We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Waide Riddle. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Waide below.
Waide, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I knew I was meant to be a writer and author from my earliest days. Even in elementary school, I was writing poetry and short stories. I may have had a very limited vocabulary, but I wrote in the best way possible based on my young knowledge. When I went to junior high, I found a place to write movie reviews for the school newspaper. That’s where I won my first award in writing: Journalism! I didn’t even have to try, it just happened. When I went to high school, of course, my vocabulary and knowledge in writing had expanded a great deal, so I was writing more emotional and comprehensive poetry and short stories. My teachers encouraged me and my parents to consider focusing on a career in Writing because that’s where my strength was. My mother, being a professional artist herself, at the time, encouraged me to get a License first in Cosmetology, THEN, focus on Writing, because Writing would be very unpredictable as a full-time career. I’m grateful I followed her wisdom.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’ve been very fortunate these past few years. I have a regular House-Sitting gig that I fell into that enables me to write for hours a day in the magical city of San Francisco. Whether walking the boulevards, having a beverage at a coffee shop, or sitting quietly in the house that I oversee, I have ample time to write and be creative. It’s been a tremendous blessing! Since January of 2023, I have written three books. “One Night. In A Diner. By Chance. & THE WEB,” a collection of two short stories: one drama and one horror. It’s not meant for the weak of the heart. “Meet Me At Third And Fairfax!” is a short novel that I’m very proud of. Multiple characters living in Los Angeles tell their tale of living the California Dream and learning from their mistakes, only to make their lives better and more positive. “The Little Boy In The Little Red Dress” is the first memoir of my first 21 years growing up in Houston, Texas. A young Gay kid discovering who he is in a conservative environment, finding his heroes, and enjoying coming out during the glorious music and club scene of Houston during the fantastic early 1980s!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Listen to yourself and be willing to make mistakes and learn from them. Explore, absorb, learn as much as you can, and document along the way. Have an open heart. Be good to people. Life is NOT always comfortable and there is no promise or guarantee of success; YOU are responsible for that. Trust that you’re being led on the right path. If you question the path, then listen to your instincts. Remember, there is no rule book or formula in life. You, personally, create it daily. You are responsible for your own happiness and joy, and don’t let anyone mislead you into the ‘negative’ or break you down. Don’t be afraid to RUN from any negative person that hurts you. After the death of my mother and grandmother, for some reason, THAT’S when I learned the most about life. It took tragedy to open emotional doors that I never knew existed.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My wonderful father was a ‘weekend dad.’ He did the best he knew to do. My mother and grandparents did most of the raising. They were wonderful disciplinarians. Looking back, I am grateful to all of them. They loved me dearly and wanted the best for me. They always encouraged me even if my choices weren’t exactly what they were hoping for. They always encouraged me to write, write, and more writing. They wanted me to be happy and successful. Ironically, their wisdom as parents and grandparents is exactly what inspires my writing today. I know I was lucky.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.amazon.com/author/waideriddle
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/waideriddle
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/waide-riddle-63b594227/
- Other: riddlewaide@gmail.com
Image Credits
Waide Riddle headshot by John Skalicky. All paperback cover art by Jorge Velasquez.
