Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Randi Samuelson-brown. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Randi, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I LOVE this topic! So many people have come up to me and said, “I’ve written a book.” First of all, congratulations if you have done so! Apparently 81% of people SAY they want to write a book – but only 3% actually go on to do so!
Next comes the hard part – how do you know if what you have written is good? Maybe you just assume that it is. Think again! You’ve put a lot of work into your creation. Go the extra mile and learn what is needed.
Like any other endeavor, there is an education required. I learned about CRAFT and the business of publishing at Lighthouse Writers in Denver. UCLA has a fine extension program, and I am sure major cities across the country have similar programs.
You wouldn’t try for a CPA job without an accounting degree or education, right?
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I was born in Colorado which influences my writing.
Everything (published to date) that I write or have written, has its foundations in either Colorado or the American West.
My father was a great amateur historian on Colorado’s history, and I wanted to preserve stories, events, and facets of frontier life that are passing from view due to time. So many people, also, are moving into the west, and they want the insight and the background that some of us take for granted.
Also, I feel my writings are an obligation, in a way, that I am fulfilling to those who have passed before, whether or not they would entirely like what I have written. I don’t tend to write about those who built schools and churches, but more of the outcasts of the time, and the stories of those in the shadows.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Definitely my mission is to preserve what I can of our collective history of the American West. I would like to encourage all voices to be heard, because different views and experiences all form the design that weaves together to create the whole. Maybe that’s cliche (something a writer should ALWAYS avoid), but it is true. I have tried to lend support and encouragement to people whose stories have often been overlooked.
That said, it is the writer’s responsibility to make sure they understand the craft, the process, and to some extent what to expect out of the writing industry. There are many venues and paths to publication, but an informed approach is always the best, and alleviates some disappointment along the way.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Hands down, the greatest reward is the people I’ve met along the way (and continue to meet) and the stories that they share with me. I never thought for a moment I would have such a great experience on that front.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.randisamuelsonbrown.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brown_randi/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randi.brown.167/
- Twitter: @rsamuelsonb1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@randisamuelson-brown-autho5109
Image Credits
Tread of the Pioneers Museum.