Author Spotlight
- Debra Leigh
- Mar 27
- 3 min read
This March, I am delighted to feature Michele Baumann, an intriguing author from New Jersey whose narratives skillfully intertwine the mystical with the everyday. Michele's unique voice in supernatural fiction captures the hearts of readers who crave stories beyond the mundane, where the supernatural elements serve as a backdrop to explore themes of love, loss, and familial bonds.
Join me on a captivating journey as we delve into the life and works of Michele. We'll explore how her passion for the unseen and forgotten shapes her writing, bringing to life characters that navigate both otherworldly challenges and deeply human experiences. Whether you are a fan of supernatural thrillers or touching family dramas, Michele’s stories promise to transport you into narratives that blend the eerie charm of the past with the poignant struggles of the present.
Meet Michele Baumann
Michele Baumann is a northeastern native who has made her home in the scenic landscapes of New Jersey. From her earliest days, Michele found solace and inspiration in the beauty of abandoned sites, from old buildings and cemeteries to estate sales brimming with forgotten histories. This fascination with the past and its hidden stories not only defines her hobby as an amateur cemetery photographer but deeply influences her creative writing, blending the allure of history with the narrative depth of the supernatural.
Her journey into writing began in childhood, carrying through her college years where she truly embraced her craft. After years of penning poetry, essays, and keeping detailed journals, Michele is now thrilled to share her stories with the world. While some may mistake her novels for horror, Michele specializes in supernatural fiction, crafting tales where vampires, witches, and spirits grapple with issues of romance and family drama, set against the backdrop of small-town America. Her works are celebrated for portraying "supernatural characters with regular people problems," a unique twist that adds relatability to the fantastical elements of her stories.
Michele's literary tastes are as rich and varied as her writing. She enjoys diving into the realms of horror and mystery, drawing inspiration from a broad array of acclaimed authors. Among her favorites are Anne Rice, known for her lush, gothic vampire novels; Ira Levin, with his knack for unsettling domestic horror; Jennifer McMahon's chilling New England tales; Joe Hill's blend of the bizarre and the horrific; Robert Dugoni's tightly woven thrillers; and Agatha Christie, the undisputed queen of mystery. These influences not only feed Michele's imagination but also shape the intricate layers of suspense and character depth found in her own work.
Latest Release
The Mount Orion Series:
Michele's Mount Orion Series has captivated readers with its intriguing blend of historical and supernatural elements. The series currently includes three stand-alone novels set in upstate New York:
After Life
Mount Orion Series Book 1
A young woman steps back into the lives of two enigmatic blood drinkers, each having shared a profound connection with her in different centuries. As they reunite, they uncover the weight of a haunting curse that has shadowed her existence. Driven by a mix of compassion and determination, they embark on a quest to help her reclaim her freedom and unravel the mysteries that bind her.
The Orchard
Mount Orion Series Book 2
A witch, unjustly burned at the stake, skillfully convinces a family that she deserves to reclaim her humanity, setting off a chain of disastrous events.
Haven
Mount Orion Series Book 3
In 1705, the brutal murder of a blood drinker triggered a devastating war that spanned one hundred twenty years between the United Council of Blood Drinkers and the rebels who dared to challenge their oppressive laws and deadly tactics.
Now, three hundred years later, an anthropology professor at NYU uncovers a corpse that could be the key to validating her lifelong obsession with the existence of vampires.
A Word of Advice
Her advice to new writers is straightforward yet powerful: "Just write. Ignore the opinions of others and don’t let their success intimidate you. Focus on creating what you love."
Writing Rituals
Dedicated to her art, Michele writes every day, maintaining a disciplined schedule and always carrying a journal for when inspiration strikes. She enjoys a quiet atmosphere while writing, often enhanced by the glow of candles and the scent of incense.
In Closing
Michele Baumann’s work offers a portal to worlds where the supernatural blends seamlessly with the everyday. Her narratives are not only thrilling but also provoke deep reflection on the human condition—both natural and supernatural. If you're intrigued by characters that navigate both otherworldly problems and regular people problems, Michele's Mount Orion Series is a must-read.
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