When you're born on the shores of Kingston Harbour, with a mother from St. Martin and a father who loved to travel, all you can think about is sailing away to parts unknown. The result? My work life has taken me to countries across the Americas and Caribbean, my play life to Europe and Asia.
After three degrees, ending with a doctorate from Emory University, I’ve had a varied career as a communication professional, academic and entrepreneur, and always a writer. But I’ve never gotten tired of turning over every rock I can find.
In 2011, I started publishing a four-book series for Simon & Schuster's Atria Imprint. The Shad Series chronicles the life of a trail-blazing Jamaican bartender/would-be-detective who shines a light on every obstacle blocking his path to success - even while he hides his own past.
I ventured into script writing again with Preciosa, a short film directed by Peter Sagnia and shot in St. Croix in 2016. Peter went on to shoot another short script of mine in St. Martin, Family, in 2019. I’m in contact with him right now about yet another script, at the same time working with my co-writer Tony Hendricks on a script based on the Shad Series.
There was also a quick foray into play writing when I wrote a play called How to Be an Immigrant, a winner of Pistarckle Theater's New Playwrights Contest in St. Thomas, USVI. It was performed in Atlanta's Academy Theater in 2018. Oh, yes, and my short story "One-Eyed Woman" appeared in the anthology Atlanta Noir, edited by Tayari Jones and published by Akashic Publishers. A new publication in the series, Virgin Islands Noir, will appear in 2024 and includes my latest short story “The Last Sail.”
My latest writing adventure is a book and online course for senior singles called THIRD ACT DATING, for those who haven’t given up on companionship and love. You can find out more about them on the Third Act Dating page inside or on the website www.thirdactdating.com.
And now I’ve started offering classes in senior dating. Who knows what’s next?!
Where do you find the time to write?
GR: I'm a speed writer. And I'm pretty disciplined. I wake up in the morning full of ideas and go to town. I have lunch and a nap around midday, start writing again -- and, of course, I fade by 5 o'clock.
Will you be writing any more Shad novels?
GR: Having dived into other genres, I haven't come up for air! But who knows?
How do I get my book published?
GR: I get this question a lot. First, you have to make sure that your manuscript is so tight that you don't have much re-writing to do. Take classes, take classes, take classes to write well. Getting feedback from friends and family isn't what you need. Get a professional involved. It will be worth it.
Am I too old to start writing?
GR: Love this one. As long as your creative mind is spinning ideas, you’re never too old. Think of Andres Segovia and Pablo Casals who created and performed into their 90s. My generation is expected to live into our 100s. You probably have more time left to write than you think!