Randi Lynn Backall always considered herself a writer.
Randi knew she was a writer at age five when she wrote and sold home-made newspapers for ten cents each in the suburban Philadelphia neighborhood where she grew up. At age six, she started her own company, Randi’s All Occasion Card and Paper Company. Her brother and sister tried to copy the idea but her dad had the utmost confidence in her ingenuity. Unfortunately, Hallmark did not buy her out.
Randi knew she was a writer in second grade when the stories she wrote were bound and displayed in her elementary school library. This resulted in an annual book launch party given by the cafeteria ladies and attended by her non-jealous friends.
Randi knew she was a writer when she won first prize in the Soft and Dri Nervous Is Why national jingle contest. She shocked her mother by receiving a Sony color TV and having her jingle used on TV, and not by winning a lifetime supply of Soft and Dri.
Randi knew she was a writer when she was chosen as editor and feature writer for her high school newspaper, the prestigious Panther Press. She had a byline and a perm. Neither one helped her gain the popularity she craved.
Randi knew she was a writer when she majored in Journalism at Temple University in Philadelphia. She proudly graduated with honors after three years so she could get married, get out of her parents’ house, and just start writing already. Not necessarily in that order.
Randi knew she was a writer when she landed her first job at the largest advertising agency in Philadelphia, followed by her dream job at one of the largest advertising agencies in the country. She wrote and produced commercials for McDonald’s Corporation and thought she would work there forever. Forever is a long time when you are in your twenties.
Randi knew she was a writer when Life got in the way and she gave up her writing and advertising career to raise her daughter and son as a single mom. “I will be back,” she announced to everyone who would listen, unaware it would take twenty-three years to get there.
Randi knew she was a writer when she accepted a non-profit teaching and director’s job at her local synagogue job and where she wrote grants, lesson plans, services, musical plays, and leadership training manuals. Her name was on the letterhead, not the masthead she still dreamed about. Nine years and lots of excuses later, she yearned for something new and exciting that would allow her creativity to shine through.
Randi knew she was a writer when she opened Joie de Vivre, a successful lingerie and apparel business. She won the Best of Philly award and dressed the Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders and prominent newscasters. After fourteen years, two grown children, and a supportive man by her side, the writing on her shop’s wall reminded her it was time to go back to her first love, writing.
Randi Lynn Backall is finally a bona fide full-time writer. Welcome to her website.
