Interview with Michele Olson 2025

Is there a message you hope readers take away from this book?

No matter how crazy your life is, or what your family background is, Jesus has a plan for your life and loves you immensely. He wants you in His forever family.

Are you a plotter or a pantster?

If you look up pantster in the dictionary, my name would be there.

What’s your biggest challenge in balancing writing time with your other responsibilities?

I’m a professional voice that does work internationally, so I work on that every day. I’m also an artist and speaker…I have to balance my writing with all those creative endeavors. It’s easier since I retired from a 9-5 life, but I also find myself working all the time. “Retired” doesn’t quite apply.

How do your faith and spiritual life play into the picture and affect your storytelling?

I didn’t start writing fiction until I was over 60 years old, and I had a moment in time when I had to decide if my work would include leading people to think about the Lord. I knew that was my path…in fact, I’m a Paper Missionary. I know that my words must point to The Word. Every story points to the hard things in life, but how Christ has a plan for each of us, no matter our circumstances. There are people who read my books who don’t make a habit of going to church or reading the Bible. I want my stories to point them as to why they should consider that for their life.

What do you consider the greatest moment of your writing/publishing career?

The joy is in the journey, so I could never pick one. Getting the first book published was amazing…my fifth novel won a national Zibby award…and now with this sixth novel out…I live in expectancy of His blessings. God keeps amazing me with His goodness.

Who/What spurs you to write? Where do your story and character ideas come from?

Many years ago, when we yearly visited Mackinac Island (where my novels take place), I would go to the bookstore and always get a book to take home, so I could keep that fantastic “island feeling” with me long after I left. I never in a million years dreamed my novels would one day sit on those shelves. But, God! Now I go up every year to sign my books at the bookstore on the island. People who are interested in Mackinac Island stories also get a piece of the greatest story ever told when they follow my characters in the form of cozy mysteries.

What is your writing routine? Any quirky habits or must-have snacks?

What is this routine you speak of? (LOL!) Because I have so many creative endeavors going on at the same time, I aim for one book a year. I get the title and do the cover art almost right away. The story swirls around in my head for a very long time and I get very little writing done during the summer and holiday season. Then I panic in January and become a writing maniac to get things done by late February to try to actually get the book through all the stages after I’m done to have the book out by April. That seems to be my pattern.

If you could have coffee with an author, dead or alive, whose work you admire, who would that be? What would you ask him or her?

I love Susan Branch who combines watercolor and writing. I love Anne Lamott’s writing. I would ask them to please tell their readers about my books!

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you as an author?

I had to get a new doctor and in our conversations about what I do, it turns out she was reading my books. That was interesting!

What do you think makes your style of storytelling unique?

My background is a 45-year background in advertising, marketing, and as a radio DJ. I have a hard time following rules because in advertising, you live to break them to get your message out. I bring a bit of that to my writing, including, loving to write about the quirky things in life that have delighted me. I’m looking for the people for whom they will find these things delightful as well. Old Hollywood, TV Shows including those with nuns, fun mysteries, and the fun of the cultural elements that weave through my stories like I Love Lucy, Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Nancy Drew, and now Goldie Locks. I love writing in the time before cell phones and internet, the 70’s and 80s.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not writing?

I love art, mixed media and watercolor. I have a card and bookmark business on Etsy. I do commission art pieces. I love cartooning and hope to do a graphic novel at some point, plus a children’s book. I love doodling and teaching doodling, because anyone can do it and enjoy it. I doodle the sermon live every Sunday at our church on a big screen. People see the sermon come to life as it is being preached. I also love being an edutainer….one who educates while speaking.

What books are on your nightstand right now?

Right now, I am reading non-fiction. I love all of Brant Hansens’ books including Life is Hard, God is Good, Let’s Dance. In fiction I am enjoying Gabrielle Meyer’s time travel series…and am on book four-Across the Ages.

Finish this statement: If I were not an author, I would be

........ an artist.

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Kathy McKinsey lives in Lakewood, Ohio, with her husband Murray and the oldest of their five children. Besides writing, she enjoys activities with her church, editing for other writers, braille drawing, crocheting, knitting, and playing with their rambunctious cat. https://www.kathymckinsey.com