Ralph Vardis
Ralph Vardis never intended to become a storyteller. He knew at the ripe age of twelve that he wanted to practice medicine. After about one hundred years of school, he became a board certified pediatric intensivist. He is an expert in the medical care of critically ill, traumatized and abused children. That is where the roots of Path of Fire were sewn.
Ralph graduated with Honors from Swarthmore College, where, like all conscientious pre-meds, he majored in … Theology. This left him ill prepared for medical school but well equipped to think non-medical thoughts.
Medical school in New York, Internship and Residency in San Francisco, and a Fellowship in Washington, D.C., inspired Ralph to practice medicine in the one city he had never resided–Green Bay, Wisconsin.
It was life along the waterfront, south of Wisconsin’s Door of Death, where four arcs intersected in Ralph’s literary world: A burgeoning expertise in the recognition and treatment of abused children, an appreciation of the natural beauty and paranormal lore of Death’s Door, a blossoming interest in Native American spirituality and mythology, and a hospital schedule that allowed him just enough time to write a full length novel.
Ralph wrote Path of Fire over several years, borrowing spare moments between hospital admissions and dedicating vacation time towards his writing.
Ralph’s writing required his existing expertise in the medical and theological worlds. He developed a working knowledge of Native American spirituality and culture, art history, Tarot card reading, dendrology, and the history and mythology of Death’s Door. He did not need to dig deep to become fluent in the use of foul language or to embrace a character willing to assault an abuser of children.
Only when Path of Fire was complete did Ralph realize the novel is ultimately a metaphor for the rescue of maltreated children. He continues providing medical care for them. Half of his profits from the sale of Path of Fire are donated to various children’s charities.
Ralph’s wife, Dawn, was the one who encouraged him to submit his novel for publication. It was accepted by Damnation Books on June 19, 2012.
Ralph has many hobbies. He is a professional singer, songwriter and guitarist, playing gigs in Northeast Wisconsin. Many of his songs are original and some were inspired by the characters from Path of Fire. Links to his music can be found on his homepage. He also enjoys running, kayaking, biking, and swimming. He lives with his wife and three children, Jared, Conner and Colton.
