An only child, Michelle was born in Mt Gambier but has lived most of her life in Adelaide. She finished her secondary schooling at Presbyterian Girls' School (now Seymour). She read a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Politics and history, and has an ongoing interest in contemporary affairs, especially education. She has also completed some studies in economics. Between 1987-1989 she lived in NZ and worked with a major retailer. During these years she wrote poetry for her own enjoyment. On her return to Australia she started writing prose again. She has travelled extensively, visiting Europe and the US, as well as Japan, Korea and Singapore. She is a volunteer at Radio 5UV, working in the record library, and a member of the Writers' Centre.
