Russ Thompson
Editorial Associate
Author of The Loop Breaker: A Beacon and the Darkness & The Owls of Sedgemount
Russ Thompson, a multifaceted individual with talents spanning writing, teaching, and music, has sculpted riveting pieces of fiction for over ten years and shared his insights in the educational sphere for over twenty years. Known for his ability to breathe life into aspiring authors’ dreams, his collaborations span diverse genres, including fantasy, romance, horror, and biographies.
Beyond aiding others in their creative endeavors, Russ is a recognized author in his own right. His accomplishments include YA fiction, children’s literature, and an award-winning collection of scary short stories titled “Tales from the Rim.” This intriguing compilation, inspired by the legends and ghost stories of his native Tennessee, showcases Russ’s knack for crafting unique and compelling narratives. He also wrote an acclaimed mystery/ghost story called ‘The Loop Breaker: A Beacon and the Darkness,’ the first in a series. His children’s book, ‘The Owls of Sedgemount’ follows a group of owls as they try and save what’s left of their forest home with the help of a little boy.
Russ enjoys various hobbies, including songwriting, hiking, and canoeing, when not immersing himself in his professional pursuits. An avid reader, some of his favorite books include “Watership Down,” “The Lord of the Rings Trilogy,” and “American Gods.” His love for storytelling also extends to film and television, with “The Haunting of Hill House,” “Vertigo,” and “The Shining” among his top movie picks. His music tastes are equally eclectic, with Beach House, DIIV, The Magnetic Fields, The Smiths, and The Cure on his playlist. Russ continues to bring a unique and inspirational voice to his work through his diverse interests and passions, uplifting others in their creative journeys.
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.