Providing readers with great Indie Reads across the genres

Randi-Lee Bowslaugh Interview

About Section Photo 3

The Indie Book Butler Interview.

Indie Book Butler: Let’s start things off with an introduction. Tell us a little about yourself for those not already aware of you and your work.

Randi-Lee Bowslaugh: My name is Randi-Lee Bowslaugh, and I published my first non-fiction book in 2017 (Thoughts of a Wanderer). It is a book of poetry and mental health awareness. Since then I have published a second non-fiction book about raising my daughter with autism and my first children’s book in 2020. My newest release is coming soon and I am so excited! I am a mother, a grandmother and love my pets.

My ‘day-job’ is as a personal trainer and kickboxing coach. I have been kickboxing for over 10 years and have competed internationally. Previously I was an employment counselor and literacy assistant. Overall, I would say that I am just a fun person who wants everyone to be included.

IBB: You’ve got twenty words to tempt us to read your book(s). What would you say?

RLB: Embracing Me shares my story of coming to terms with depression including suicidal thoughts, hiding truths and finally loving myself.

IBB: Where do you like to write?

RLB: Either at my desk with the window open or on the couch under a cozy blanket.

IBB: Is there anything you must have in order to write?

RLB: Music through headphones to block out everything else. Water handy and a pen and notepad for other random ideas.

IBB: What books have influenced you most, both as a person and as an author?

RLB: As a person My New Normal and When I lay My Isaac Down by Carol Kent.

As an author of non-fiction I really like Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis. I also enjoy writing short horror stories (which will eventually be published) so anything by Stephen King  – who was the first author to capture my attention and actually have me read a novel as a teen.

IBB: What is the one thing that has helped you develop most as an author?

RLB: Supportive friends and family. Without them I probably would have given up thinking ‘who wants to read that’ but with their encouragement, I kept writing and now get great feedback on my books, even from strangers.

IBB: What do you want to achieve most from your writing?

RLB: To create understanding among others about mental health and helping to end the stigma around it.

IBB: Have you received a favorite review of your work?

RLB: Yes. One person wrote to me and told me that my book A Mother’s Truth connected with them deeply as they were currently going through having their child diagnosed with autism. She wrote that some parts of the story made her cry and that she was glad to know she wasn’t alone.

IBB: Were there any particular parts of the writing/publishing process that you struggled with?

RLB: I write like I talk which at times can be confusing to a reader. Going back and editing helped clear those confusing areas. There was a bit of a learning curve when I was learning how to format my books for publishing.

IBB: Is there something specific you do to improve your writing?

RLB: Continue to read other books. Listen to podcasts from other writers and just keep writing and editing.

IBB: What is the ideal relationship between editor and author?

RLB: Understanding what the message of the book is and that edits are only to help and are not a ‘slap in the face’ of the author.

IBB: If you had a direct line to someone who loves or hates your writing, what would you say?

RLB: If someone loved my writing I would thank them. If they hated it I would want to know why — maybe gain some constructive criticism. However, ultimately some will love it and some will hate it — I don’t love every book I read.

IBB: If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring author, what would it be?

RLB: Don’t give up. I used to start and never finish stories all the time because I thought no one would want to read them. But then I realized I don’t need their approval. I need to do what I love.

IBB: What does your writing future hold for you?

RLB: March 2021 my third non-fiction book “Embracing Me” is launching. After that, I am working on a collection of short scary stories and a few children’s books.

IBB: How have you set about the task of creating enticing cover art?

RLB: I often ask my youngest to help me with the artwork as his business is an artist and I want to support him.

IBB: How often do you read? What genre?

RLB: I probably sit down and read a couple times a week. If I am reading a book it is usually a Sherrilyn McQueen book. However, I will self-help books and I use audible almost every day when I walk my dogs to listen to various genres; true crime, horror and self-help.

IBB: Before we let you escape, it’s your chance to name-drop. Anyone who you feel is deserving of more recognition at present or someone whose writing you have recently enjoyed? Now is your chance to spread the word…

RLB: Recently I listened to Mel Robbins ‘Take Control of Your Life’ it was a great book and something I needed to hear. It is a different take on self-help books.

Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Best of luck in the future.

For more on Randi-Lee and her work, please visit:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Amazon

Goodreads

facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedintumblrmailby feather

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.