Michelle L. Smith

Award-winning author of Fiction, Non-fiction, and Humor

Quick Links

Selected Works

Person of Color. December 2021

With the recent discovery of my genetic heritage, I've uncovered surprising data on my ethnic makeup. While I've always identified as Black, it turns out that there is a whole lot more to who I am than I realized. Those unexpected traits are emblematic of the history of what we know about how the African American population came into existence. "Person of Color" is a personal essay published online by Blended Future Project that recounts my efforts to "fit in" while coming of age in a society that has favored racial compartmentalization from the get-go. (Click here.)

Gerrymandering must end. Communities of color deserve a more equitable society. November 2021

While the title assigned to this opinion piece that appeared in the November 23rd issue of The San Diego Union-Tribune suggests that all gerrymandering should be abolished, I wrote about the intentional manipulation of voter districts around the country that has disenfranchised certain demographics. To counter this effort, some areas desire a "reverse gerrymandering" to restore or improve representation of voters historically underrepresented. Click here.

Why I Fear an Escalation of Racial Violence. May 2021

In my essay published in the May 18, 2021 issue of The San Diego Union-Tribune's Opinion/Commentary section, I discuss my safety concerns amid a growing environment of violence against people of color as well as right-wing extremism and its penchant for disenfranchising Black and Brown people.

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/opinion/commentary/story/2021-05-17/opinion-escalating-fear-random-racial-violence

America, This is Who We Are. January 2021

In my opinion piece published Jan 8, 2021 in The San Diego Union-Tribune titled, "Stop saying, 'This is not who we are.' America, this is exactly who we are," I connect with my ancestors to help me understand what America has always been about.

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/opinion/commentary/story/2021-01-07/african-americans-voter-suppression-america-commentary

Managing Thyroid Cancer, Health Matters, October 2013

While thyroid cancer represents a minority of new cancer diagnoses, the rate at which it's being diagnosed appears to be on the upswing. But is that apparent rise in incidence a reflection of new disease or better detection?

Golf sisters, unite and step up to the tee at the club - any club, GottaGoGolf.com, March 2012

Joining a women's golf league may seem intimidating at first glance. But if you do your research, you may find that club membership is the ticket you need to furthering your game.

Shape Up With a Personal Trainer, Health Matters, January 2012

A personal trainer can help you achieve a healthier body through greater accountability and motivation.

Cancer Clinical Trials: When Running Out of Options is Not an Option, Health Matters, October 2011

Cancer clinical trials may be the answer for those in need of cutting-edge research to help fight their disease.

I swear i didn't hit that shot, it must have been my evil twin, gottagogolf.com, september 2011

Conquering the mind games that plague all golfers.

An Eye for An Eye, Health Matters, August 2011

Trade in your glasses for LASIK or PRK.

He says 'That's good.' She says 'Oh really?', GottaGoGolf.com, June 2011

When it comes to a friendly round of golf, who's more competitive, men or women?

Smile by Design, Health Matters, Winter 2011

The transformative power of an enhanced smile can have an enduring impact on self-esteem.

Unleash Your Inner Fashionista, Who's Counting?, Fall 2010

Local fashion experts provide fashion advice for women 50 and older.

Physical Therapy: Getting the Job Done Right, Health Matters, Fall 2009

Workplace Wellness is enhanced with physical therapy programs designed to prevent injury, restore function and minimize disability.

What's Age Got to Do With It? Sixtyfive Plus, Fall/Winter 2009

Working out with a trainer helps 80-year-old newlywed Annie Garnero-Richerts overcome a debilitating flare-up of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Cancer Treatment: A Community Approach Health Matters, Spring 2009

The trend in cancer treatment is progressing towards a more comprehensive approach in which Comprehensive Cancer Centers are playing a greater role.

Living with Autism. Health Matters, Fall 2008

With proper evaluation and therapeutic intervention, the autistic individual can optimize his or her chances for leading a productive life.

An Ounce of Prevention. Health Matters, Winter 2008

Healthcare guidelines are designed to improve your chances of aging gracefully.

The Breast Cancer Divide: Why Are So Many African American Women Dying? Ms. Magazine, Fall 2004

African American women are less likely to develop breast cancer, but they are also less likely to survive it.

Michelle Wie Doesn’t Play with Dolls. Spirit of Aloha, September/October 2003

This profile of Michelle Wie explores the making of a 13-year-old golf phenom.

Cancer Watch: Why Age 40 May Be Too Late for a Mammogram. Upscale, September/October 2002

Waiting till age 40 for that first mammogram may not be a wise decision.

Events

San Diego Public Library Local Author Program-video promotion

Video promoting local authors of color for San Diego Public Library. Aired February 17, 2021.

A Beautiful Soul - Coretta Scott King

Photo taken in 2000 in California. Posted in honor of Black History Month February 2021

VIDEOCONFERENCES

June 15, 2020. Participated in the Mills College Alumnae Association's Writers' Salon. I read my personal essay titled "Gatsey's Blues," a personal reflection on racism in this country and its historical ties to the legacies of African Americans.

The YouTube video link (I'm the second reader) is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgs1nyggcyc&feature=youtu.be

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

October 27, 2007. Keynote speaker at the Coalition of Scholarship Organizations' second annual high school and college information forum. Theme: Motivating Students to Reach Their Goals.

The Oldemeyer Center, Seaside, California.

CONFERENCES

2008 San Francisco Writers Conference held at the Mark Hopkins hotel in February.

Photo taken by Cheri Eplin

Author Michelle Smith receives advice from Teresa LeYung Ryan, Author and Manuscript Consultant/Career Coach for Writers.

Photo taken by Cheri Eplin

Conference attendees listen in earnest at one of several guest speaker sessions held at the hotel.

Photo taken by Cheri Eplin

Michelle Smith dines at the Nob Hill Cafe with guest lecturers and members of the publishing industry, along with the famous San Francisco Twins.