Russell Ferretti-Hoyle

Randolph Russell Ferretti-Hoyle (né: Hoyle) grew up in the (perpetually gloomy) Pacific Northwest and studied creative writing under Bharati Mukherjee and Thomas Farber at UC Berkeley. He chose a career in nonprofit communications (education, healthcare, and saving the redwoods), then said, "Enough," and started writing stories.

A "big-time" friend of Dorothy, he always wondered why she wanted to go back to Kansas (life in Oz seemed so much better: magic footwear, talking animals, and witches—oh, my)! This is his first novel.

Russell lives in Campbell, Calif. with his husband, dog, and cat—all rescue animals (yes, you read that correctly). He makes jewelry; has lots of tattoos; and loves the Oxford Comma, the Em Dash, and cheese—not necessarily in that order.

R. R. Ferretti-Hoyle is available for book signings, speaking events, Karaoke, and more. The son of a college professor, he always has something to say—or sing—about (though you might not get the mic back easily; consider yourself warned).

Profoundly influenced by the writings of Kurt Vonnegut, Cintra Wilson, and Douglas Coupland, you're liable to get a mix of slap-in-your-face honesty, inappropriate showtune references, and recounts of Sasquatch sightings.

In case you're wondering—he can hit all the bass-baritone notes in a Johnny Cash song.