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.
Secrets of the Falls
The Loop Breaker
Lee Ann Daniels wants to leave her past behind, but after helping souls cross over at Thief’s Hollow, she’s drawn dangerous attention. Sent to a secluded college in Tennessee, she clashes with a clique and gets entangled in a mystery surrounding the spirit of Cassie, who died at Whispering Falls. With help from friends, Lee Ann must uncover the truth before the haunting consumes her.
A Beacon and the Darkness
The Loop Breaker
After losing her mother, teen Lee Ann Daniels is uprooted to the rural town of Laverne by her father, Charles. Struggling with a new school, her father’s new wife, and bullying, she begins hearing eerie voices from the nearby wildlife preserve—pleas for help her father dismisses as grief. But as she learns about Thief’s Hollow from her friend David and has disturbing dreams of an injured figure there, Lee Ann is drawn deeper into the haunting mystery.
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.