Michael vuichard

I’ve been writing stories since childhood. Born and raised in Iowa, I discovered at an early age that I had a creative imaginative mind. As a kid, I struggled a lot in school, especially with reading and writing. Then on one cold, Friday afternoon in 3rd grade, I checked out a school library book about the Titanic discovery. My mind couldn’t stop racing. All the pictures and photos totally captured my imagination. Feeling very intrigued, I wanted to find a way to include myself in the event. Later that night, in front of a cozy wood burning fire, I began to write about it. It wasn’t until that Sunday that my mom saw me finish my story on the third page. She was the first one to read it. Impressed beyond belief, she made me show my 3rd grade teacher, who then had me read it to my class. I didn’t know it at the time, but that was the spark that ignited my passion for writing stories.

No; as a kid growing up, there was nothing I enjoyed more than aviation. I graduated with a B.S. from the School of Aeronautics at The University of North Dakota; however, my career in aviation was never realized, but my imagination never stopped. No matter where I was, my mind would automatically develop background stories to anything I thought was interesting (advertisements, book covers, video games, posters, a song, and the list goes on…). Sometimes, I would link all my sources together and build up one big story. It wasn’t until my 30’s that I finally realized my imagination was a gift. When I acted on it, I was amazed at all the ideas that flowed to me. That was when I recognized there was a writer in me.

When I write alongside my day job, I always try to find time after dinner to get an hour of writing done before heading to bed. On my days off, I wake up around 4am. I listen to positive/motivational podcasts as I get my coffee ready and walk my dogs. After making breakfast, I sit down and write for a few hours before heading to the gym to relax my mind and build up strength. Then it’s back to writing. To me, the gym and writing play into the other. In the evening, I enjoy spending time with my family over a good, healthy dinner and relaxation.

I prefer to write at home. Unlike cafes and libraries, I can control my writing environment by burning crackling candles and playing inspiring, instrumental music. Some of my favorite soundtracks are Braveheart, Last of the Mohicans, Glory, Gladiator, and Rudy. When my mind is relaxed, I can best focus on my writing. My ideal writing environment is on a cold winter day, sitting in front of a wood-burning fire with a hot cup of coffee and nothing but time on my hands.

One of my greatest passions is lifting weights. Eating right to stay healthy and fit are important to me. I’ve participated in bodybuilding competitions and hope to do more. Traveling and taking vacations with family is also of utmost importance. My wife and I foster dogs and help out with a local dog rescue. Some of my simple pleasures are eating wings and drinking a beer or two while listening to Irish/Scot pub music and watching MMA fights, college football and bull riding.

Write about whatever gets you to put your words on paper. If you don’t know how to write the right thing, write the wrong thing. If you can’t write your hero, write your villain. If you can’t think of your conflict, write about any conflict. Start off small by writing about an event or a short story. My first story was only three pages. Set small goals. One of mine is to work on my story for at least one hour a day. Be relentless. Dream so big that it frightens you. Remember to stay positive and patient with yourself. Always keep your mind open. Ideas will flow to you if you allow them to.