Who I am: Michael La Ronn, science fiction & fantasy author at your service. I write about underdogs, and my fiction is hopelessly optimistic.

Why I write: I almost died in 2012 and the near-death experience made me realize that being an author was my true calling in life. 

What I write about: Underdogs. Heroes who aren't typical heroes. Sometimes they're outsiders or outcasts. Sometimes they're blood-thirsty, evil dragons. But I love to tell stories about characters whose odds are stacked against them. 

Where I'm from: St. Louis, born and raised. I live in Des Moines, Iowa now. 

When I started writing: Total cliche answer, but I started writing when I was a kid. Every writer will tell you that…….but I have the awful poems and embarrassing short stories to PROVE it. 

How I write: I wake up at 5:30AM every morning and write. I drink lots of tea. And then I write some more. When I'm not reading, of course.

MY WRITER'S MANIFESTO

1. I believe that it’s up to each and every one of us to be the best possible versions of ourselves.
2. I believe that it's okay to be different, and that no one can take away what makes you unique.
3. I believe that stories make us better people because they expand our minds and show us life through someone else's eyes. 
4. I believe that stories change lives–they've changed mine in immeasurable ways. 
5. I believe that human nature is inherently good, and that most people are just doing the best they can.

That's what I stand for. My heroes do, too.

No matter what I'm writing, I always stick to my manifesto.

Whatever you're reading, whether it's sci-fi or fantasy, you're going to get a unique character trying to make their way in a world where they're different and no one understands them. They become the best possible versions of themselves in spite of it all, just like I have in my own life, just like I want for you in your life, too.

If you've made it this far, it sounds like you're one of my peeps. Check out some of my books!