Vicki Olsen is a versatile author of 20th-century historical fiction and nonfiction, known for her ability to tackle complex, emotional subjects with sensitivity and authenticity. Born in Arkansas, she grew up in a military family, following her U.S. Air Force JAG officer father across the United States and overseas to locations such as Louisiana, Texas, Idaho, Illinois, and Germany. Her upbringing in a constantly changing environment sparked a curiosity for history and stories, which she later channeled into her writing.

Olsen’s debut novel, A Sparrow Falls, published in 2017, marked the beginning of her literary career. The novel, which explores the tough subjects of child abuse and rape, was recognized for its honest portrayal of trauma and resilience, earning finalist spots in both the 2018 Wishing Shelf Awards and the TCK Publishing Readers’ Choice Awards. Initially conceived as a single book, the story grew into a series that delves into the lives of the inhabitants of the fictional small town of Tolerance, Arkansas.

Her most recent work, The Duty of Memory, is a narrative nonfiction account that tells the extraordinary true stories of Allied airmen evading capture in occupied France during World War II, as well as the courageous French civilians who helped them. The inspiration for the book came from a 2017 visit to France, where Olsen retraced the journey of her father, who had been a U.S. airman evading the Gestapo in 1944. Olsen’s dedication to historical accuracy led her to visit France five times over five years, conducting research, visiting key locations, and interviewing witnesses and descendants of the heroes she writes about. The book has been nominated for the 2025 American Library in Paris Book Award and is currently being translated into French.

Olsen’s life experiences extend beyond her writing career. She is the mother of two grown children and one beautiful granddaughter. Her children grew up in the heart of a renovation project—a historic 1915 home in inner-city Dallas—where Olsen found a passion for blending history with family life. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Economics from the University of Arkansas, Olsen worked in a variety of fields, including as an Environmental Health Planner, insurance adjuster, paralegal, and the owner of an antiques and gift store. After retiring, she turned to writing full-time to keep herself creatively engaged and away from the bars.

Olsen’s storytelling is widely praised for its emotional depth and authenticity. Award-winning author Karla M. Jay, who authored When We Were Brave, described A Sparrow Falls as “Gritty, Realistic, Wonderful. Honest storytelling at its best with heartbreak and happiness in constant battle. A page-turner. I will be reading more by Ms. Olsen.”

Through her work, Olsen has formed lasting friendships in France and gained a profound understanding of World War II and the French Underground. Her writing continues to reflect a deep commitment to preserving history while sharing powerful stories of personal growth, and human resilience, earning a loyal following and deepening her connection to the past.