About
Michael Smith MBE
In a powerful and inspiring interview on the Publishing Podcast, author Michael Smith MBE shares the story behind his debut book, Creating the Foundation. His journey is one of transformation, faith, and perseverance—offering valuable insights for aspiring authors, spiritual seekers, and anyone looking to turn years of experience into meaningful impact.
Before becoming an author, Michael Smith led a rich and diverse life. His early years were shaped by discipline and curiosity, from learning to fly light aircraft in the Air Training Corps to developing practical skills that would later serve him in his career. He went on to spend over two decades in the police force as a traffic officer, a role that required resilience, focus, and a strong sense of responsibility.
However, Michael’s journey didn’t stop at retirement. In 2015, he stepped away from policing and moved into full-time Christian ministry. Alongside his wife of over 40 years, he began dedicating his time to teaching, supporting churches, and helping others grow in their faith. What stands out is his perspective on retirement—it isn’t about slowing down, but rather about doing what you love with purpose and freedom.
Although Michael had thought about writing for many years, he didn’t initially believe he could do it. Like many aspiring authors, he struggled with confidence and questioned whether he had what it takes to complete a book. Financial concerns also played a role in delaying his decision.
Everything changed when he realised the value of the knowledge he had built over decades of studying the Bible. Through teaching and ministry, he saw a recurring challenge: many people found scripture difficult to understand. Even after more than 40 years of engaging with the Bible, Michael himself still encountered passages that felt confusing and disconnected.
This realisation became the turning point.
Creating the Foundation was born out of a desire to bring clarity to complexity. Michael describes the Bible as something that often feels fragmented—where understanding one part requires jumping between different books, chapters, and contexts. For many readers, this can feel overwhelming.
His approach is to simplify these connections.
Rather than presenting theology in a complicated or academic way, Michael focuses on clear, accessible explanations. He breaks down key concepts, connects related themes across scripture, and presents them in a way that is easy to follow. The aim is not only to educate but to empower readers—whether they are new to the Bible or have been studying it for years.
Importantly, the book is written for everyone. You don’t need to be deeply religious or highly knowledgeable to benefit from it. The tone is inclusive, practical, and rooted in real-life understanding.
What makes Michael’s story even more compelling is that Creating the Foundation is just the beginning. Initially unsure whether he could even write one book, he now has a vision for a full series.
His goal is to produce multiple books that guide readers through different aspects of the Bible, building understanding step by step. Each book will focus on key themes and connections, helping readers piece together the bigger picture over time.
This shift—from doubt to ambition—is a powerful reminder of what can happen when someone takes the first step. Writing the first book didn’t just result in a finished product; it unlocked confidence, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose.
One of the most relatable parts of Michael’s journey is the honesty with which he speaks about his challenges. He didn’t feel ready. He didn’t feel confident. And he wasn’t sure how he would manage the process.
Yet, by committing to the journey and surrounding himself with the right support, he was able to overcome those barriers. Seeing others succeed, sharing experiences, and working within a structured process gave him the momentum he needed.
By the time he saw his completed book—with his name on the cover—it became a deeply emotional moment. It was proof that he had done something he once believed was out of reach.
At its core, Creating the Foundation is more than just a book—it’s a legacy project. Michael’s hope is that it will guide, encourage, and support readers not only today but far into the future.
He wants the book to serve as a resource that helps people make sense of the Bible, make better decisions, and feel more confident in their understanding of faith. It’s designed to be practical, relevant, and enduring.
Michael Smith MBE’s journey is a powerful example of how it’s never too late to start something new. Whether you’re considering writing a book, exploring your faith, or simply looking to make a meaningful impact, his story offers valuable lessons:
Creating the Foundation is more than just a guide to understanding the Bible—it’s the result of a lifetime of learning, reflection, and purpose. Michael Smith MBE has taken decades of knowledge and turned it into something that can help others navigate their own journeys with greater clarity and confidence.
For readers seeking simplicity in complexity, and for aspiring authors wondering if they’re ready, this story is a reminder that sometimes the right time is simply when you decide to begin.
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