Michael is a
graduate of Brigham Young University and Western Governor’s University with
degrees in German Teaching, Music, and Instructional Design. He puts his German
to good use teaching online German courses for High School students. Though he
grew up traveling the world with his military father, he now lives in Utah with
his wife, Jen, and his two sons. Michael enjoys acting in community theater,
playing and writing music and spending time with his family. He played for
several years with the handbell choir Bells on Temple Square and is now a
member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
He is the
author of the novels THE CANTICLE KINGDOM, THE CANTICLE PRELUDE and THE LAST
ARCHANGEL. He is also the author of the inspirational pamphlet PORTRAIT OF A
MOTHER, a contributor to the anthologies PARABLES FOR TODAY and DARK STARS, the
co-author of VOICES IN YOUR BLOOD and the author of several web serials through
BigWorldNetwork.com. His most recent works are SING WE NOW OF CHRISTMAS, and
CAROL OF THE TALES, two anthologies of short stories with the proceeds going to
charity. He has also had work featured in various online and print magazines
such as Bards and Sages Quarterly, Mindflights, Meridian, The New Era, Allegory, and Ensign.
Click here to view my portfolio with writing samples.
This book was refreshing because it was a magical fantasy without the cliché. As much as I like Tolkien, it seems too many books rely upon the type of world he created. The Canticle Kingdom gives us a new perspective on fantasy that is truly unique.
-Berin Stephens, Author of "The Dragon War Relic"
This was really an enjoyable read and one that I look forward to my children reading. It even made me teary, which doesn't happen to me with fantasy novels.
-Jewel Adams, Author of “The Journey”
This is a promising beginning for an inventive new author.
-Heather Justesen, Author of “The Ball’s in Her Court”
We really enjoyed this story. I was amazed by the imagination of the author. The plot wove and twisted with different stories that all tied up neatly at the end. The author did a fabulous job of keeping me guessing without confusing me (I blame my slowness on the Mommy brain).
I would definitely recommend this book to middle-grade through adult readers. I can't wait to read the sequel.
-Cami Checketts, Author of "The Sister Pact"
What My Readers Say
I know a book is good when I am interested on the first page: I was.
I know a book is good when I forget who the author is and just enjoy the story: I did.
I know a book is good when I think I am there in the story and not here in my bedroom rocking chair
Your descriptive words and phrases are so impressive. I like these but don’t like overkill and yours are JUST RIGHT. Not too much and not too little. I love that.
I know a book is good when early on in the day I am planning how to get things done so I can get to my book: I do that and I look forward to that time when I can read.
-Deor from Illinois
Bravo! There are such intricacies of plot and the character development is just spectacular! Your ability to formulate an interesting plot is superb. I also appreciate your ability to develop believable characters that the reader becomes concerned about. That is really the crux of how an author pulls the reader in and makes him want to continue reading. Nothing seemed formulaic. I just didn't have any idea about how you were going to bring those characters out of the dilemma which you had created for them. I loved being unaware of how things might be resolved. Very entertaining and suspenseful all the way through!
-Madeline from Virginia
