I’m excited to sit down with a very talented writer, entrepreneur, and academic researcher, Rhonda Parker Taylor. Her debut novel, Crossroads, is rooted in personal tragedy—the loss of her adopted son—and shaped by her journey through professional setbacks. We explore how fiction can be a spiritual mirror, and how her story caught the attention of Mariel Hemingway, granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway. You’ll also hear a gripping excerpt from Crossroads, capturing the haunting aftermath of a life-altering choice that will change a young man’s life. Tune in for a robust conversation about how storytelling can heal, reveal, and predict real life.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- (03:35) Rhonda shares how entrepreneurship and academics came together to write crime fiction
- (07:27) Discussion of writing a novel and how life can mirror fiction
- (09:12) How Mariel Hemingway, granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway, came to endorse Crossroads
- (12:56) Rhonda shares a moment from the book where a young man makes the wrong choice
- (15:01) Rhonda reads a passage from Crossroads describing the aftermath of a murder the night before, and Billy did not know what to do
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Professional setbacks and personal tragedy drove Rhonda’s journey from business professional to academic researcher and fiction writer. A humiliating experience with a business proposal motivated her to improve her writing, eventually leading her to publish Crossroads. The tragic loss of her adopted son profoundly influenced her emotional perspective, paralleling elements of her novel’s plot and reinforcing her belief in the transformative power of storytelling.
- Writing can reflect or even predict real life, making storytelling a powerful form of personal and spiritual expression. This perspective underscores storytelling as more than mere entertainment; it’s portrayed as a deeply personal and sometimes prophetic expression of the inner self.
- The endorsement of Crossroads by Mariel Hemingway—actress and granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway—was not just a stroke of luck, but a meaningful alignment. Hemingway resonated with the novel’s central character and themes of emotional struggle and personal reinvention. Her support underscores how powerful fiction can reflect universal life experiences and invite deeper introspection.
Subscribe to Reenita’s Storytelling Den on Substack for free, or become a paid subscriber to watch the video version of this episode. You will also be eligible for other extras, such as exclusive content from podcast guests, short stories, exclusive fiction, and more! https://substack.com/@reenitahora
FICTION CREDITS:
Written and read by: Rhonda Parker Taylor
GUEST RESOURCES:
Rhonda Parker Taylor – Facebook
Rhonda Parker Taylor – Instagram
Rhonda Parker Taylor – Twitter
Rhonda Parker Taylor – LinkedIn
Suspense Thriller Crossroads by Rhonda Parker Taylor – Website
HOST RESOURCES
BIO:
Rhonda Parker Taylor is an American writer, entrepreneur, and academic researcher. Rhonda’s diverse writing spans from educational works to fiction, and she is well-known for her research on emotional intelligence. Her academic achievements extend to being a prominent leader, having presented at the United Nations Global Compact Committee. Her debut novel, “Crossroads,” a suspenseful masterpiece, was released in February 2023. Endorsed by bestselling author J.J. Hebert and Golden Globe-nominated actress Mariel Hemingway, the novel has been hailed as a captivating crime thriller that keeps readers intrigued from start to finish.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/true-fiction-project/donations
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
