As an adoptee, my guest Randee Dawn, Lifestyle reporter and author, emphasizes the notion of "found family," something that her adoptive mother, Lois, so naturally shared and explained to her adoptive daughter beginning at a very young age. They played the game "Who Are You" together regularly and Randee would respond "my name is Randee, I have blonde hair, I'm adopted," etc.There was no big secret or holding back of information till she was old enough to understand. Lois felt that Randee needed to know who she was from the very beginning. Nothing to be ashamed of, it was just a part of her. Professionally though, Randee tries to seek out the stories being told that underscore how your friends and adopted family matter as much if not more than your partners.
Randee and her mom are very close. They have a wonderful relationship and Randee says "she's my best cheerleader." A lot of that has to do with the honesty and open communication that they had from the very beginning-"adoption was normal, not a stigma, not a tragedy." Also, Randee learned at a young age that just because you are blood related doesn't guarantee you a loving relationship.
Lois was definitely a role model to Randee. But Randee also feels that she learned from things that Lois did and didn't t do and then would form her own opinions. Randee had the luxury of knowing that her mom "always had my back.".
Unfortunately, growing up in the 70's, Randee's parents divorced and her mom went to work. She was able to get contract work, writing and editing government contracts. It was a stressful time for Lois, but she made the best of it. For example, her office didn't have a window, so she decided to put a picture of a window up on the wall. That made it feel so much better.
"The Only Song Worth Singing," was released April 2025 and "Leave No Trace" will be released August 2025.
In “The Only Song Worth Singing”, the power of friendship is one of the major themes blended with myth and the power of music. Imagine Irish folklore combined with mysticism – makes for a magical read.
She's also written Amazon Bestseller, Tune in Tomorrow and co-wrote the popular, The Law & Order: SVU Unofficial Companion and co-edited, Across the Universe: Tales of Alternative Beatles.
Randee Dawn's Bio:
Randee Dawn is a Brooklyn-based author and journalist focusing on speculative fiction across the categories (science-fiction, fantasy and horror) at night, while writing entertainment and lifestyle stories during the day for publications including Today.com, NBCNews.com, Variety, The Los Angeles Times and Emmy Magazine.
You may have seen my name in other publications over the years, including Soap Opera Digest and The Boston Phoenix, E! Online, New Musical Express and Mojo. I contributed to a French book about American television, Les Series Tele and co-authored (with Susan Green) The Law & Order: SVU Unofficial Companion.
I’ve got a fair amount of short fiction in anthologies, and authored the short story/poetry compilation Home for the Holidays. I’m currently represented by Bridget Smith at JABberwocky Literary Agency, and I frequently appear at conventions and workshops on panels and to give readings.
My first novel, Tune In Tomorrow, was published by Solaris/Rebellion in 2022. Arc Manor will publish my next two novels in 2025: The Only Song Worth Singing (April) and Leave No Trace (August).
My degree in broadcast journalism from Boston University is occasionally useful, though I’m pleased to have a paralegal certificate from New York University.
Currently, I reside with the love of my life and an adorable West Highland Terrier (who is also quite lovable). No, I don’t have a fox, but if you want to meet a fox like this, JAB Canid Education and Conservation Center can help. More information about Randee. https://creativecoachingpartners.newzenler.com/
WEBSITE: https://randeedawn.com/
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