Elissa Grossell Dickey is a multi-faceted individual who has made her mark in various fields, including journalism, marketing, communications, and authorship. She was born and raised in Northern Minnesota, where she spent much of her childhood. Dickey is a proud mother and a strong advocate for those living with multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition she was diagnosed with herself. She believes in the power of captivating stories and strong coffee to inspire and bring people together.
As an author, Dickey writes book club fiction and has made a successful debut with her critically acclaimed novel "The Speed of Light." The novel, published in 2021 under Lake Union Publishing, follows a young woman's life-changing year, where she grapples with a terrifying incident at the workplace, a new love, and an MS diagnosis. Dickey's personal experiences with MS have undoubtedly influenced her writing and given her a unique perspective that resonates with her readers.
Before becoming an author, Dickey worked as a journalist and now works in higher education, where she is involved in marketing and communications. She is also a Pitch Wars alumnus, having been in the program in 2016. In addition to her professional work, Dickey is a blogger for the MS Society and co-creator of the Aberdeen Write Now writer's forum. She is also the board president of Aspire, a non-profit organization that supports individuals with disabilities. Dickey currently resides in South Dakota with her husband and children.
Apart from her professional accomplishments, Dickey is an avid reader who enjoys getting lost in a good book and reading to her children at bedtime. She has also shared her personal story of living with MS through blog posts for the National MS Society. Dickey's experiences with MS have not only influenced her writing but have also given her a platform to raise awareness about the condition and inspire others who may be going through similar experiences. Through her writing and advocacy work, Dickey continues to make a difference in the lives of those around her.