Author Bio:
Russell Elkins was born on Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C., in the fall of 1977. Along with his five siblings, he and his military family moved around a lot, living in eight different houses by the time he left for college at age 17. Although his family moved away from Fallon, Nevada, just a few months after he moved out, he still considers that little oasis in the desert to be his childhood home town. He and his family now live in the Boise, Idaho area.
Russell has always been a family man at heart, looking forward to the day when he could be a husband and a father. It took him a little while, but eventually his eyes locked onto a beautiful blonde, and he has never looked away. Russell and Jammie were married in 2004. Years of struggling with infertility left Russell and Jammie with a decision to make and their lives changed dramatically when they decided to adopt.
Russell and Jammie have adopted two beautiful children, Ira and Hazel, and have embraced their role as parents through open adoption. Both are actively engaged in the adoption community by communicating through social media, taking part in discussion panels, and writing songs about adoption. Russell also writes a weekly post for Adoption.com and contributes regularly to Adoption Voices Magazine.
Book Summary:
The world of adoption has changed dramatically over the past twenty years. No longer do biological parents have to say goodbye to their child forever. They now have more options when deciding the type of adoption to pursue, such as open adoption. Open adoption creates the opportunity for a special relationship between biological parents, the adoptive parents, and the child.
Open Adoption, Open Heart is an inspiring and true story, which takes the reader deeper into the feelings and emotions experienced by adoptive parents. As you read this incredible story, you will experience the joys, difficulties, and amazing victories facing adoptive couples. Russell and his wife, Jammie, invite you to share in their inspiring and heart warming journey.
Book Trailer:
Q and A
James: When did you begin to write?
Ever since I was a teenager, I enjoyed writing of
one form or another. I love artistic expression of all kinds. I've written more
than 50 songs since I first picked up a guitar at age 13. Written enough poetry
to fill volumes. As far as writing "books", I started right after
college. It was just something I wanted to try and once I finally graduated, I
finally had time. After I self-published my first book I was HOOKED. Addicted.
There was no going back. So, when my wife and I were going through the adoption
process, that's where my brain went. I knew I had to write our story.
James : What make
you to think of publishing a book to share with others and at the same time
encourage others to share their faiths? So far what is your worst
criticism/attacks, and how you overcome it?
I'm not afraid of
putting myself out there. I'm not afraid of criticism. My wife and I have been
advocates for adoption ever since we decided to adopt, and believe it or not
there are a lot of people out there who strongly oppose adoption. Most of my
criticism comes from those people- the ones who hate adoption. Some people
think it's not possible for adoptive parents to love a child as much as a
biological parent could. They're wrong. Some people think it's always the right
thing to do for a single parent to raise the child. They're wrong. I'm not
saying it's always right to choose adoption for an unplanned pregnancy because
that's not true either. But there is a right time and a wrong time- all a
personal decision.
James: How you come
up with title of your books?
The main title-
"Open Adoption, Open Heart" I came up with on my own. "Open
adoption" means that our children's biological parents are still part of
the picture. We love them, talk to them, share photos with them, and even visit
face to face quite often. The subtitle "An Adoptive Father's Inspiring
Journey" fits well with what the book is about. It's our story. We came up
with that subtitle in a group meeting at the publisher.
James: Can you
enlighten us a little more about your books?
This blog tour is
focusing on Open Adoption, Open Heart. I've written a few other books, some
adoption and some not. This book is our story. There are so many things about
the adoptive world that people just don't know about and I strongly feel the
best way to help people see into our world is not to just tell people what it's
like. You have to come along on the journey and experience the entire process,
with all the emotions and feelings. It's quite the roller coaster- one minute
feeling secure, then the next minute wondering if the adoption is going to fall
through and the baby taken away. Up and down, up and down. It's quite the
story. And while it was so stressful, that only makes it that much sweeter in
the end.
James: Is there
anything else you would like your readers to pay special attention in regards
to your book, which you have not mentioned above?
This book is not
just for people who plan to adopt, or have adopted. In fact, although I think
reading something like this is essential for someone considering adoption, the
majority of those who have read it are regular people who just want to read a
good true story and see what it's like to live through an open adoption. Even
my next door neighbors and my best friends said things like, "We were near
you the whole time and we had no idea." It's such a wild ride you would
think it was fiction.
James: When do you
plan to publish your book 2, if applicable?
Book 2 is written
already! It continues the story from our first adoption since that relationship
will always be growing and adapting. It also tells the journey of our second
adoption- one that takes place locally and is also an open adoption. Even
though we'd gone through the process once before, the second time through was
just as intense.
James : How many
volume of books for the above series?
There will be more
than these 2, but the ones after these two will not likely be the same style or
length.
James: Tell us your
guided principle that governs your life? How you cultivate these values?
My wife and I are
Christian, believing strongly in the power of meditation and prayer. God gives
each of us personal revelation if we are seeking it. We also believe strongly
in the constant need to nurture our spiritual side, or life would drift away
from what brings true joy.
James:
Is there any other advice which you like to share with our readers?
Whether
you're interested in adoption or not, do what is right for YOUR family. We've
found that out for ourselves. Nobody else knows what we need but us, and that's
for us to decide.
Thank again for
joining us today. Let us wish him a rewarding and fulfilling day.
