About Randi-Lee Bowslaugh

Randi-Lee was born and raised in Ontario, Canada and from a young age she had a passion for helping others. She attended Niagara College and graduated at the top of

her class from Community and Justice Services, after completing her placement at a recovery house for alcohol and drug addictions. Post-graduation she worked at a Native Friendship Centre for two and a half years while pursuing a university

education in psychology. 

Randi-Lee continued working in social services for another four years as an employment counselor until she left to pursue her other passions. Randi-Lee is an author and outspoken advocate for mental health sharing her true story with honesty. From the age of 14 she struggled with depressive thoughts. There were times in her life that she wasn’t sure how she would continue. Depression continues to be a battle in her life but she is glad that she continues to live. 

She has spoken at events that promote wellness and compassionately shares her experiences with her own mental health. In 2021 she started a YouTube channel, Write or Die Show, to spread awareness about various mental health issues and to end the stigma associated with mental health. Growing up she never felt that she fit in, being the last to understand jokes and confused about many emotions that she saw on others. In 2021 she finally had answers to the questions about herself that had been nagging at her. She was diagnosed with moderate Autism. 

Another of Randi-Lee’s passions is kickboxing, which she has been doing for about 10 years. She was a Canadian National Champion in kickboxing in 2015, competed at the World’s kickboxing tournament later that year and in 2016 competed at the Pan-Am games where she received silver in her division. In 2020 she was chosen as one of the coaches for the Ontario Winter Games where she inspired and coached young athletes. 

Randi is a mom to two, her youngest child has autism and grandma to one. Randi encourages and supports her youngest child’s entrepreneurial spirit as he follows his dream of being an artist. When she can she incorporates his art into her stories.

Could You Tell Us About Yourself ? 

My name is Randi-Lee Bowslaugh and I am the author of over ten books and YouTube host of the Write or Die Show and Reader’s Intrigue. I have been married for 10 years and am a mom to two and a grandmother. My youngest has autism spectrum disorder and I am a big advocate of both autism and mental health.

 

What made you write your book (s) ?  

I have always loved writing. From a young age I was writing plays and making my cousins act them out. As a teenager I used writing poetry as a coping strategy to deal with my depression. 

As an adult, I found the old poems I had written and felt it was time to share them. 

What is the first book you remember reading ?  

There’s a Monster at the End of this Book. 

What’s your favourite book ?  

I don’t necessarily have one particular favourite book but I loved reading horror. 

Who is your favourite author and why?  

Sherilyn McQueen (formally Kenyon) because I love how she intertwines various myths. 

How many hours a day do you write? 

I don’t have a set time that I write each day. I write when I feel ready and I can produce the best quality. 

What one thing would you give up to become a better writer? 

I am already a writer so I don’t need to give up anything. 

What is the most difficult part of your artistic process? 

The editing process. I find it very tedious. 

If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose and why  ? 

I’m not sure. I have met many amazing authors on my Write or Die Show and I would love to hang out with just about any of them. 

What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused?  

Music! Whenever I write I have headphones on to help me stay focussed. In fact, I have them in right now!

What’s your favourite writing snack or drink? 

My favourite snack would be popcorn. It is super easy to munch on while writing. I usually just drink water. 

How do you celebrate when you finish your book?  

I take a few days off from ‘thinking’. I try to relax before I start the next project. 

Where do you get your idea (s) for your book (s) ? 

Most of my books are non-fiction so I get the ideas from life. Even fiction books come from something in life, like nature or certain sounds. 

What is / was your writing process like? 

I write the first draft to get the general ideas down. The second draft is where I really do the writing. Everything gets fleshed out and emotions are put into the story. From there a few rounds of editing until it’s just right. Then it gets sent off to my editor and hope that there isn’t too much to change. 

Do you try more to be original or rather give readers what they want? How did publishing your (first) book ? 

I try to be original. Most of my books are about my life so they can’t be what someone else wants. 

I published my first book through OTB Publishing. It was a helpful experience as I learned the ins and outs of being an author. I now publish through my own company RB Writing. 

What kind of research do you do and how long do you spend researching before  beginning a book? 

I research while I am writing. The amount of time depends on the topic that I am looking into. 

How do you develop your plot and characters?  

Once the idea pops into my head I let the story flow. I don’t always know where it will take me. 

What part of the book was the most fun to write? 

I love the feeling of accomplishing my books. My least favourite part is how difficult it can be to market a new book. 

Each book as a different part that is most fun. For my newest book Good-Bye too Soon the best part was the memories. 

How did you come up with the title for your book (s) ? 

My brother died far too young so we had to say good-bye to him too soon. 

Would you and your main character get along?  

Good-bye too soon is about my brother who died and at times we got along. More than not, we didn’t get along. 

If you could meet your characters, what would you say to them? 

For this question I would like to meet the Ring Master from one of the scary stories I wrote. I would ask him why he can’t find willing participants for his circus. 

Which of the characters in your book (s) do you relate to the most and why?  

Since most of my books are about my life it would be me.

What is a significant way your book has changed since the first draft?  How would you describe your book’s ideal reader? 

In the first draft of Good-Bye too Soon I didn’t add much emotion. The first draft was the most difficult for me as I was still in the beginning of the grieving process. By the final draft it was dripping with emotion.

The ideal reader is a family member of someone who has an addiction. 

What did you edit out of your book (s) ? 

The word addict. I wanted this book to show that people with an addiction are not addicts to be scared of but are people who have a mental health concern. 

What was your hardest scene to write? 

The first chapter where I share how I got the news of my brother’s death. 

How long did it take for you to write a book ?  

A year and a half. 

What do you hope your readers take away from your book (s) ? 

I hope that they have a sense of togetherness. One of the hardest parts of life is feeling alone. All of my books strive to share the worst parts of my life in order to let others know they aren’t alone. 

What was the hardest part of writing your book (s) ? 

The first chapter where I share how I got the news of my brother’s death. 

Did you get some negative feedback on your book ? and if so how do you deal with  that ? 

Not yet. 

How did you feel when you first published your book (s) ? Scared ? Excited ? Nervous  ? 

Every time I publish a new book I am excited. 

Where can people who are interested in your book, buy your book ? 

On amazon, just search my name Randi-Lee Bowslaugh and you will find everything I have written. 

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with your readers  about? 

I am just finishing up the History of Crime Stoppers Niagara. 

After writing your book (s) what is your advice to people who want to become  writers? 

Keep trying, the first draft is never the final draft. 

What are common traps for aspiring writers and have you faced any of them? 

I think writing to the reader instead of writer for the story. I have thought about changing things to make them less harsh, but my story is harsh and I want to stay true to that. 

Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?

I enjoy reading my book reviews. I am fortunate to have received only good reviews. 

Randi-Lee Bowslaugh Media Links

Website

Blog

Youtube Channel

Amazon Profile + Books