Short story writer Randi-Lee Bowslaugh is back on the blog to chat about her children’s book, Woofie Says Goodbye.
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, Randi-Lee. What do you enjoy most about writing short stories/children’s books/novellas?
They are easy and fun-loving books. Even this book that has a big topic was fun to write. Plus, I feel really accomplished finishing the book.
Can you give us a little insight into a few of your short stories – perhaps some of your favorites?
My favourite would have to be Diamond the Cat and Beauty Comes at a Price (in A Little Scare).
Diamond the Cat is based on a cat I had for 19 years and I took a lot of time to draw that book to look just like Diamond did.
Beauty Comes at a Price is a horror short story. I love all things horror, and this story hits home about how picky we can get about how we look, which can sometimes get us into trouble.
What genre are you inspired to write in the most? Why?
I most often write in non-fiction because I think it is important to share the downs and the ups so that others don’t have to feel alone. Even Woofie Says Good-Bye has a slight bit of non-fiction element.
The Hamster in the story is based on the hamster my kid had. However, having a stuffed dog that goes home with different children is total fiction.
What exciting story are you working on next?
I am about halfway done with a new poetry book. The book’s working title right now is Thoughts of a Warrior, and it features poems about taking your life back. It feels like a rebuttal to Thoughts of a Wanderer, which holds my darkest poetry. The new book will also feature some gorgeous landscape and nature pictures.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
Not until I had published my third book. Before that, I considered myself to have published two books, but I wasn’t focused on being a writer. After the third book (my first kid’s book), I considered myself a writer and wanted to keep going.
How do you research markets for your work, perhaps as some advice for writers?
To be honest, I don’t. I know I should start doing that but I focus more on writing good stories that I would want to read.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I always have at least 2 books on the go. Usually, 1 for adults and 1 for kids.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An actor! I could never decide what I wanted to be so I figured if I was an actor I could be everything.
Now, I have my own YouTube show, so I guess that is similar.
Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Always speak openly and honestly!
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