Self-taught author writes best-selling novels

“I started writing when I adopted my youngest daughter, Olivia, from an orphanage in Russia,” stated Michelle Weidenbenner, Warsaw.

“I wanted to stay home and take care of my daughter. I thought I’d write for magazines. But I found it was harder than I anticipated. So, I began a personal study to become a professional writer. I’ve always had a bent for writing. I consider myself a self-taught author.” Weidenbenner has 10 published books. Most of them have become bestsellers.

The first subjects she started to research had to do with adoption. “My books are always about a message. Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, my publications follow my journey in life at a particular time.”

One of her favorite books is titled “Scattered Links.” “I did quite a lot of research on attachment disorders when I wrote that book. Many orphans suffer from an inability to form close bonds with people.” Her own adopted daughter, Olivia, did not suffer from an attach- ment disorder.

Another book that reached the best-seller list was “Cache a Predator: A Geocaching Mystery.” It’s a thriller that is thought provoking and, in some parts, heartbreaking.

Weidenbenner’s book, “Fractured Not Broken,” is a true story written about her niece, Kelly Craig Shaefer. Shaefer was a young woman with everything going for her. She was a cheerleader at Indiana University, Bloomington. She was also dating Luke Recker, one of Bobby Knight’s star basketball players. When she and Recker get in an accident because of a drunk driver, Shaefer becomes a quadriplegic, unable to use her arms or legs.

“As I said, each of my books tells a message. This one shows how a large disability does not get in the way of Kelly’s dreams. She becomes a wife, mother and teacher. Right now, she has been teaching in the classroom for 18 years.”

“Fractured Not Broken” has been optioned for a movie in the future. “I would love to write the screenplay,” Weidenbenner added.

Weidenbenner has also had some tough times in her life. “My son and daughter-in-law became addicted to drugs. Their situation got so bad that my husband Dave and I took guardianship of their children.”

Instead of retreating, Weidenbenner began a podcast for moms with addicted children. She then wrote her book, “Moms Letting Go Without Giving Up: Seven Steps to SelfRecovery.”

“I believe reaching out to these mothers is a calling from God. In the process of leading others, the Lord has called me to stop the stigma of having an addicted child. I teach parents to come alongside their children without enabling them.” She has a Facebook group with over 2,000 moms. Here is a link to her TEDx message: youtube. com/watch?v=V-FBPjseJPM

Weidenbenner also has a private group that meets via Zoom for Bible studies, support and prayer. “These women come from across the globe,” she explained. “And I can now share that my son and daughter-in-law have their two girls back and have been in recovery for four years. They have given me permission to share their story.”

She believes boundaries in relationships are important. “Sometimes that’s the only thing that provides health and sanity to a mom dealing with an addicted child.”

She is a snowbird during the winter, living in sunny Florida during the cold months. She and Dave have three grown children and four grandchildren. She loves pickleball and sewing.