About Me
I’m a reader and writer of fantasy adventure novels. My first work, Askari, Child of Muralia Book I, won a bronze medal at the international Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards. Winning this competition was a huge boost of confidence for me! I’m moving forward with the sequel Yezman while simultaneously looking for a bigger publishing house to move my trilogy to in order to make it more accessible to readers.
I have a wonderful, supportive husband who has allowed me to spend my free time writing rather than joining him in couple’s activities, and for that I am eternally grateful. We are the proud parents of four sons, ages 20, 19, 9 and 7. They keep us hopping! It was my oldest who inspired me to actually sit down and write an adventure story. Thanks Dale! What began as therapy has turned into a lifestyle. It was important to me to find a compromise between enough action to keep the boys interested in the story and the things that interested me: magic and creating a fantastic world with my own rules. It’s been a wonderful journey filling this world with interesting people and exciting places to visit, not to mention populating it with the dangers requisite to the hero’s journey!
I spent my senior year of high school in Germany as an exchange student. I was given the marvelous opportunity to travel around much of Western Europe for most of a year in addition to learning two new languages (German and French). When I returned home, I enlisted in the US Marine Corps and spent most of my time on a beach. My duty stations included Parris Island, SC, Little Creek, VA and El Toro, CA. I got the best the USMC had to offer at the time. I’ve spent time working on the crab processors in Dutch Harbor, AK and spent nearly a decade working as a disability benefits analyst in Portland, OR. That led to a career working with mental health clients as a job developer. Very rewarding careers, all of them! Three years ago, I married my high school sweetheart and moved back to my hometown. I’ve been fortunate to find some part-time work as a substitute teacher in my spare time when I’m not performing the most challenging career of my life: mother, wife, writer, promoter, teacher, chef, chauffeur, maid…you know – Domestic Goddess.
Danielle Rainville
April 13, 2011 at 5:24 am
Mikko~ I can not put into words how proud of you I have become. I have thought about you so much & prayed for your heart and peace. It has been such a long journey for you. I know you will become the new J.K. Rowling and I can say I knew you when. Good luck my old friend. Go kick some literary ass! I have never stopped loving you and wishing you the best. Do it!
Dani
Mikko Azul
April 13, 2011 at 1:34 pm
Dearest Dani, I appreciate the post! I struggled for a long time with associations from work…for a variety of reasons. I’ve finally healed. Yes, it’s been a journey, but not unlike the trials and challenges (albeit less fantastical) than my characters. I am so grateful for your prayers and support and encouragement! THANK YOU for reading and subscribing to my blog! It’s a fun way to monitor my progress and keeps me from feeling that I’m writing in a vaccuum. Looking forward to hearing from you again! With great love, Mikko
Danielle Rainville
June 17, 2011 at 9:55 am
Keep on keeping on sweet lady. Your book sounds so great! Can’t wait to read it. Sounds like something myself, Cassie & Nick would enjoy reading. You are not in a vaccuum at all. So many people love you and want you to be the next New York top seller. Do it, do it, do it!!!!!!!
Still & always will love & admire you, Dani
Mandee DeHaven
April 5, 2012 at 3:58 am
I am so excited to join you on this wonderful journey. I love the book and can’t wait for the next one to come out.
Nancy Raven Smith
April 14, 2012 at 7:03 pm
Your spirit shines through your work!
Nancy Crawford
January 13, 2013 at 11:24 pm
Hi Mikko! Just heard from your Uncle Dell yesterday that you had written a book. So I started digging and found your site. As I am currently in the middle of “The Wise Man’s Fears” you will know I enjoy fantasy along with many other genres. I will be sure to pick up a copy as soon as I can. It sounds like the book and the experience have both been exciting. I can’t wait to read it. We are still in Bellingham with our three boys now 23, 21, and 16. If you ever get up our way, let me know.
Congratulations on your success!
Your cousin Nancy
Mikko Azul
January 14, 2013 at 3:06 pm
Thanks Nancy,
You know, it was Kathy that started me off on this journey 35 years ago when she gifted me The Chronicles of Narnia! I’ll always be grateful to her for that. It’s so great to hear from you and yes, if I do get that far north, I’ll look you up. Please email me your info so that I can find you! Mine is mikkoazul@yahoo.com
Thanks for all your kind words and if you do get a hard copy of Askari let me know and I’ll bring you the bronze book award sticker and sign it for you!
Love, Mikko