‘I Follow My Dopamine with Writing’

INTERVIEW

Author Randi-Lee Bowslaugh began writing long before the idea of publication took hold. ‘I have been writing for as long as I can remember,’ she says, opening up in an exclusive interaction with Global Despatch. Childhood for her was filled with writing plays and getting cousins to perform them. But writing took on a deeper role during adolescence. ‘As a teenager, I used writing as a coping strategy to deal with my depression,’ she shares, hinting at the emotional roots that continue to inform her work.

From Basement Pages to Published Books

Her journey into publishing began unexpectedly in 2017. While cleaning out a basement, she found poems written during her teenage years. ‘I thought they were pretty good,’ she recalls. Rather than letting them sit again, she decided to publish them, resulting in her first book, Thoughts of a Wanderer. The experience proved transformative. ‘After that first book came out, I was so excited and wanted to keep going,’ she tells us.

Her work, Good-bye Too Soon, released in May 2023, takes a deeply personal turn. The book deals with the death of her brother due to a drug overdose. It marks a shift toward non-fiction while retaining the emotional intensity that defines her voice.

Letting the Work Find Its Own Shape

When it comes to writing process, Randi-Lee does not adhere to rigid structures from the outset. ‘I usually start with the concept and let the book take me where it is meant to go,’ she explains. Once the direction becomes clearer, she develops a more defined structure.

She recalls working on Embracing Me, a book centred on mental health stigma. ‘I wasn’t 100% sure where it was going,’ she admits. ‘But halfway through, I knew exactly where it was heading.’ That moment of clarity led to outlining chapters and refining earlier sections to align with the emerging direction.

Writing on Impulse, Not Obligation

Unlike many writers who follow strict schedules, she prefers a more instinctive approach. ‘I follow my dopamine with writing,’ she says candidly. Writing happens when inspiration strikes. ‘When I force the writing, it always needs more edits than when I wait for the right time.’

This approach allows her to maintain a genuine connection with her work, even if it means moving through periods of writer’s block.

Life, Work and Everything In Between

Currently based in Ontario, Canada, Randi-Lee holds diplomas in Pre-Community Services and Community and Justice Services from Niagara College, along with further studies in psychology. Now 37, she describes herself as ‘loving life.’ Balancing writing with daily responsibilities comes naturally. She works part time, supports her child’s education, hosts interviews for her YouTube venture the ‘Write or Die Show’ and still finds time to write. Her hobbies include reading, spending time with family and animals and, until recently, kickboxing.

A typical day begins early. ‘I wake up around 7am when my puppy bugs me to go outside,’ she says. From breakfast and dog walks to conversations over coffee with her child, the day unfolds in a rhythm that dovetails domestic life with creative work.

On Becoming an Author and Staying One

Becoming an author was not initially a conscious ambition for Randi-Lee. ‘I always loved writing but never thought it would be my career,’ she admits. Yet looking back, she expresses no regrets about the path she has taken.

She continues to expand her body of work. Alongside Good-bye Too Soon, she is working on another children’s book in the ‘Woofie’ series, awaiting artwork before publication. With many ideas lined up, she remains hopeful about eventually becoming a full time author.

Advice, Perspective, Purpose

For aspiring writers struggling with motivation, her advice is simple and direct. ‘The more you do, the better you get. Not everything you write will grow huge but giving up means you will never do well.’

If given the power to change one thing in the world, her answer is immediate. The perception of mental health. Through both her writing and her YouTube platform, she aims to foster openness and dialogue. ‘The more we talk about it, the more impact we can make.’

She signs off with a message that reflects both her journey and her purpose. ‘Just remember to speak openly and honestly.’