Michelle was raised in a remote suburb of Johannesburg (Gauteng), South Africa. The area was infested with Rinkals (spitting) cobras. Growing up, Michelle recalls the ring-necked snakes lurking outside the front door, expecting an invitation to enter. She remembers them discreetly wrapped around the living room curtains. They basked in the sunshine on the patio and plunged into the family pool without asking. This was her first introduction to snakes.

Michelle graduated from the University of South Africa in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and History of Art.
She studied Ballet and Spanish dance for twenty years, completed all mandatory exams and performed professionally and publicly. She has conveyed her love of dance and choreography in her novel, by incorporating slithery characters who not only talk, think and mimic human behavior but there is also the inclusion of serpent gypsies, flamenco dancers and circus entertainers.

After watching the renown Austin Stevens (Snakesmaster) on television, Michelle was inspired to create a complex fantasy with serpent protagonists and characters. It was especially challenging to envisage and describe the visual setting and to initiate authentic dialogue between serpents, the creatures most people fear and loathe. Her family encouraged her dream and she began researching the habits and behaviour of king cobras (her main characters), as well as serpent mythology and symbolism.

Michelle is a wildlife enthusiast and believes that humans can learn much from the animal kingdom, especially from the wily, wise snakes.

'Snaygill: Slithery Temptations' is Michelle's debut novel and the series is a projected trilogy. She is currently writing the sequel. To Michelle's knowledge, there is nothing quite like Snaygill slithering on the market right tnow. As far as future works are concerned, Michelle is brimming with ideas and has several new books mapped out.

Michelle lives in Los Angeles with her two children and human-like silky terrier.

“A fanciful, thought-provoking adventure. The calamitous twist ending guarantees readers will be slithering back for the sequel.”
– Kirkus Reviews