About Mike

My love of writing snuck up on me. I majored in math at Iowa State University, but the English professor’s A+ on a paper I wrote planted the seed that I might have a knack for writing. I joined IBM in 1970. I was a technical writer for thirteen years, followed by many years in management. From my IBM experiences I learned much about working with people, listening, managing projects, assimilating large amounts of information, organizing it, and communicating it clearly to its intended audience.

In 1997, two years after retiring from IBM, I wrote a book about my grandparents, James and Mildred Ransom. I intended it to be my gift to them for being such wonderful people. As it turned out, it became their gift to me. I remember the day I picked up the book at the printer, took copies from the cardboard box, and inhaled the paper and ink smells of just-off-the press paper. I never expected such a satisfying, emotional experience. I held in my hands something that would help keep memories of Grandma and Grandpa alive for decades - maybe centuries - to come. Future Ransoms would get to know Mildred, James, and the times in which they lived.

The book changed my life. From that moment on I fashioned myself a writer of peoples’ lives. I have gone on to write memoirs for several clients, have personal profile articles published in a regional magazine called Generations of TODAY, write corporate and family newsletters, and teach a workshop that helps others get started writing their memoirs.

My wife, Jeanine, is a data analyst for Mayo Clinic. Our son, Ben, lives and works (www.sundaysenergy.com) in Minneapolis/St. Paul. When I’m not writing, I enjoy sports of all types, reading, movies, and music.

I look forward to working with you on whatever writing you would like to accomplish.

Mike