My name is Michelle Jabes Corpora, and I’m an editor and writer for young people. I’ve ghostwritten five novels in a world-famous middle grade mystery series, two middle grade historical fiction novels, and I’m currently working on my first horror series for young adults. The first book in that series, HOLLY HORROR, will be published by Penguin Random House in August 2023. I’m also a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu at Crazy 88 MMA.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My husband is a computer science teacher at Oakdale High School. We’ve been married for 18 years, which is a little wild to think about. We have two daughters, aged 11 and 7, a dog, a very old cat, and two guinea pigs.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My husband and I moved to New York in 2007 so that I could pursue a career in publishing. After working at HarperCollins Children’s Books for five years in editorial, I switched to my current part time job as an editor for a “fiction think tank” headquartered in London. With the rest of my time, I work on my own novels. Being at home, writing in my loft office, with my candle lit and my music playing, truly makes me feel like the luckiest person in the world. Wanting to be an author is one of the earliest memories I have.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We moved back to Maryland in 2016, and choosing to buy a home in New Market was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
I have always taken big risks to realize my goals. Quitting a stable, good paying job at 26 years old to move to New York with nothing but an unpaid internship waiting for me–not to mention my husband’s own career!–was a pretty crazy thing to do. But that choice made everything that came afterward possible. That’s only one instance, but it’s the one that always comes to mind. Without risk, without failure, there can never be greatness. I always strive to try the impossible in everything that I do, and so far, it’s worked out pretty well for me. My advice is always to be “the Man in the Arena.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
One day, I really want to take my family abroad to the UK. I have been there for schooling and work, but really want to share the experience with them. It is a magical place full of so much history.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love how close-knit New Market is, and how it can be a place where “everybody knows your name.” It has a small, hometown feel that you just can’t find many places anymore.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Writing in my loft with a shelf-full of books to my name, working as a full-time novelist. Still doing jiu-jitsu, but hopefully with a darker belt.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
On December 31, 1999, I worked as a lounge singer for a big, fancy party at the 21 Club in Baltimore, ringing in the new millennium by singing some very old songs.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Cinque Terre in Italy, with my husband in 2009.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
I love Halloween. As I’ve never really stopped being a child, I love getting dressed up and romping around in the dark with my girls. Also: candy.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Swedish Fish. What? Oh, I thought we were still talking about candy.
Q: What person, event or experience has made the greatest impact or inspiration in your life?
Training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu for the past six years has made an enormous impact on my entire life. It not only helped me become strong enough to pull myself out of a health crisis back in 2018, but it has been a continual source of strength, resilience, and inspiration in many aspects of my personal growth and my career.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would definitely take Haruki Murakami to 5 West Cafe for a coffee and baked good. We would sit in that cozy back room and talk about writing novels, cats, deep wells, and the meaning of life.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Themed parties with friends. Eating dinner while watching Doctor Who. A candle, a blanket, a book, and tea.
