Author Archives: russtowne

About russtowne

I'm awed by the beauty of nature and the power of love and gratitude. Some of my favorite sensory experiences include waves crashing on rocky shores, waterways in ancient redwood and fern-filled forests, and rain. My wife and I have been married since 1979. We have 3 adult children and 5 grandchildren. I manage a wealth management firm that I founded in 2003. My Beloved is a Special Education teacher for Kindergartners and First Graders. I'm a published author of approximately 60 books in a variety of genres for grownups and children.

For Those Who Felt Picked on and Ridiculed

Posted on March 21, 2014 by russtowne

I just wrote a short story for those who felt picked on and ridiculed as kids. It is labeled fictional, but in truth, all of the things that happened to “Chris” actually happened to me (except the part about other … Continue reading →

Posted in Bullying, Fiction I've Written, Friendship, Loneliness, Writing, Youth | Tagged boys, fiction, KARMA, pranks, prcticalmjokes, revenge, story, tricks, true, youth | 8 Comments

#inspiring: duct tape surfing

Posted on March 21, 2014 by russtowne

I love to see and share examples of people making their dreams come true no matter what the obstacles by concentrating on the positives and boldly telling the world what they are going to do, then doing it. This is … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

I’m Speechless!

Posted on March 19, 2014 by russtowne

Originally posted on GYA today:
What a stunningly beautiful story …by stunningly beautiful and giving friends. Wow! Enjoy!

Posted in Uncategorized | 7 Comments

My Last Breath and Heartbeat

Posted on March 19, 2014 by russtowne

I’m acutely aware my time remaining on this earthly plane gets shorter with every breath I take and every beat of my heart. I may not survive to see tomorrow. I ask myself: How do I ensure what I leave … Continue reading →

Posted in Choices, Death, Heart, Kindness, Love, Observations | Tagged breath, breathe, death, heart, heartbeat, kindness, last, legacy, Love | 20 Comments

Scared New Mom Receives Touching Advice From Kids With Down Syndrome

Posted on March 19, 2014 by russtowne

Originally posted on Kindness Blog:
These kids have a message for a scared mom-to-be: “Don’t worry.” The message was in response to a mother’s heartfelt email to the Italian Down syndrome advocacy group Coor Down. She sent it in February…

Posted in Uncategorized | 10 Comments

Quote Of The Day

Posted on March 19, 2014 by russtowne

Originally posted on Sticky Notes And Quotes:
Don’t put the key of your happiness in someone else’s pocket. iPhone 5S and Hipstamatic

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“Blood Oaths”

Posted on March 10, 2014 by russtowne

I just completed my most recent story, “Blood Oaths”. It is fiction of the mystery/suspense/action/thriller genres. If you like reading any of those genres, I invite you to check out “Blood Oaths” at Imaginings of a Grateful Man http://imaginingsofagratefulman.com With … Continue reading →

Posted in Action, Adventure, Fiction I've Written, Loss, Mystery/Mysteries, Suspense, Thriller, Writing | Tagged action, adventure, author, genres, mysteries, mystery, publisher, suspense, thrillers, writer | 12 Comments

“Blood”

Posted on March 8, 2014 by russtowne

While my posts on this blog tend to be up-beat, I also have a darker side. It comes out in my writing of fiction. To avoid reader whiplash between the lighter and darker sides of my writing, I created a … Continue reading →

Posted in Action, Adventure, Adversity, Choices, Death, Fear, Imagination, Pain & Grief, Story Writing Adventures, Writing | Tagged action, author, dark, death, fiction, gritty, mysteries, mystery, short stories, stories, thriller, writer | 8 Comments

Opportunities for Writers

Posted on March 1, 2014 by russtowne

I took a two-month hiatus after successfully completing a self-publishing marathon of writing and bringing eight books to market in eight months. Now, my batteries are re-charged and I’m ready to tackle another type of creative project I’ve never attempted … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Connection/Connecting, Creativity, Following Your Passion, Humor, My Written Works Misc., Story Writing Adventures, Writing | Tagged action, anthologies, anthology, authors, couples, dream, dreams, fiction, funny, heart, heart-warming, humor, Love, non-fiction, opportunity, passion, Relationship, thriller, true, writers, writing | 25 Comments

A Smile and a Wave

Posted on February 26, 2014 by russtowne

A smile and a wave go a long way help to make a lot of people’s day… Elderly Woman Waves at Students Every Day. Then She Got a HUGE Surprise. With Love, Russ