Gerri Russell

Writing career and awards

Before publishing her first novel, Russell’s career started in a variety of writing fields, beginning as a newspaper columnist in college. Upon graduation, she worked as a broadcast journalist, newspaper reporter, magazine columnist, technical writer and editor and instructional designer.

Russell’s first award was the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart in 1998 for her paranormal romance, Remember Me. She won another Golden Heart in 2002 in the short historical category with The Warrior Trainer. The same book won the American Title II contest, sponsored by Romantic Times Bookreviews magazine and Dorchester Publishing in 2006. Prior to selling The Warrior Trainer to Dorchester Publishing, Russell wrote seven novels, several partials and sought publication for thirteen years.

For the November 2009 issue of RT Book Reviews Magazine (issue #309), Russell interviewed Diana Gabaldon about her newest release in the Outlander series.

Personal life and interests

A history buff from a young age, Russell’s novels are based on real-life historic people from the early 14th century. Her goal is to not leave footprints on history while writing. Russell’s fascination with history extends to her spare time where she works for one weekend each summer as a living history re-enactor at the Shrewsbury Reinaissance Faire in Kings Valley, Oregon.

The Warrior Trainer

Scotia, the heroine in Russell’s first novel, The Warrior Trainer, is based on a real-life female from Scotland's history. Russell first learned of Scotia while at a demonstration by the Seattle Knights. Her research involved finding a first source reference that linked Scotia to Scotland's past. Russell discovered evidence of Scotia's existence in a book detailing the lineage of Scottish kings.