Rayne E. Golay

I was born in Helsinki, Finland. When I was very small, my mother used to read to me. As she was done reading "A Thousand and One Nights" my passion was born. From then on, I read everything with the printed word: matchboxes, newspapers, pamphlet and books, of course. I was no more than six years old when my father obtained a library card for me. Believe me, that was one of the happiest days of my childhood. To this day, I read at least three books a week. In school, I always had high grades in composition. I wanted to be a journalist, but my parents had other plans. I got a Masters degree in psychology, was certified as addictions counselor in England after studies in the United States.

Skilled in languages, from the age of fifteen I translated dialogues in Hollywood movies from English into Finnish and Swedish. This, my first paying job, came through my father, who was the Nordic managing director of a prominent American film company.

After graduation, I married, had two children in rapid succession. My then husband was transferred to Geneva, Switzerland, so that's where we moved with our two wonderful children.

In Geneva, I worked in a multinational company as an addictions counselor with responsibilities for all of the company's European subsidiaries. During this time, I wrote two non-fiction books: one about alcoholism, another about dysfunction in the workplace. I also wrote the script to "Something of The Danger That Exists," a 50 minute film, used within the company as part of an educational program, which I facilitated. In my function, I was a frequent speaker on dependence at conferences and business groups. As I oversaw company sites throughout Europe and the then East Block countries, I'm fortunate to have traveled extensively.

As an avid reader, I've read most American, French and Russian classics, modern literature and poetry. It may seem that my books are autobiographical, particularly THE WOODEN CHAIR, but that's not so. I believe in writing about what I know, so my life has parallels in Leini's story, but I guess you have to read the book to find out more.

My whole life I've longed for the sun and warmth. When opportunity presented itself, I took up residence in Florida. I live here with David, my partner, best friend, my husband.

The award winning novel THE WOODEN CHAIR is my second book. LIFE IS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE is available as trade paper back and e-book. At present, I'm editing my third story.

Every book is a journey, so enjoy the trip.