Michael Hunter McVay

Michael Hunter McVay is a retired art instructor, a miniaturist, and the author of "Michael, Little Boy Black & Blue: Surviving the Effects of a Poisonous Child Abuser."

A professionally trained art teacher, Michael has illustrated several books and an award-winning book cover for the Mississippi Community College Creative Writing Association. He has written short stories and plays for all ages. He taught school as an art teacher and as an elementary school teacher until recently retiring after the tragic death of his beloved mother.

His memoir, "Michael, Little Boy Black & Blue: Surviving the Effects of a Poisonous Child Abuser," was written as an account of the trials and tribulations of his excessively abusive and violent childhood. Adult survivors of child abuse typically develop serious health conditions later in life. Michael suffers from PTSD, Meniere's Disease and a host of other conditions related to the decades of abuse he endured throughout his life. Through it all, he kept an open heart and a sense of humor which shows in his work.

Michael lost his father at a young age to suicide. He and his mother, both, attempted suicide during their years spent with a maniacal abuser, his stepfather. While he reveals horrendous episodes of abuse in his memoir, he shares what was going on in his head at the times the abuse was happening, often remaining calm at the darkest of times, not always knowing if he would be greeted by a new dawn.

Michael and his partner, Christopher, extensive world-travelers, live with their dog in sunny, Southern California, where they enjoy cooking and long walks. Michael spends his retirement reading, writing, and building highly detailed miniature structures.