Michael J. Varhola

Michael J. Varhola

Writer, publisher and lecturer
Date of Birth: 24.09.1966
Country: USA

Content:
  1. Early Life and Education
  2. Writing and Editing Career
  3. Role-Playing Games and Publishing
  4. Personal Life

Early Life and Education

Michael O. Varhola was born and raised in New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania, where he graduated from Carson Long Military Academy. He went on to pursue higher education at the University of Maryland, College Park, earning a Bachelor's degree in Journalism in 1993. Varhola also attended the Metropolitan State College of Denver and the American University of Paris.

Writing and Editing Career

Varhola's writing career began in journalism, where he worked as an assistant editor at the weekly Texas newspaper "The Hilltop Reporter." In 1999, he published his first non-fiction book, "Everyday Life During the Civil War." This was followed by a series of historical accounts, including "Fire and Ice: The Korean War, 1950-1953," "D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy, June 6, 1944," and "Ghosthunting Virginia."

Role-Playing Games and Publishing

In addition to his non-fiction writing, Varhola is an avid role-playing game (RPG) enthusiast and publisher. He founded Skirmisher Publishing LLC and has authored several RPG rulebooks, including "Experts," "Warriors," and "City Builder." Varhola also wrote prefaces for H.G. Wells' "Little Wars" and "Floor Games."

Personal Life

In 1997, Varhola married Diane Varhola. In 2003, he changed his middle name from James to Odysseus. However, he did not begin publishing under the name Michael O. Varhola until 2011.

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