Featured Interview With Maranda Russell
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I am a 32-year-old award-winning author and artist who also happens to have Asperger’s Syndrome (a kind of high-functioning autism). I was born & raised in Muncie, Indiana and now live in Dayton, Ohio. I am married with no kids, but I do have six cats that are like children to us (Jack, Einstein, Spyder, Mao, Icky and Rosie). Besides writing and making art, I also vlog and blog regularly about many subjects, including Asperger’s Syndrome, chronic illness, writing, art, entertainment and whatever else catches my fancy.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I don’t remember a time I didn’t love books. Some of my earliest memories are of my grandmother reading to me and stealing my older sister’s books to look at them. I actually would cry before I started school because I wanted to learn to read and write so badly. Once I learned to read and write it became a main focus in my life. Even if I never sold another book, I would still read and write constantly.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
My favorite genres to read are the same genres I like to write. This includes children’s books, young adult, short fiction, poetry and certain kinds of non-fiction (memoirs, biographies, spiritual or inspirational, art, entertainment, etc.) Some of my favorite authors include Edgar Allan Poe, Emily Dickinson, Mo Willems, Sonya Sones, Nikki Grimes, Nick Bruel and many others. Those authors who inspire me most in my writing are those writers who are unafraid to be open, honest and personal. I have especially been influenced by some of the authors who write novels-in-verse. I love a good sense of humor too.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
My most recent book is entitled “Searching for the Truth: Poems & Prose Inspired by Our Inner Worlds”. It is a collection of short writings inspired by my love for subjects like spirituality, philosophy and psychology. The book covers a huge variety of subjects but is all written in an honest and thoughtful manner. The book is not about any particular religion or belief system, but instead explores those mysteries and questions about life that we all ask at one time or another. With this book I wanted to celebrate the emotions and experiences that make us human.
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Thank you for featuring me! I had fun doing this little interview!
You are very welcome!