When I was a young fellow I developed a passion for writing fiction. While the other kids played in the yard, in the sandbox, or a sport, I sat at the kitchen table or in the back of my parents’ station wagon with a pen and paper in hand. There was always something creative swirling around in my mind.
I began writing plays in the sixth grade and it progressed from there. My choice of career was meant to be journalism but during my first class, Intro to Communications, an Instructor told me that I should change majors. He said that I was way too “hillbilly” to report the news or to write. I was devastated but felt intimidated to go forward at the school of communications at Jacksonville State University. I switched my major to management in the school of business. I would never be satisfied after that.
Life brought “safe” opportunities in leadership roles and I built a career in marketing and management where I could still use my passion for creativity. I even competed in public speaking and won the Alabama state speaking completion. I wrote my speech for the national competition with the main topic prevention of school violence. I was filled with joy when I made the top ten and eventually finished as second runner-up.
Public speaking would eventually become part of my ministry. I had the opportunity to tour the Southeast speaking on the topic of faith and mental health. These opportunities led to over 150 published articles and a book by 2015 called Porch Swings and Prayer.
I have been blessed to continue to write books, speeches, and articles. I host a podcast called Deep South Humor and Heart, available wherever you stream.
Recently I achieved another goal. I published a fourth book based on one of my three plays. The book is called A Walk on the Cape and debuted just last week at #1 on the new releases on Amazon. I am now a best-selling author and it feels like the dreams of that little boy are coming to fruition. I no longer allow the opinions of others to determine the pursuit of what I was meant to do. What makes me happy. What fulfills me.
A Walk on the Cape is a passionate story of retirees who live at the Celestial Shores retirement village on Cape Celeste. The book details not only the drama of getting older and facing health issues but also the comedy of life that can originate through friendships and everyday life. I tell everyone the book is a “dramedy” because it contains both elements of story-telling.
The future for me looks less inhibited as I face my own health challenges. I am committed to determining my own future with the guidance of God. For me, I feel the best is yet to come.
You can pick up the book, A Walk on the Cape, or one of the three previous novels on Amazon.
Robby
JustRobby 