Michael Branch

Mike Branch's connection with writing goes back to a man who was born with no arms in the 1860s, his great grandfather Aaron Smith. Smith was born to a rural family who knew that his future lay in working with his mind instead of hands. He followed a course of study that led to a life of owning and operating newspapers, magazines, and commercial printing.

Maybe that's why Mike's heart was captured by a surprise gift one Christmas morning in the 2nd grade. An ancient, used typewriter became his favorite present, which his mother promised to teach him to use if he learned what people used to call "touch typing." That tool facilitated the translation of thoughts and ideas into words and a career in publishing.

As a result, Mike spent nearly 30 years in his family's magazine publishing business, creating and managing weekly and monthly publications, in print and online. His life has been enriched as the father of four children and a dozen grandchildren who all live in the same area.

His book "True Stories to Remind You of Heaven When Life Hurts Like Hell" grew out of words he wrote to encourage coworkers at a corporate employer where he worked in marketing, following his family business experience.