Award-Winning Humorist, Author, Editor, Guitar Picker

Welcome to the online home of Erma Bombeck award-winning humorist Mike Ball. In addition to his own work, Mike is an accomplished editor, ghost writer, and “Book Shepherd” who has helped dozens of other writers reach their publishing goals.

Mike earned the Erma Bombeck Award for his syndicated weekly newspaper column, What I’ve Learned… So Far. It’s been a few years since he retired from the syndicate, but all of the classics are still available in three hilarious volumes; Part I – Bikes, Docks & Slush Nuggets; Part II – Angels, Chimps & Tater Mitts; and the Amazon Bestseller, Part III – Banjos, Boats & Butt Dialing, all available in paperback and kindle formats.

The good news is that Mike is bringing back What I’ve Learned… So Far as a Blog! We’re still working out details, but more wit and wisdom about potholes and seagull poop should start coming out soon. Sign up today to read ’em as they come out – it’s free!

Welcome to Olympus, Indiana, where the deities of antiquity are trying to figure out what the heck is going on.

Ever wonder what it would be like to run into the Greek god Hermes tending bar in a little town just north of Terre Haute, Indiana? Or to run into Aphrodite staggering home in last night’s sexy little cocktail dress? Or to see Zeus, wearing a Lone Star belt buckle and Aerosmith t-shirt, blow up a sanitary landfill?

If you’re already read Olympus, Indiana, stay tuned – the sequel is in the works.

If you want to meet Mike, check out the Schedule Of Appearances for a book signing, a concert by Mike’s band, Dr. Mike and the Sea Monkeys, or to work with him at one of the writer’s workshops he leads.

In another life, Mike is the founder of Lost Voices, a group of professional folk and blues musicians who bring expressive therapy in the form of songwriting programs to kids who are victims of severe emotional trauma. Many of the kids they work with have been rescued from human trafficking. Among other honors, Mike was named USA Today Kindness Community Hero for this work. Please check out this amazing program at LostVoices.org.