R.D. Ronald

 

R. D Ronald confesses to a having spent time in various jobs throughout a career in business and then spent time in prison after turning to crime to pay the medical bills for his sick wife. 'Renee became ill shortly after we married, the treatment she needed was expensive. An opportunity came up for me to run a cannabis farm - the extra cash would make the difference to Renee’s care, so I accepted. Renee was optimistic about her treatment, but sadly she didn't make it. Not long afterwards, I was busted and sent to prison.'

Work on his debut novel, The Elephant Tree was largely undertaken while he was inside. 'Being locked up 23 hours a day focuses the mind. I'd always loved reading and got to hear some crazy stories while in jail. In the end writing was an outlet, a way for me to keep my mind occupied. My book touches on some of the issues that have affected me, but is not autobiographical. It does challenge readers however. Life is never clear cut about the line between good and bad. This is what I wanted The Elephant Tree to say, ultimately.'

---

Are you...

• A published author
• An author yet to be published
• Someone who loves reading