Meet Mike Ripinski, of Royal Oak, author of Big Beaver Rd. Mike has been developing his writing skills for many years while achieving success in business management. He is currently a real estate agent. Drawing on these experiences he enjoys creating interesting characters and colorful dialogue while telling a good story. He writes an occasional blog for the Royal Oak Patch, on-line newspaper, is a devoted and loyal fan of all the major Detroit sports teams, and an avid golfer. Mike currently lives in Royal Oak with his wife Dawne and their two cats, Geno and Lucie. Big Beaver Rd. is his first published book.
What do you remember wanting to be when you grew up?
I was going to be an English teacher from the time I was in about 4th Grade. By the time I was 3 years into college I was sure that being a teacher was not the career for me. So I settled into a business management career and today I am successfully selling residential real estate.
What inspired you to be an author?
I always enjoyed writing as far back as high school. I wrote some poetry and a few plays in college and then life got in the way until about 10 years ago. One of my daughters was at MSU at the time and she encouraged me to pick it up again.
How long have you been writing/illustrating books?
I have been working on a few stories off and on for about 10 years. Big Beaver Rd. is the only one published but I have a second book ready to go.
What makes your books unique or distinctive?
The story Big Beaver Rd. features many local businesses and landmarks. Anyone who lives in this area will recognize these locations. For instance, there is a car chase on Woodward Avenue that ends up in from of the Shrine Church at 12 Mile.
What do you enjoy doing besides writing/illustrating books?
I am a sports fan of all the major Detroit professional teams and also both U of M and Michigan State football and basketball. When the weather permits, I play as much golf as possible.
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Elmore Leonard and David Baldacci
Meet Ellie Winfree, author of Matilda June. Ellie is the proud mother of two, and currently lives in Madison Heights. Matilda June is her first published book.
What do you remember wanting to be when you grew up?
The first job I wanted to do was to become a puppeteer for The Muppet show.
What inspired you to be an author?
Everything happens for a reason. Becoming a published author was not on my list of things to do. One afternoon my characters were born and I stated writing and didn't stop for the next 6 years.
How long have you been writing/illustrating books?
I began Matilda June in 2006. It is my first published book.
What makes your books unique or distinctive?
The story of Matilda June is fiction but the characters involved and the stories that are told are real and from my life. I loved creating a story which contained parts of my past, my love of time travel and included people are who are no longer living on this earth a chance to live forever in Matilda June.
What do you most love about the creative process?
Painting a picture in my head and transferring that into words and then filling page after page.
What do you enjoy doing besides writing/illustrating books?
Spending time with my two very creative kids. My oldest is 10 and is writing his own book titled Midnight Rainbow. He writes until his pencil is completely worn down. I love it!
Who are some of your favorite authors?
Lately, the books I read are books to my children which include my favorite two authors, Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein.
Be sure to come by and check out Big Beaver Rd. and Matilda June in our Michigan author corner at Yellow Door! You can learn more about the books & keep up with Mike and Ellie's adventures on their websites.
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