Meet Michael ~ Bio
Michael Meanwell was born in Sydney, raised in Brisbane and lives in Melbourne, Australia ~ the world’s second UNESCO City of Literature.
A professional writer for more than 25 years, Michael is an experienced journalist, editor and commercial writer, and has authored several business books and novels.
Michael has dedicated his life to helping people help themselves. This commitment began in 1980 when, at 17, his articles on conservation and the environment were published in newspapers and magazines, and the following year he completed his first novel.
In those early years, he tried his hand at other types of writing, including short stories, poetry, novellas and even a play, but journalism was his main focus.
From 18 to 25, his career evolved from a freelance, staff journalist and columnist for various publications, including the Daily News, Herald-Sun, New Idea, People, Small Business Success and TV Week. At age 25, he continued freelancing while working for a public relations and advertising agency, then started his own consultancy at 28.
Michael’s marketing communications business has produced a range of PR, direct mail and advertising programs for dozens of clients, ranging from small businesses and non-profit bodies to government organizations and well-known international companies. He has been a member of a number of professional bodies, most notably the Australian Institute of Management, the Australian Marketing Institute, the Public Relations Institute of Australia, and the Australian Society of Authors of which he is still a current member.
In 1997, Michael founded a second business ~ Meanwell ~ a personal empowerment center which he operates with his wife, Yianna. In addition to offering consulting services and experiential workshops, Michael produced a range of CD programs, including guided meditations and interviews with experts on spiritual topics. He also produced and hosted a weekly radio show for two years and, in 1999, wrote and presented a two-part motivational television program. During this time, both he and Yianna were regular panelists on Pathways, a weekly TV series that examined various metaphysical issues.
In 2000, while continuing with his two businesses, Michael began work on what would be the first of three business books for writers. The critically-acclaimed The Enterprising Writer (self published as an e-book in 2001 and later in print by Hardie Grant, Australia, 2003). This book, like his follow-up, The Wealthy Writer (Writers Digest Books, USA, 2004) show how to establish a professional writing business and capitalize on the lucrative commercial writing market. In addition, Michael produced The Write Advice, a compendium of more than 520 poignant quotations from classic and contemporary writers about their craft and over 210 positive affirmations to help inspire and motivate today's writers (this was originally produced in 2001 under the title 'Writers on Writing', but was fully updated and expanded in 2008 and re-released under the new title). He has also contributed an article ('Do you Network or work the Net?') to a reference guide on online writing opportunities and resources, Writers' Wonderful Web, by Suzanne Harris (PublishAmerica, USA, 2005).
Today, Michael has come full circle and returned to his original passion ~ writing novels that inspire and enlighten. He has just completed the first in a new series of spiritual adventures which is awaiting publication.
When he's not lecturing, consulting or hammering away at his Mac, Michael and Yianna enjoy traveling, entertaining and enjoying life in the Land of Oz.
More Info
Learn more about Michael by clicking on these links (also found in the menu at the top of the header):
FAQ ~ Frequently Asked Questions
Photos ~ Personal photos and book covers
Contact ~ Send an email to Michael
