About Michael L. Richwine

At eighty, I finally found the time to tell the stories I’d been carrying for a lifetime.

After a career in banking, commercial real estate, and raising a family, retirement gave me something I had never really had before—time. Time to write. Time to research. Time to follow the stories that had quietly stayed with me for decades.

Those stories became The Rawlins Saga, a series of historical novels that blend carefully researched history with memorable characters and the remarkable places they call home. From Texas ranches and the early oil fields to the Indianapolis 500, small-town America, and the changing landscape of the twentieth century, my goal is simple: tell stories that entertain while honoring the people who quietly built this country.

Although the characters are fictional, the history is real. I enjoy digging into forgotten details, visiting historic places, reading old journals and newspapers, and discovering the small moments that bring history to life. Many of the scenes in my novels were inspired by places I’ve walked, conversations I’ve had, or stories shared by friends and family over the years.

Writing these novels also reminded me how much I enjoy encouraging other writers. I’m currently working on On Writing at 80, a practical guide for anyone who has ever thought, “I’ve always wanted to write a book.” If my journey proves anything, it’s that you’re never too old to begin.

For more than a decade, RichwineBlog.com has been my place to share observations about travel, history, everyday life, and the occasional rabbit hole that caught my curiosity. That spirit of curiosity still drives everything I write today.

I divide my time between Illinois and Texas, where there always seems to be another back road to explore, another bit of history to uncover, and another story waiting to be told.

So pull up a chair, pour yourself a cup of coffee, and stay awhile. The trail ahead promises good stories, good people, and a few surprises along the way.

— Michael L. Richwine