Michael J. Wheaton
Award-Winning Christian Author, Storyteller & Speaker
From unforgettable childhood adventures to faith-filled stories of hope and resilience, Michael J. Wheaton writes books that inspire, entertain, and encourage readers of every generation.
- How did we survive that?
- Before smartphones
- Backyards felt bigger
- Trouble found us
- We didn’t always run
- Brotherhood over everything
- Minnesota summers
- Rules were optional
- How did we survive that?
Who Is Michael J. Wheaton?
Michael J. Wheaton is an American Christian author, entrepreneur, speaker, father, and lifelong storyteller based in Centennial, Colorado. Born and raised in the suburbs of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Michael discovered his passion for writing at an early age, earning recognition for poetry, essays, short stories, and lyrics. Throughout his career, he worked in national marketing, contributed to magazines and newspapers across the United States, and now dedicates his time to writing books that explore faith, friendship, family, resilience, humor, and personal growth. Author of: Award-Winning Misadventures with Mets, and Turn Trauma into Treasure: A Biblical Perspective on Post-Traumatic Growth
Readers Love Michael's Books!
Why Readers Love Michael's Books
Michael’s stories combine heartfelt storytelling with real-life experiences that leave readers laughing, reflecting, and inspired.
Authentic Storytelling – Real-life experiences told with honesty, warmth, and unforgettable characters that make every story feel personal.
Humor with Heart – A perfect blend of laugh-out-loud moments, heartfelt memories, and meaningful life lessons that resonate long after the final page.
Faith, Family & Friendship – Stories that celebrate Christian values, lifelong friendships, strong family bonds, hope, and resilience through every season of life.
Relatable Across Generations – Whether you remember growing up before smartphones or simply enjoy inspiring memoirs, Michael’s books connect readers through shared experiences and timeless emotions.
Misadventures with Mets
Award-Winning Coming-of-Age Memoir
Before smartphones, endless notifications, and social media, there were fishing trips, frozen lakes, scraped knees, unforgettable friendships, and adventures that shaped a lifetime.
Misadventures with Mets is Michael J. Wheaton’s award-winning memoir about growing up in Minnesota during the 1970s and 1980s. Filled with humor, nostalgia, and heartfelt storytelling, the book celebrates lifelong friendship, unforgettable adventures, and the lessons hidden within childhood.
Winner of the 2026 BookFest Third Place Award in Humor, the book has been praised for its warmth, authenticity, and emotional depth.
Perfect for readers who enjoy
- Memoirs
- Coming-of-age stories
- Humor
- Outdoor adventures
- Christian values
- Family stories
- Nostalgic storytelling
Misadventures With Mets
Meet
Michael J. Wheaton
Michael J. Wheaton is a Christian, father of two daughters, entrepreneur, author, veterans’ advocate, volunteer, outdoor enthusiast, and lifelong storyteller.
His writing journey began during childhood when his poetry, essays, and stories received numerous awards. After building a successful national marketing career and writing for magazines and newspapers across America, Michael returned to his first passion—writing books that inspire readers through authentic storytelling.
Today, he lives in Centennial, Colorado, where he continues writing, speaking at churches and conferences, supporting nonprofit organizations, and enjoying fishing, cooking, baking, and spending time outdoors with family.
Why Michael Writes
“I believe stories have the power to heal, inspire, encourage, and connect people in ways few other things can.
Whether I’m writing about childhood adventures, faith, trauma, or hope, my goal is always the same—to help readers laugh, reflect, grow, and discover purpose through every chapter of life.”
Event Event Event Event!
Cast a Line, Make Memories & Meet Author Michael J. Wheaton
Join us for a FREE Community Fishing Event for all ages and enjoy a fun day outdoors with family and friends. Meet award-winning author Michael J. Wheaton, who will be signing copies of Misadventures with Mets and sharing stories inspired by his love of fishing and nature.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, August 22
- Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Location: Lake Lehow (west of Chatfield Lakes)
What’s Included
- Free fishing for all ages
- Fishing gear provided
- Complimentary lunch
- Fun prizes
- Book signing with Michael J. Wheaton
Proudly supported by the American Legion and Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Attendance is free, but registration is required.
Reserve Your Spot Today!
Free Community Fishing Event!
Honored to share stories that inspire, entertain, and encourage readers. Thank you to the readers, reviewers, and organizations that recognize the heart behind the words.
Misadventures with Mets was awarded Third Place in the Humor category for excellence in storytelling, creativity, and reader engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Michael J. Wheaton?
Michael J. Wheaton is an award-winning Christian author, entrepreneur, speaker, and storyteller whose books explore friendship, faith, humor, resilience, and personal growth.
Michael J. Wheaton at a Glance
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael J. Wheaton |
| Profession | Award-Winning Christian Author, Entrepreneur, Speaker & Storyteller |
| Known For | Misadventures with Mets (Award-Winning Memoir) |
| New Book | Turn Trauma into Treasure: A Biblical Perspective on Post-Traumatic Growth |
| Book Genres | Memoir, Christian Living, Inspirational, Humor & Coming-of-Age |
| Writing Topics | Faith, Friendship, Family, Childhood, Humor, Resilience, Hope & Personal Growth |
| Writing Style | Authentic, Story-Driven, Humorous, Inspirational & Faith-Centered |
| Based In | Centennial, Colorado, USA |
| Originally From | Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA |
| Family | Husband and Father of Two Daughters |
| Previous Career | National Marketing Professional, Entrepreneur & Writer |
| Founder | Founder and CEO of Web Welder and Diner Designer |
| Awards | 2026 BookFest Third Place Award (Humor) for Misadventures with Mets |
| Speaking Topics | Faith, Leadership, Storytelling, Overcoming Adversity, Post-Traumatic Growth & Personal Growth |
| Available For | Churches, Conferences, Community Events, Book Clubs, Nonprofit Organizations, Leadership Events & Veterans Programs |
| Interests | Fishing, Camping, Hiking, Cooking, Baking, Outdoor Adventures & Community Service |
| Volunteer Work | American Legion, Veterans Programs & Community Outreach |
| Website | Official Author Website featuring books, blog, speaking events, newsletters and direct book purchases |
What is Misadventures with Mets about?
It is an award-winning coming-of-age memoir based on Michael’s real childhood adventures growing up in Minnesota during the 1970s and 1980s. The book celebrates friendship, humor, and the unforgettable experiences that shape our lives.
Is Misadventures with Mets a true story?
Yes. The memoir is based on Michael J. Wheaton’s real-life childhood memories and adventures with his lifelong best friend, Mets.
Has Misadventures with Mets won any awards?
Yes. It received Third Place in the Humor category at The BookFest Awards 2026 for excellence in storytelling and reader engagement.
What is Turn Trauma into Treasure about?
It is a Christian book that explores post-traumatic growth through biblical teaching, helping readers discover hope, healing, and purpose after life’s most difficult experiences.
Does Michael speak at churches and conferences?
Yes. Michael is available for conferences, churches, leadership events, nonprofit organizations, and community speaking engagements.
Can I purchase signed copies?
es. Signed copies are available directly from the author’s website.
Where can I buy Michael's books?
Readers can purchase books directly from Michael’s website or through major retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google Books, Bookshop.org, IngramSpark, Goodreads, Walmart, Tertulia, Strand Books, Tattered Cover Book Store, and other booksellers.
SADVENTURES WITH ME
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