We recently connected with Robert Ruesch and have shared our conversation below.
Robert, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
Our youngest daughter became an addict at 14. Through the next three decades, she tried every street drug she could buy, together with drinking. As a father, I constantly feared for her life. This was a continuous nightmare. Rehab after rehab did not work until she overdosed on meth and fentanyl. She stopped breathing in the emergency waiting room. Four doses of Narcan revived her.
After one more rehab program, she realized she was living on borrowed time. She also realized God had shielded her throughout her life, including a stint in federal prison.
After rehab, she joined our household, and I heard a divine call to pen an unvarnished account of her and my journey. This was the risk: to expose the secrets, the trauma, the impact of addiction not only on her life but also on the family.
Robert, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I have been writing in some form since high school. I feel called to write, and my first published piece was a collage published by Bethany Press. During college, I also had a publication in the school’s creative storytelling book. Medical and travel magazines have published my work throughout the years. I teach at several writers’ conferences and have won an award for my writing.
I have published four books, two about The YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park Center and Snow Mountain Ranch. I have a children’s book for Advent, titled The Elf NOT on the Shelf, and my most recent book, The Long Road Home, is the award winner.
Growing up with Rocky Mountain National Park as my playground inspired my creative writing, including my copywriting.
My wife and I formed a graphic art company that was very successful. In seven years, we grew from one client to over 400 before we sold and went into mission work.
We created, with another couple, Christian Resort Ministries, which placed chaplains in RV parks in several states.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Yes, I believe our Lord has given everyone a gift or gifts. Each of us has a part to play in the orchestra of life. I believe the Lord tasked me with writing stories, books, articles, sermons, and talks to show there is hope. Hope when others see no hope.
My mission is not only to share the saving grace of Jesus Christ with anyone through my writing, speaking, or sharing, but to show that each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I believe in being completely honest in my writing and speaking, even if it’s hard. People are seeking truth, not half-truths, lies. They know when they hear the truth. This is difficult for many, but in the emotional long run, the reader wants to know what is real, not fantasies. There is enough of that in social media and other sources.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.robertnruesch.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertnruesch/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robert.ruesch
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-n-ruesch-9a028215/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkYioqSjJV0&t=4s
Image Credits
All images are the property of Robert N. Ruesch