Meet One of Our Knight Authors: Myrna Ossin ’73

Tell us a little about yourself!

I have been writing and lecturing for more than 50 years. I about to publish my 13th book. I have lived in Florida most of my adult life. I recently published Orlando and Central Florida on and off the Beaten Path that tells everything to do in the area. I also published three illustrated children’s books on true stories about animals. My book list for Living, Lists for Life has 146 lists one needs for practical daily living.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I was a Spanish teacher and wrote my own programmed lessons. I also have a degree in dietetics and often published original recipes as I raised my four children. I never considered myself a writer until my later adult years, but I always kept a journal ever since sixth grade.

What’s your writing process? What inspires your writing?

Factual stories are my strength. I kept lists while raising my family and so many friends requested them, I wrote a 500-page book. My daughter said she wanted to ride a giraffe as an adult, and so she did. That inspired one of my children’s book. Another was a true story about a friend who was a CIA agent in Argentina and adopted a penguin. Everything in my daily life seems to inspire me.

What was the biggest thing you learned during your time as a Knight that you apply to your life today?

I was able to meet many people from different lifestyles. It broadened my view.

What was a class or club at UCF that helped you grow as a writer?

I never had the opportunity to take a writing class, but my master’s degree was about student life in Spain. I wrote about the cultural differences of Spanish and American life.

Who are some of your favorite authors or books?

I am a fan of “how to” books on almost any topic and especially about health and improving one’s psychological outlook in goal setting.

If UCF had a time machine, what moment on campus would you go back to?

I enjoy where I am now.

Anything else?! What are you currently working on right now?

My next book will be a collection of true stories from three hundred that I have written. Each one will make you laugh, cry or reveal a life lesson that is worth learning. I hope to publish it in 2026.