I joined IECRWA in 2005 to associate with kindred spirits and have received mountains of encouragement from all of the members. I also belong to the Idaho Writers' League, (Coeur d'Alene chapter), & recommend each group highly. I've decided to write a three or four-book series with one abiding message: Living well is a choice.
My first novel, Benson's Cove, came about when I asked myself how I would design my ideal life. Move to Whidbey Island and buy a bookstore, was the answer, and that's exactly what my protagonist, Addy Westcombe, does. My hope is that readers will come to know and love Addy and the other characters in Benson's Cove as much as I do. They're family to me now. The decision to live well is like a river, flowing through our lives with rocks and branches in the stream - issues of trust, betrayal, abandonment, grief and denial. As my characters in Benson's Cove learn to deal with their own issues, they become stronger, more trusting, and finally able to open to the love they deserve.
My publishing experience includes my short story ("The Rolling File Cabinet") in the 2009 My Mom Is My Hero anthology from Adams Media; another short story ("Queen of my Heart") in the 2010 My Dog Is My Hero anthology, also from Adams Media; articles, essays, and short stories in several national lifestyle magazines, a number of major newspapers, including the Omaha World-Herald, Fresno Bee and Spokesman-Review; and a one-act play from my graduate thesis presented at the Spokane Civic Theatre's 1984 Playwright's Forum Festival.
I have an MFA (Creative Writing) from EWU in Cheney, WA and a BA (English) from Huntingdon College, Montgomery, AL. My work history includes English instructor, Placement Director, JTPA Coordinator, Membership Director, Pastor's Assistant and Communications Coordinator. In December 2006 I scaled down to part-time to devote more time to writing. I am originally from Pensacola, Florida. My husband, Dennis, and I now live in the Spokane Valley. I have two wonderful children, four equally wonderful grandchildren, and still consider myself the Cookie-Jar-Mom. Thank you for reading my bio on this web site. I'd enjoy hearing from you, too. You can email me at ruth@ruthandrew.com. I hope you'll also browse through my website http://www.ruthandrew.com.
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