Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Michael S. Dotson is co-founder of the Break the Cycle Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to breaking the cycle of multi-generational incarceration. Despite being incarcerated for more than 25 years, he holds a bachelor’s of Business Administration from Adams State University. He has dedicated his life to serving others despite his circumstances. He is a self-published author focused on mentoring and teaching young Christians how to pray and grow their personal relationships with Jesus Christ. There’s Something About That Chair! is his first published book. Learn more about him at kingdompublishingbooks.net.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Unlocking Miracles: A Journey of Faith, Prayer, and Redemption
The story of “There’s Something About That Chair” is not just another memoir about life behind bars; it is a powerful testament to the transformative power of prayer, faith, and redemption. For over 28 years, I lived within the confines of a prison, but my true journey began when I realized that my incarceration was not just a physical confinement—it was an opportunity for spiritual freedom. This story is the culmination of those years of struggle, faith, and transformation, and it is my hope that this book will inspire anyone who is desperate for a change or seeking a miracle through prayer.
The journey that led me to write this book was a deeply personal one, born from the challenges I faced within the walls of a Tennessee prison. Amid the violence, fear, and bitterness that defined much of life behind bars, I discovered the healing power of prayer. Through prayer, I witnessed God move in miraculous ways, not just in my life but in the lives of fellow incarcerated men. I was inspired to share this story with the world to show how God uses the most unlikely of people—men labeled as social outcasts—to unlock the life-changing power of prayer. This book is a way for me to share those stories, the lessons I learned, and the powerful revelations I experienced while learning what can hinder and enhance your prayer life.
One of the most profound experiences I recount in my book is the emergence of the “prayer chair”—a simple, unassuming chair that became a beacon of hope and divine intervention. To the outside world, it might seem like a random piece of furniture, but to us, it became a powerful focal point for prayer. The legend of the prayer chair grew, as inmates began to witness its unexplainable influence: answers to prayers, miraculous healing, and breakthroughs in the most unexpected of circumstances.
Through this chair, I saw how prayer transcended the walls that confined us. The chair became more than just a physical object—it became a vessel of God’s presence. People from all walks of life—some hardened by years of crime, others broken by their own guilt and shame—found solace and strength in the act of praying in that chair. It was here, amidst the sweltering heat of a prison, that I realized the profound truth that God’s grace knows no bounds, and His love is available to everyone, even those who society has cast away.
At the heart of the story is a message of redemption and the unshakable power of prayer. My goal with this book is not only to recount my personal journey but also to encourage others to experience the life-changing power of prayer for themselves. Prayer is not just a religious ritual or a last resort in times of trouble—it is a direct line to the God, a way to invite Him into our lives and circumstances.
In the book, I share what I learned about prayer: the things that can hinder it—such as doubt, unforgiveness, or sin—and the things that can enhance it, like faith, persistence, and a heart of humility. By sharing these insights, I hope to provide a roadmap for readers who may be struggling with their own prayer lives, helping them to unlock the mysteries of prayer and experience the transformative power it holds.
My target audience for the book is anyone seeking to transform their life or in desperate need of a miracle through prayer. Whether you are going through a difficult season, facing an insurmountable challenge, or simply yearning for a deeper connection with God, this book will resonate with you. It is for people who have hit rock bottom and are looking for hope, as well as for those who believe in the power of prayer but are seeking to understand it on a deeper level.
The book is especially relevant for individuals who may feel isolated or forgotten—those who are living in prisons of their own making, whether physical or emotional. It offers a message of hope to those who might feel that God’s grace cannot reach them. As someone who has lived through this experience, I can testify that God’s love is not bound by our circumstances, and through prayer, He can transform even the most hopeless of situations.
My hope for readers is simple: that they will leave the book with a renewed sense of faith and a deeper understanding of prayer’s power. I want them to be inspired to boldly test God’s faithfulness to keep His promises and to experience the miracles that await them when they trust Him completely. Prayer is not just for the “holy” or the righteous—it is for anyone who is willing to surrender their heart and life to God.
In addition to inspiring readers to pray more fervently, I also want to equip them with the tools to improve their own prayer lives. By understanding what hinders and enhances prayer, readers can avoid common pitfalls and take steps toward building a stronger, more consistent prayer life. I believe this book will help people grow spiritually, no matter where they are in their faith journey.
As I continue to share my story, my ultimate goal is to spread the message of the prayer chair to the world. With limited resources, it has been a challenge to get the book into the hands of as many people as possible. However, I am committed to reaching those who need this message the most. My future plans include expanding the reach of the book through personal outreach and speaking engagements. I also hope to see the story of the prayer chair inspire others to share their own stories of faith and transformation, creating a movement of hope and healing.
For readers who are interested in learning more, you can find “There’s Something About That Chair” on all major book retailers and Audible, where you can dive deeper into the powerful narrative of faith, prayer, and redemption.
As someone who has spent nearly three decades incarcerated, I never imagined that I would one day write a book that would reach so many people. But God works in mysterious ways, and through His grace, I have been able to share this story with the world. I am no longer defined by my past mistakes, but by the transformative power of prayer and God’s unending love. I pray that this book will be a source of hope, healing, and inspiration for anyone who reads it.
Through “There’s Something About That Chair,” I invite you to join me on a journey of faith, redemption, and the miraculous power of prayer. Whether you are looking to deepen your spiritual life or seeking a miracle, this book will encourage you to boldly ask God for what seems impossible and watch as He answers your prayers in ways you could never imagine.
Together, let’s unlock the miracles that await.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Love to write at night when everyone is sleeping!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The Bible!
What are you working on now?
My next book will be about the power in revealing the hidden scars we all walk through life trying so hard to conceal from the rest of the world out of fear of rejection, worry, or regret.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
For me as an independent writer with practically no budget for marketing, Facebook has been a tremendous platform to get word of my book out to the world.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write about what you love and don’t get discouraged when you don’t have a New York Times Bestseller! Use you gift to inspire the world!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
To the world you might just be one person, but to one person, you might just mean the world!
What are you reading now?
Books on how to raise Boer Goats.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Publish my upcoming book in 2025.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Without question, its the Bible!
Author Websites and Profiles
Michael Dotson Website
Michael Dotson Amazon Profile
Michael Dotson Author Profile Other Bookseller
Michael Dotson’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile