Meet Michele Packard | Storyteller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michele Packard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michele, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
When people ask whether to keep going or give up, I always say this: writing isn’t just about crafting a great story, building an audience, or nailing your marketing—it’s about endurance. For most, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

At some point, you’ll have to step back and evaluate it from both a personal and business perspective. What’s your goal? Is it creative fulfillment? Financial success? Recognition? Peace of mind? Only you can define what success looks like—and that answer will guide whether you keep pushing forward or choose a new path.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Honestly, I had no idea what I was getting into. It all started with a fun conspiracy story I wanted to write—my friends loved it, so I hit “publish” and thought, Well, that’s that. But the characters had more to say. What began as a standalone turned into a six-book epic, and along the way, I found myself diving into non-fiction and even children’s books.

I made plenty of mistakes—covers, editing, formatting, marketing—you name it. But I learned, thanks to the incredible support of fellow authors and readers. And now? I’m proud to be recognized as a top political and medical thriller author. Not bad for someone who just wanted to tell a story. Go me!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend and I have shared 32 years of laughter, adventures, and unforgettable memories. Though we now live in different states, we’ve kept one tradition alive—celebrating our birthdays at amazing spas. Every year, we choose a new destination, combining relaxation with discovery. Whether it’s Atlanta, California, Mexico, or overseas, we seek out beautiful spots with rich history, incredible local cuisine, and the chance to meet new people. It’s not just about pampering—it’s about deepening our bond and exploring the world together, one birthday at a time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There’s something uniquely powerful about the bond within the indie author community. Without the backing of traditional publishing, we lean on each other—sharing insights on everything from writing and marketing to navigating the ever-evolving world of publishing. I’ve been lucky to build meaningful relationships with incredible authors across genres who’ve supported me through every twist of this wild journey.

Huge shoutout to Ivan Scott, Tripp Ainsworth, Damien Larkin, Tam DeRudder Jackson, and Mary Johnson—each played a part in keeping the indie spirit strong and inspiring.

Website: https://www.michelepackard.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aesopstories/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelepackard/

Twitter: https://x.com/aesopstories