Writing has always helped me cope with big feelings. This was a moment of gigantic emotions, so I started writing. As I wrote I decided that it should become a book to share his story and hopefully help others. 

Randi-Lee Bowslaugh – 19 September 2025

The Back Flap

Addiction is a rampant mental illness that takes hold of individuals of any age. Brandon was only a teenager when drugs took over his life. The battle raged for decades before he lost.

Randi-Lee shares the truth behind the eulogy. Having a brother with addiction created a fissure and forced the need for boundaries. Stepping away and loving him from a distance was her only way to keep herself safe.

This book goes beyond losing a brother. It delves into risk factors, constructive coping strategies, and a family’s grieving process. Reminding those left behind to forgive ourselves and the person we lost.

About the book

What is the book about?

It is about the death of my brother by drug overdose and the grief that came with it. It takes the reader through finding out that he died to helping plan the funeral all the way to the burial. As well it delves into what addiction as a mental illness means and what the risk factors are. The major themes include loss, guilt, boundaries and coping.

When did you start writing the book?

In July 2021, about 2 months after his death.

How long did it take you to write it?

About 10 months, it released on the 1 year anniversary of his death in 2022.

Where did you get the idea from?

Writing has always helped me cope with big feelings. This was a moment of gigantic emotions, so I started writing. As I wrote I decided that it should become a book to share his story and hopefully help others.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Writing most of it was a challenge but especially the chapter where I share memories. It was difficult to relive moments of the past, whether they were happy or hurtful, knowing there would never be more made writing about them harder than I had anticipated.

What came easily?

Knowing how I wanted the format of the book – my story of loss intertwined with helpful knowledge on addiction.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

As this is non-fiction all the characters are real people, however names are changed.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

I don’t have any specifics, but I love reading a wide variety of indie authors in almost all genres.

Do you have a target reader? 

This book was written to family members of someone in addiction or who have lost someone to addiction. Most often it would be middle – older adults, however anyone who needs to feel supported through tragedy would benefit.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I write when I am inspired. When the words need to come out.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I don’t always outline but I created one for this book because I wanted to figure out the placement of facts throughout the story. It was important to me to give the readers helpful information throughout the book, while sharing the enormous emotions of the time.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

Wait until I am finished. The first draft needs to come out of my brain onto paper; no looking back until I reach the finish.

Did you hire a professional editor?

I do have an editor that I use and she often finds the holes in the story. It is interesting when writing a non-fiction because I already know what happened but an outsider needs all the pieces to the puzzle.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Yes, I usually listen to 2000s punk rock.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

No.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process? 

Knowing that I deal with depression and rejection sensitivity, I choose to self-publish. Knowing that most authors are rejected many times, I wanted to protect my mental health.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I did it myself as a tribute to the life that was lost. I knew right away that the cover needed to be red as that was Brandon’s favourite colour. The urn is the actual one that he is buried in and the rest all came together to create the cover.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

Since it first came out I have been using social media and guesting on others’ podcasts. As well I have something new in the works for this book that I am excited to announce. We are working on turning it into a screenplay and an indie film.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors? 

Write a book that interests you; there are others out there who will like it too.

About You

Where did you grow up?

Ontario, Canada

Where do you live now?

Ontario, Canada

What would you like readers to know about you?

I am more than just an author, more than just depressed, more than just autistic, more than any one word.

What are you working on now?

I have recently started turning Goodbye too Soon into a screenplay.

End of Interview:

For more from Randi-Lee Bowslaugh visit her website and follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok.

Get your copy of Good-Bye Too Soon from Amazon US or Amazon UK.