Today we’d like to introduce you to Robin Strachan

Hi Robin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I remember knowing at the age of 12 that I wanted to be a writer and to become an author. In high school, when I was asked what I planned to do with my life, I never said, “Author.” My creative writing teacher made it clear when she said, “Nurses eat. Writers don’t.” That is not the sort of empowering statement you make to a creative kid with a dream of writing books. Instead, I majored in English and Philosophy in college and achieved a certificate in Non-Profit Administration. I went on to become a grant proposal writer and a major gift fundraiser. At 38, I was Vice President of Institutional Advancement for my alma mater. It was only years later that I remembered my childhood dream to be an author. Just before I turned 50, I finally wrote my first novel. I now have five published novels and two more books–one for middle schoolers and the other for children– completed. I am writing another adult novel now.

I’ve always believed that what we desire with strong emotion — and can visualize in at least some happy detail — can be achieved. I can honestly say that everything I desire and dream of having does happen. It may not be immediately, but it happens.

A few nights ago, I spoke to a group of readers at a public library. They were there to hear about my latest book, The Irish Book Club of Dublin (Ohio). I also talked about my books, Manifesting Dreams, Designing Hearts, Listening for Drums, and Daughter of the Heart. Quite a few members of the audience were writers and were thinking/dreaming of being published. It was a wonderful opportunity to share my story with them and to encourage them to keep dreaming and doing.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Life is never smooth, but thank goodness for that. We learn so much from our struggles. People sometimes think that if they are “meant” to do something, it will happen without much effort. Wrong. We must do what we can with what we have from wherever we are. That means taking action, even if the steps are small. Baby steps still get us to our goals.

Most important is that we ought to be doing what we love. If we don’t love what we are doing, that is a strong signal to look for something else that would be more in line with who we are. When I had a full-time job working for an organization I didn’t especially admire, I worked diligently and saved so that I could afford to leave and look for something that was a better fit. When I was in a job and couldn’t afford to leave it, I wrote. Writing was what brought me happiness, and it kept me going until the right job was available.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?

I am now retired and writing full-time. When I am not writing, I am reading. You cannot be a good writer without being a reader. I cannot stress that enough. I read 2-3 books each week.

When I was working as a major gift fundraiser, I served in management roles in higher education, healthcare and social services. I always did the job to the best of my ability.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just talk about doing something. I do it.

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?

I have learned that I am a “functional introvert.” Unlike others I know who struggled to be alone with their thoughts while their normal activities were curtailed, I thrived. I wrote another book. I cultivated a meditation practice. I read more authors whose work fed my soul.

No matter what happens in the world, we must be able to navigate the challenges and learn to be resilient. Resilience, in my mind, means that we overcome hard times by remembering what matters most: our relationships, our inner spiritual practices, our health and fitness, our hopes and dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://robinstrachanauthor.com
• Instagram: robinwriter444
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorrstrachan