not to expect “me” from others. I had to stop assessing people based on what I would do or say in their position and instead focus on treating others how I wanted to be treated, without strings attached. This shift allowed me to understand who truly supported me without compromising my own values or becoming bitter. It became a compass for navigating relationships with more intention and self-awareness.
Coming out of that difficult time, I realized I needed to shift my focus from the disappointment of unmet expectations to something more steadfast. I began to work on my spiritual health, turning inward and seeking a closer connection with God. It became clear to me that while people may disappoint, God’s presence is unwavering. This realization was the anchor I needed; it grounded me when I felt lost and reminded me that I was never truly alone. I started to live with more intention, choosing carefully where to invest my time and energy. I decided to give my effort only to those who would reciprocate it, creating space for healthier, more meaningful connections. My spiritual journey became a refuge, a place where I could find solace and strength. I learned to lean on God, trusting that there was a greater purpose behind every challenge I faced. Through prayer, reflection, and reading scripture, I found a new kind of clarity that helped me let go of bitterness and embrace a path of peace and faith.
During this transformative period, my relationship with my grandmother deepened in ways I never expected. I often called her to help me understand the Bible, to pray with me, or sometimes just to hear her comforting voice. For three years, from 2014 to 2017, she became my spiritual anchor, guiding me through the complexities of faith and helping me uncover the woman I was meant to be. Her wisdom was simple yet profound, and it came from a place of deep love and understanding. One of the most impactful pieces of advice she gave me was about embracing who I am, unapologetically. She told me that I was a sapiosexual—someone who is attracted to intelligence—and that I needed to find someone who appreciated this about me. More importantly, she encouraged me to stop dimming my light to make others feel seen. She reminded me to embrace everything life throws at me, reassuring me that there is no challenge we cannot face as long as we trust in God. Her words taught me to stop comparing my actions and expectations to those of others, and instead to stand firmly in my truth, without bitterness or compromise.
It took years before I truly internalized her wisdom, especially the idea that God doesn’t let bad things happen to us without purpose. Whenever my mind would slip into a dark place, it was her voice I heard, guiding me back to the right path and reminding me to keep my faith strong. Her influence helped me see that life’s challenges are not punishments, but opportunities to grow and trust in something greater than myself.
As I continue navigating life’s unpredictable terrain, I carry with me the lessons learned through these experiences. Surviving cancer, feeling the sting of isolation, and deepening my spiritual connection were all chapters in a larger story of growth, resilience, and faith. My grandmother’s words echo in my mind whenever I face uncertainty or when doubt begins to creep in. Her advice to embrace life as it comes, with no challenge too great if met with faith in God, has become a guiding principle. Today, I try to live by this wisdom—to let my light shine without fear of outshining others, to love and connect with intention, and to trust that every experience has a purpose. I no longer seek validation from those who aren’t capable of giving it; instead, I focus on nurturing relationships that are rooted in mutual respect and understanding. I’ve learned to find peace not in what others think of me, but in how I see myself and my relationship with God.
Life will always have its trials, but I now see them not as obstacles, but as opportunities for growth and deeper faith. The comfort of my grandmother’s voice, the strength I’ve found in my spiritual journey, and the clarity that comes from trusting God are my constant companions. No matter where this journey leads, I know I am equipped to face it with grace, courage, and an unshakeable faith that has been forged through every challenge I’ve encountered
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m an amazon published author.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Here’s something that might surprise you: as a child, I used to write stories about my bullies—but not as villains. In my stories, we were friends, allies navigating fantastical worlds together. You see, growing up, I often felt like the odd woman out, both at home and at school. Being legally blind, I saw the world differently—literally and figuratively. On top of that, battling cancer with a compromised immune system meant I couldn’t join in the usual playground antics. So, I was often misunderstood, left on the sidelines, or, worse, targeted.
Instead of letting bitterness take root, I’d turn to my imagination, my own form of quiet rebellion. I created entire worlds where those who bullied me would see me, not as the “different” kid, but as a friend. In these stories, I imagined a universe where the walls of misunderstanding crumbled and where empathy replaced cruelty. Together, we’d explore enchanted forests, solve mysteries, or save the world from imaginary threats. I was rewriting reality the way I wished it could be, page by page.
Even now, as an author, I carry that spirit with me. My stories aren’t just tales; they’re invitations to see through a different lens, to find common ground in unlikely places, and to believe in the power of narrative to heal. I’ve learned that every story has the potential to transform—just like those old stories of mine did for a little girl who desperately wanted to feel seen.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ authorml_farrell ? igsh =YXgwcHZndDVlOTFw& utm_source =qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ michelelynn1992 ? mibextid =kFxxJD
- Other: http:// tiktok.com /@authormlfarrell
