Michala Woodruff

• Why a girl becoming a captain in the Revolutionary War?

In eighth grade, I had a school project to write a story. I had liked writing before, but I wanted to take this assignment seriously. I didn’t want the story to be short. I wanted to stick with it. So, I began writing Captain She 1. Believe me, it’s undergone tons of changes but a girl from Boston in the Revolutionary War on a ship with the wind blowing in her hair has never changed. There’s no real reason why I chose this girl, but I thank God that I can tell this story.

• What rating would I give the Captain She series?

If I could rate it like a movie, I’d list it as PG or PG-13. My audience that I’m shooting for are young adults. I would liken this series to authors like Amanda Dykes and Jennifer A Nielsen. Or to the movie Beyond the Mask (though this series is not a romance). The trilogy is a fast-paced historical fiction. If I could give it another genre to explain it more, I’d say it would be an action and adventure series with some mystery and suspense.

• How much faith matter is in the series? And why?

A lot. It touches on forgiveness, trust, prayer, and giving burdens to God. It also aims to answer questions such as “Why does God let bad things happen to good people?” “How can we know God is real and His Word true?” “If no one knows you did wrong, then is it really wrong?”

• What’s behind this series?

I want each book in this series to focus on things that make a nation stand: politics, morals, and economy. If we want to sum all that up, we can simply say that for a nation to stand, it needs God. Because once our priorities are straight, then everything else will fall into place. (;

• Are the historical parts and Navy ships accurate?

Good questions. I did a lot of research—books, online, touring places and ships, and more. So, I would say “Yes”. However, I will give a disclaimer if there’s an inaccurate part that’d be my fault. I’m always learning and have enjoyed researching for this series.

• What’s my favorite character?

Ah, that’s a hard one. I have so many favorite characters. Lol. (; But I really like Tomas Hamilton. He was a supporting character in this series, and then got too cool. So, now he narrates around 40% of the series.

I also like Peter and Puck (who I know I haven’t called too much about but he’s a British guard on a ship). If I need some humor, I go to them.

And of course, I can’t forget Captain She. She’s a combination of Old English and flare. (:

• What’s my next series?

At the moment, I’m planning to do a historical fiction (4-book) series set in medieval times. I’m excited! These characters are unique and different and fun in their own ways. For sure.

• Have you ever thought of having Captain She or any other future series to become movies?

Absolutely! Though it’s quite rare. However, next fall I’m going to a university to learn about directing and making productions. I also would love to make other books I’ve read into movies. I know, people say that books are better than the movies of them. But . . . I have a burden for what people are feeding on through entertainment. Stories are beautiful and powerful. They can be twisted to show different perspectives and so much more. I want to use stories to encourage people in their walk with God. He’s the best thing ever!

• Is there any part of me in Captain She?

Yeah, and I think that the characters have influenced me a little too. I mean, I’ve always liked the sea but now I really like the sea. And after so much research on these old ships, I really like them. (; The part where Captain She—Katie Rodgers—and I are different is when it comes to sea legs. I’ve been deep sea fishing two times, and well . . . I wasn’t so graceful. I wasn’t a pretty sight. 

So, anyways, what part of Katie Rodgers is me? Well, Katie is a people person but sometimes she needs that breathing alone time. I definitely have that. I love people. I like trying new stuff and getting out there, but at times—like when I’ve been going all day or am going through something sad—I want time alone and to simply breathe.

In book one, Katie struggles with proving that she’s enough to be a captain even though she’s scared (she doesn’t really trust herself to lead this crew) and even though she doesn’t feel worthy. I’ve felt this before, not with the pressure of being a captain but feeling like you’re not enough. If I was this way or if I wasn’t that way, then maybe people would accept me. Maybe I’d be treated normally and have close friends. Here’s the thing: we’re not enough. But God is. He’s bigger than the storm. He cares. He hears. He’s right here. And, get this, He made each of us without mistake. We shouldn’t have to change who we are to fit other people’s standards. Of course, we should be growing in Christ and that changes us. But God has placed each of us in different places for a purpose and He never gives us more than we can handle. So, I learned to trust Him with my fears of not fitting in and to be myself. God is enough for me. He’s got a reason in everything He does and allows. Also, know that He is not looking to disrupt our lives. Actually, God yearns to lavish goodness on us. He takes pleasure in us. Which is comforting. (; God truly pays for what He orders. 

This was fun. (: Thank you, everyone! If any of you have any other questions or ideas for future blog posts, I’d love to hear them! You can easily get me in the “Contact” section above, or jot a comment in the “Leave a Reply” box below, or you can even just shoot me an email. Have a blessed rest of your day!