Rod Randall

Rod Randall’s leap into children’s novels started with a lunch with Paul Buchanan, a talented writer and English Professor at Biola University. Paul suggested they team up on a middle-grade series packed with thrills, chills and a faith-based message. It was an easy decision, really. Who wouldn’t want to write about a creepy camp haunted by a phantom? Or a sea cave protected by a slimy serpent? Broadman and Holman (now Lifeway) loved the idea and signed them to develop the Heebie Jeebies fiction series. Concordia Publishing also liked the proposal, but really wanted more of a humorous adventure series. Paul and Rod met again, this time at a book store in the mall for inspiration. They jotted down ideas and came up with The Misadventures Of Willie Plummet. What began as a proposal for one series, landed them two (God is good). Heebie Jeebies grew to ten titles and Willie Plummet went on to include twenty.

Rod is a Pastor in Costa Mesa, California, where he and his wife, Leigh, have raised their three children. Leigh works as an elementary school teacher and makes a great first editor. And, after 28 years of marriage, he can take it. Inspiration for Rod’s stories comes from his many adventures and scary pursuits. He enjoys scuba diving for lobster (at night no less), surfing, fishing, boating, dirt bike riding, skiing, tennis, and pretty much anything outdoors (except yard work).

Rod has taught writing courses at Concordia University. He has also been a guest author at schools as well as a conference speaker for Young Writer’s Institute. If you would like to get in touch, he would love to hear from you. You can email him at rodrandall@sbcglobal.net.

In the photo, Rod (on the left) and Paul cook up another story in the lab. Willie would be proud.