About Michelle
Meet the Author
Michelle Sandlin
Michelle Sandlin doesn’t just write stories—she lives them. A bestselling author and award-winning writer, Michelle has a gift for weaving words into powerful narratives that resonate with readers. From journalism and poetry to memoir writing, her work has been featured in top publications like the Houston Chronicle (where she penned a weekly column for over seven years), the Houston Business Journal, and Mobility Magazine.
But in June 2021, life threw Michelle an unexpected plot twist: a breast cancer diagnosis. Suddenly, her world shifted from deadlines and storytelling to chemotherapy and survival. And survive she did—with resilience, humor, and an unstoppable spirit. After 16 grueling rounds of chemo, a double mastectomy, multiple reconstruction surgeries, and the removal of her ovaries and fallopian tubes, she is now cancer-free!
Rather than let cancer define her, Michelle took control of the narrative, turning her battle into a bestselling memoir, Cancer Don’t Care. More than just a book, it’s a raw, heartfelt, and surprisingly uplifting story for anyone facing adversity. It proves that even in life’s darkest moments, hope, strength, and even laughter can shine through.
Now on the other side of her cancer journey, Michelle is not only a writer but also an advocate, using her voice to raise awareness and inspire others through podcasts, interviews, articles, blog posts, and social media. She is also gearing up for the release of her upcoming book, Words of Rhythm, a deeply personal and immersive journey through poetry and reflection.
Originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, Michelle studied Communication at LSU before earning her BA in Journalism from the University of Houston.
A true health and fitness enthusiast, she is passionate about riding her Peloton, lifting weights, taking yoga classes, and walking in the park—activities that kept her grounded even during her cancer journey. When she’s not writing or working out, Michelle is often found with her daughter Kendall and Kendall’s boys, or hanging out with her English Bulldogs, Max and Stella. You might also find her brainstorming for her soon-to-be-launched podcast (The Michelle & Kendall Show), or sharing good vibes with the world.
Because if there’s one thing Michelle has proven, it’s this: no matter what life throws your way, you can always rewrite the story.
On being a writer…
I’ve always said that being a writer is not a career choice; it’s a calling. It’s about surrendering to my natural impulses without restraint and without moderation. It’s about allowing myself to be vulnerable, and exposing my deepest, inner-most thoughts and feelings. It’s the process of cutting myself open vein by vein to reveal what’s on the inside. It’s a willingness to bleed. The trick is to do it without bleeding out.
Meet the Audiobook Narrator
Kendall Sandlin
One of the most pivotal moments in my story was when I tested positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation. Not just because it solidified the fact that I would be having a double mastectomy, but because it brought my daughter Kendall into my story in a way that I didn’t expect.
