Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an author who writes mainly Mackinac Island stories filled with mystery, romance, friendship, and faith. The first starts out in 1979 on this wonderful island in the Straits of Mackinac that joins the Upper and Lower Peninsula of Michigan…a place with no cars to this day. The first book is Being Ethel (In a world that loves Lucy) and tells the story of Piper Penn and how her life changes when she meets an I Love Lucy loving nun. I live in the shadow of Lambeau Field, so of course I’m a Green Bay Packers fan!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The sequel is Being Dorothy (In a world longing for home) where Piper Penn meets a mysterious couple on the porch of the Grand Hotel on the Island…think James Bond! I’ve also written a fun, useful, non-fiction book – 5 Easy Steps to a Happy Birthday, so no adult ever has to have a ho-hum birthday again…on their terms. Start now to have a happy birthday forever, this is a great gift too.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m a “panster” meaning I’m not very organized about it…but it works for me.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I read far more non-fiction than I do fiction, which is a bit unusual for a fiction author. I love the fiction and non-fiction of Anne Lamott and too many authors to even mention.
What are you working on now?
My book coming out fall of 2021 is the 3rd book in my Mackinac Island story series…Being Alice (In a world lost in the looking glass)…it’s 1981 and Piper Penn meets a woman struggling with a disformed face who has to serve as a guitar tech for a famous rock artist at the Grand Hotel for the summer. Mystery, romance, friendship, and faith follow! I love the singer/songwriter artists and Mackinac Island, so it makes for a good basis for a story.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m probably still looking for that, but it’s constant marketing…and my website is fun. I use my Facebook page and my website mainly.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Learn the business side of the being an author, and be careful because there are so many people out there who want to charge you and take your money. Be very careful.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Read the Bible and pray every day. It doesn’t get better than that!
What are you reading now?
I just got Nomadland because I want to see how the book is written after seeing the movie. I want to see how the author handled so much “non dialogue” in the book.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to finish writing Being Alice, and then I have one more to that series. Then I’ll probably start a new series…and I love to speak…so when the world is normal again, I will be out speaking. I also do pro voice work and am an artist.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible in the Message format, The Bible Unwrapped – Making Sense of Scripture Today by Meghan Larissa Good…such a great book, and Susan Branch books…she’s a watercolor artist and writer about her life and I love how she weaves the two together…my goals as someone who loves both art forms too.
Author Websites and Profiles
Michele Olson Website
Michele Olson Amazon Profile
Michele Olson’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account