I’m happy to have writer Randi-Lee Bowslaugh back with a new interview. Today we’re chatting about new non-fiction book, Good-bye Too Soon.
Randi-Lee was here back in May of 2022 talking about her memoir, Embracing Me.
Bio:
Randi is a mental health advocate, author, and YouTuber. She started writing at 14 years old as a coping strategy for her depression. Twenty years later she is now a mom, grandma, and thriving creative individual.
Welcome back to Reviews and Interviews, Randi-Lee. Please tell us about your newest release.
It is about the death of my brother by a drug overdose. The book speaks to the families of those who are struggling with addiction. Main themes include, forgiveness and setting boundaries.
What inspired you to write this book?
Thinking that my brother’s life had to mean something. I needed to keep his memory and his spirit alive. He loved helping others and my hope is that this book continues to help.
Excerpt from Good-bye Too Soon:
Many people forget that a person with an addiction is human. This person has a family, a childhood, and people who love them and want them to overcome their illness. (Addiction is categorized as a mental illness, which I will speak more about later).
Having an addiction is a serious hindrance to someone’s life. It has lasting effects on that person and their family, on their social and work life.
The individual is suffering from an illness they cannot control without help. The family tries their best to help, but often fails. As much as we want what is best for them, there is only so much we can do. We are not the experts in the field, and addiction is often a comorbid[1] condition (e.g., anxiety + trauma + depression). This comorbidity makes it even more difficult for a family member with little knowledge to help.
[1] “The simultaneous presence of two or more diseases or medical conditions in a patient” (dictionary.com)
What’s the next writing project?
I have started writing a suspense novel. It is in the early stages but I am excited for this project.
What is your biggest challenge when writing a new book? (or the biggest challenge with this book)
The biggest challenge with this book was the emotional aspect. When I first started writing it, I was angry with Brandon and I needed to work through that in order to create a meaningful book.
What’s your writing space like? Do you have a particular spot to write where the muse is more active? Please tell us about it.
I have an office to write in, though, I do a lot of writing in my living room with my dogs.
What authors do you enjoy reading within or outside of your genre?
There are a ton of authors. Recently, I read the newest book from Peter Topside and I am waiting for the newest release from JV Hilliard.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers today?
Give indie authors a try, I have read so many amazing books by self-published authors.
Thank you for coming back to Reviews and Interviews!