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.

A Most Unusual Christmas Tree

Posted on June 30, 2011 by russtowne

Visitors who come to our home near the holidays are often struck by the sight of a most unusual Christmas tree. Instead of a fir or some other traditional kind, we have a palm tree. It is decorated with … Continue reading →

Posted in True Stories I've Written | 2 Comments

Songwriting Update

Posted on June 22, 2011 by russtowne

“Eight Lanes of Danger” On the way home from my parents house last Sunday as I was driving on an 8-lane freeway, for some reason the thought came to me that wouldn’t it be sad if a dog was trapped … Continue reading →

Posted in Song Updates | 2 Comments

I Managed to Beat the Odds Both Ways

Posted on June 21, 2011 by russtowne

A couple of months ago I wrote a post titled, “A True Short Story I Wrote May Soon Be Published”. I mentioned something to the effect that the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” publishers had written to say that one … Continue reading →

Posted in Story Writing Adventures | 2 Comments

Family News: Health, Marriage, & Professional

Posted on May 30, 2011 by russtowne

Heidi, my beloved wife of 30 years is doing well after her recent thyroid and salivary gland cancers and her thyroid removal surgery. She continues to teach a combined Kindergarten/First Grade Special Education class. She plans to go back to … Continue reading →

Posted in Family "Fun" | 4 Comments

Terror and Kindness on Interstate 5

Posted on May 25, 2011 by russtowne

It was the middle of the night on one of those long and lonely stretches of Interstate 5 between distant small farming communities. My mom and her girlfriend were taking me and 4 of their other children to Disneyland. All … Continue reading →

Posted in True Stories I've Written | 2 Comments

A True Short Story I Wrote May Soon Be Published

Posted on April 6, 2011 by russtowne

About a year ago I shared a few true short stories with some of you and mentioned that I’d just submitted them to the publishers of “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books and/or “The Readers’ Digest”. I then forgot about … Continue reading →

Posted in Story Writing Adventures | Tagged "Ramblin' Rose" | 5 Comments

“Songwriting” is Misnamed

Posted on January 30, 2011 by russtowne

Jason Blume (of “6 Steps to Songwriting Success” fame) said his first song cut was co-written by my newest collaborator Bryan Cumming. It was “I Had A Heart” recorded by Darlene Austin. The more I learn about Bryan, the more impressed with … Continue reading →

Posted in Song Updates, Songwriting Adventure, Uncategorized | 4 Comments

Bryan Cumming

Posted on January 29, 2011 by russtowne

I’m very pleased to announce that my newest collaborator is Bryan Cumming in Nashville. You can learn more about him at: http://bryancumming.com/bryan.html Bryan’s Studio 23 created the first two demos that Denis Loiseau and I collaborated on. We are quite pleased at the … Continue reading →

Posted in Song Updates, Songwriting Adventure | 2 Comments

My Songwriting Dream and An Update

Posted on January 26, 2011 by russtowne

My big dream relating to song-writing is to be in the audience when performers play my songs and experience the magical bond that is being created between the performers and fans when everything is right. I want to feel and … Continue reading →

Posted in Songwriting Adventure | Leave a comment

Nashville Adventure Update

Posted on October 26, 2010 by russtowne

I got back into town late Sunday night from my 3-day adventure to ‘the crazy town that is like Hollywood with twang.’ My collaborator Denis Loiseau and I had a great trip. Our primary business meeting was hosted by the husband and wife … Continue reading →

Posted in Songwriting Conferences & Trip Updates | Leave a comment