Marilyn Randall

Marilyn Randall was an art director and graphic production director in the printing industry until trading in the 9:00 to 5:00 work day to open her own graphic design business in 1990. She has an extensive background in design using varied mediums, including business logo design, silk screened ladies garments, cross stitch patterns, and her own paintings and drawings. She has also written and illustrated five children's books which are being published this year.

Writing has been an important part of her life for many years, helping her to heal from difficult experiences and grow into the mature, confident woman she is today. Her story has taken her through unimaginable difficulties, but she continues to maintain a strong faith and is guided by an open, loving heart, refusing to allow the ugliness of the world to penetrate or change who she is. She suffered sexual molestation at a very early age, leaving her scarred and unable to make appropriate choices throughout her early adult years. Her journey has taken her down many varied paths, but the most rewarding was gaining her sobriety in 1990 after years of alcohol abuse and behaviors, a sobriety she maintains today with gratitude for each new day and experience. After her husband's passing in 2007, terminating a long and difficult illness with cancer, she continues to maintain her home in the serene and peaceful setting of beautiful Whidbey Island in Washington State.

At 63 years old and having survived many difficult times, she says, "This is the best time of my life. I finally have the time to enjoy all of the things I am passionate about, including writing poetry and writing and illustrating children's books. I am determined that my books for children have the value of being moral and giving young families a resource for helping to teach young children about the importance of learning and depending on faith and compassion as they grow into adulthood."

All five new children's books will be available by the end of this year and all of her books can be reviewed at her website www.marilynrandall.com.