Meet Michelle

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michelle a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Michelle, thank you so much for making time for us today. We can’t wait to dive into your story and the lessons you’ve learned along the way, but maybe we can start with something foundational to your success. How have you gone about developing your ability to communicate effectively?

I hold a degree in Mass Communication, majoring in Journalism, and later completed my Master’s degree in the same field. Growing up in a household that deeply valued effective communication and open expression, I was encouraged from an early age to develop my speaking and writing skills. My mother, an educator, instilled in us the importance of reading and engaging in thoughtful conversations. Both she and my father were always supportive of my pursuits, especially in writing and public speaking competitions, where their encouragement played a crucial role in shaping my passion and confidence in communication.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am a poet who has published ten books in the span of six years, six of which became Amazon bestsellers in multiple countries. In addition to my work as an author, I serve as the Editor of Hotel by Masticadores and Masticadores Philippines—literary ezines dedicated to giving writers and authors a platform to establish their voices in the vast world of literature. Recently, I ventured into the publishing industry by founding my own publishing house. Since its inception, I have published two books by Filipino authors, as well as a global anthology titled After Rain Skies, which remained on the Amazon Bestsellers list for a month after its release.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

My journey to becoming a bestselling author was anything but easy. In fact, I never imagined myself becoming a published author. Back then, my only goal was to write on my blog and share my thoughts with people who shared the same passion—hoping, above all, to inspire others through my words and my perspective on life. But as they say, you can’t outrun your destiny.

When my first book, After Rain Skies, was published in Malaysia, I had a realization: I was capable of so much more. It was then that I understood how my years as an educator—while writing on the side—had prepared me for the roles I now proudly hold as an author, editor, and publisher.

Over the years, I have honed the art of storytelling and mastered the craft of writing poetry in free verse and various forms. I’ve also learned to understand my audience deeply—what they need, what resonates with them, and what inspires them. If there’s one lesson I’ve learned and would share with others, it’s this: master your craft.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

As a publisher and editor, I look for writers who are not only passionate about their craft but also open to learning, growth, and collaboration. I value those who are willing to listen, to be mentored, and who share the same vision and goals that I do. I would rather invest in a budding poet with humility and a teachable spirit than publish someone exceptionally talented who cannot accept constructive criticism or corrections.

Back when I was a teacher coaching students for writing and public speaking competitions, I always told them: If you want to win, you have to be willing to listen to me as your coach—because there’s a reason I’m in that role. The same principle applies in publishing. There’s a reason I’ve succeeded in this industry—not just because of skill, but because of the ability to learn, adapt, and grow. And I look for those same qualities in the writers I choose to work with. They can always contact me through my social media pages. We normally respond to inquiries immediately.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wordpress.com/sites/michnavs.wordpress.com
• Instagram: Poetry by Mich
• Facebook: Poetry by Mich
• Twitter: Poetry by Mich
• Youtube: Poetry by Mich
• Other: https://wordpress.com/home/hotelmasticadoreshouse.wordpress.com

  https://wordpress.com/home/masticadoresphilippines.wordpress.com