When asked about her writing, author Fern Michaels likes to say she "scribbles and tells stories."
Her fans, however, are far more generous since they're the ones who have made Fern Michaels books
New York Times bestsellers time and time again. In fact, with the sales of her acclaimed thrillers and romance books, she was able to put all five of her children through college with no help from anyone, not to mention buy and remodel a 300-year-old historic plantation house in South Carolina. Not bad for a woman who began writing for something to do. So, what defines a Fern Michaels book? Strong characters who persevere and prevail, like the female vigilantes of her Sisterhood series, who people the pages of acclaimed thrillers such as Cross Roads, Game Over and Under the Radar. And when it comes to her romance books, the #1 New York Times bestselling author's personal favorites include Desperate Measures, a heartbreaking love story. She's also particularly proud of Texas Heat, part of the Coleman family saga, and the Kentucky series. There are 70 million Fern Michaels books in print—and counting.

To give thanks for her success as an author, Fern Michaels, who believes the only thing that matters is family, set up The Fern Michaels Foundation, granting 4-year scholarships to needy students. She also shares her home with several adorable furry friends and a ghost named Mary Margaret, who leaves her bouquets when the azaleas are in bloom.