AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH RUSSELL ELKINS
Author Bio:
Russell Elkins was born on Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C., in the fall of 1977. Along with his five siblings, he and his military family moved around a lot, living in eight different houses by the time he left for college at age 17. Although his family moved away from Fallon, Nevada, just a few months after he moved out, he still considers that little oasis in the desert to be his childhood home town. He and his family now live in the Boise, Idaho area.
Russell has always been a family man at heart, looking forward to the day when he could be a husband and a father. It took him a little while, but eventually his eyes locked onto a beautiful blonde, and he has never looked away. Russell and Jammie were married in 2004. Years of struggling with infertility left Russell and Jammie with a decision to make and their lives changed dramatically when they decided to adopt.
Russell and Jammie have adopted two beautiful children, Ira and Hazel, and have embraced their role as parents through open adoption. Both are actively engaged in the adoption community by communicating through social media, taking part in discussion panels, and writing songs about adoption. Russell also writes a weekly post for Adoption.com and contributes regularly to Adoption Voices Magazine.
Book Summary:
The world of adoption has changed dramatically over the past twenty years. No longer do biological parents have to say goodbye to their child forever. They now have more options when deciding the type of adoption to pursue, such as open adoption. Open adoption creates the opportunity for a special relationship between biological parents, the adoptive parents, and the child.
Open Adoption, Open Heart is an inspiring and true story, which takes the reader deeper into the feelings and emotions experienced by adoptive parents. As you read this incredible story, you will experience the joys, difficulties, and amazing victories facing adoptive couples. Russell and his wife, Jammie, invite you to share in their inspiring and heart warming journey.
Open Adoption, Open Heart is an inspiring and true story, which takes the reader deeper into the feelings and emotions experienced by adoptive parents. As you read this incredible story, you will experience the joys, difficulties, and amazing victories facing adoptive couples. Russell and his wife, Jammie, invite you to share in their inspiring and heart warming journey.
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Book Trailer:
~Inspired Kathy~
Q and A
James: When did you begin to write?
Ever since I was a teenager, I enjoyed writing of one form or another. I love artistic expression of all kinds. I've written more than 50 songs since I first picked up a guitar at age 13. Written enough poetry to fill volumes. As far as writing "books", I started right after college. It was just something I wanted to try and once I finally graduated, I finally had time. After I self-published my first book I was HOOKED. Addicted. There was no going back. So, when my wife and I were going through the adoption process, that's where my brain went. I knew I had to write our story.
James : What make you to think of publishing a book to share with others and at the same time encourage others to share their faiths? So far what is your worst criticism/attacks, and how you overcome it?
I'm not afraid of putting myself out there. I'm not afraid of criticism. My wife and I have been advocates for adoption ever since we decided to adopt, and believe it or not there are a lot of people out there who strongly oppose adoption. Most of my criticism comes from those people- the ones who hate adoption. Some people think it's not possible for adoptive parents to love a child as much as a biological parent could. They're wrong. Some people think it's always the right thing to do for a single parent to raise the child. They're wrong. I'm not saying it's always right to choose adoption for an unplanned pregnancy because that's not true either. But there is a right time and a wrong time- all a personal decision.
James: How you come up with title of your books?
The main title- "Open Adoption, Open Heart" I came up with on my own. "Open adoption" means that our children's biological parents are still part of the picture. We love them, talk to them, share photos with them, and even visit face to face quite often. The subtitle "An Adoptive Father's Inspiring Journey" fits well with what the book is about. It's our story. We came up with that subtitle in a group meeting at the publisher.
James: Can you enlighten us a little more about your books?
This blog tour is focusing on Open Adoption, Open Heart. I've written a few other books, some adoption and some not. This book is our story. There are so many things about the adoptive world that people just don't know about and I strongly feel the best way to help people see into our world is not to just tell people what it's like. You have to come along on the journey and experience the entire process, with all the emotions and feelings. It's quite the roller coaster- one minute feeling secure, then the next minute wondering if the adoption is going to fall through and the baby taken away. Up and down, up and down. It's quite the story. And while it was so stressful, that only makes it that much sweeter in the end.
James: Is there anything else you would like your readers to pay special attention in regards to your book, which you have not mentioned above?
This book is not just for people who plan to adopt, or have adopted. In fact, although I think reading something like this is essential for someone considering adoption, the majority of those who have read it are regular people who just want to read a good true story and see what it's like to live through an open adoption. Even my next door neighbors and my best friends said things like, "We were near you the whole time and we had no idea." It's such a wild ride you would think it was fiction.
James: When do you plan to publish your book 2, if applicable?
Book 2 is written already! It continues the story from our first adoption since that relationship will always be growing and adapting. It also tells the journey of our second adoption- one that takes place locally and is also an open adoption. Even though we'd gone through the process once before, the second time through was just as intense.
James : How many volume of books for the above series?
There will be more than these 2, but the ones after these two will not likely be the same style or length.
James: Tell us your guided principle that governs your life? How you cultivate these values?
My wife and I are Christian, believing strongly in the power of meditation and prayer. God gives each of us personal revelation if we are seeking it. We also believe strongly in the constant need to nurture our spiritual side, or life would drift away from what brings true joy.
James: Is there any other advice which you like to share with our readers?
Whether you're interested in adoption or not, do what is right for YOUR family. We've found that out for ourselves. Nobody else knows what we need but us, and that's for us to decide.
Thank again for joining us today. Let us wish him a rewarding and fulfilling day.
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