Russ Thompson
Editorial Associate
Author of The Loop Breaker: A Beacon and the Darkness & The Owls of Sedgemount
Russ Thompson is a writer, teacher, and musician who has been writing fiction for twenty years and teaching for sixteen. He has helped many authors create and mold their aspirations into reality. These projects include works in the genres of fantasy, romance, horror, and biographies. He also writes children’s books and curriculum materials for which he won awards. In 2014, Russ published his own collection of short stories called Tales from the Rim– a fictional account of legends and ghost stories set in his native state of Tennessee. Russ strives to bring a unique and inspirational voice to his work and to help others do the same.
Fun facts about Russ:
- Hobbies: Songwriting, hiking, canoeing
- Favorite books: Watership Down, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, American Gods
- Favorite movies: The Haunting of Hill House, Vertigo, The Shining
- Favorite music: Beach House, Tame Impala, My Bloody Valentine, Sonic Youth
- Favorite TV shows: The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, House of Cards, Vikings, Downton Abbey
The Loop Breaker
A Beacon and the Darkness
Teenager Lee Ann Daniels, reeling from the loss of her mother, is uprooted from her familiar life and relocated to the small, rural town of Laverne by her father, Charles. As she grapples with culture shock, new school bullies, and the struggle to connect with new people, including her father’s wife, Lee Ann begins to experience strange occurrences. She hears peculiar noises, like human voices pleading for help from the wildlife preserve adjacent to their house. Despite her father dismissing these as symptoms of grief, Lee Ann becomes embroiled in the mystery, particularly after hearing about the legend of Thief’s Hollow from a new friend, David. Amid all this, Lee Ann defends her friend Katrina against the school bullies, leading to her suspension and further tension at home. Haunting dreams featuring an injured person in the hollows further intensify Lee Ann’s quest to understand the mystery of the voices.
Owls of Sedgemount
In Russ Thompson’s captivating tale, an elderly owl’s keen senses pick up the ominous sound of distant sawing. The peaceful forest creatures are suddenly on high alert, facing the threat of humans intent on destroying their verdant home. In this enchanting narrative, laced with both humor and earnestness, various owl species ingeniously strategize to protect their dwindling habitat. Their unlikely ally is a compassionate young boy who deeply believes in their mission. Dive into this delightful tale of perseverance, camaraderie, and triumph, and discover the outcome of their valiant effort. This heartwarming story about survival and friendship is ideal for readers aged 8 to 12.