About me

Robert Young Writer Robert Young Author Robert Young lyricist Robert Young Writer Robert Young Author Robert Young lyricist Robert Young Writer Robert Young Author Robert Young lyricist
Robert Young Writer Robert Young Author Robert Young lyricist Robert Young Writer Robert Young Author Robert Young lyricist Robert Young Writer Robert Young Author Robert Young lyricist

A Reluctant Writer’s Start

From Baseball Dreams to the Writing Desk

That all came crashing down when I was eleven. That’s when my father abandoned my mother, my sister, and me. We lost our house and had to move into a small apartment down the highway, and there were no kids nearby. It was a hard transition, and I ended up spending a lot of time alone. Writing would have been a helpful outlet, but it took me years to figure that out. Instead, sports became my salvation.

To be truthful, I’m not someone who always wanted to be a writer. Heck, I didn’t even like reading! I’d rather play, and if there was a ball involved, that was even better. Baseball was my favorite, and I dreamed of the major leagues.

In the classroom, I’d be the squirmy one, looking out the window or counting down the minutes until recess. Oh, there were bursts of interest in writing along the way, especially when I could get up and read a funny story to the class. But, as I got older, writing became more of a chore, something to do for a grade.

College, Words & New Dreams

Finding Purpose Beyond the Field

When high school graduation came, it was clear I wasn’t going to be a pro baseball player, and I sure didn’t want to fight in a war (Vietnam) that made no sense, so off to college I went. That’s where I got excited about the power of words. Reading can take you anywhere, and it can teach you anything you want to know. I graduated in 1973 with a degree in education.

Armed with my interest in words, I began teaching. The books my students read intrigued me, and it wasn’t long before I was thinking I wanted to be a writer. I just didn’t have a clue on how to go about it. So, I started small: letters to the editor, magazine articles, short stories, plays. Some of them even got published!

Curiosity, Creativity & Connection

Writing My Own Tune

My interest in faction (my word for nonfiction) came after my son, Tyler, was born. Watching him explore the world with wonder ignited my own curiosity, which had somehow cooled over the years. That’s when I started writing faction. Faction is about wondering, asking questions, seeking answers, and sharing them.

Over time, I continue to explore other facets of writing: fiction (or, as I call it, nonfaction!), screenplays, and song lyrics. They are all tools for self-expression. When I’m not writing, I enjoy exploring the world as well as visiting schools to talk with students about my books, the writing life, and myexperiences.

Want to Connect?

Since 1990, I have been making author presentations to schools, libraries, bookstores, service organizations, and conferences. If you would like more information about these presentations, or if you have any questions about my work, please share your contact information.